The confluence of the turning of earth’s seasons, the occasion of my birthday, and the nearing transition of the Church’s liturgical cycle from Ordinary Time to Advent, has me pondering my days. My reflectiveness is also influenced by the uncertainty that continues with the COVID-19 pandemic and alarming reports on climate change.
Sunday’s gospel* also has me thinking of life’s endings and beginnings. Apocalyptic references in the reading aside, Jesus is inviting us to discern what is everlasting, to ground ourselves in God’s love, and to focus our vision and action with deep faith and hope. I hear the encouragement to live mindfully and bring loving intention to every turning of the hours.
I recently co-led a retreat on “Staying Grounded in the Storm.” We invited the group to get in touch with their heart longings, to center down in their bodies and breath, and to listen for the new song being invited now. We encouraged each other to tenderly hold both joy and sorrow. We engaged in prayerful practices to remember and reconnect with the Creative Mystery of existence in whom we live and move and have our being. The invitation was to see ourselves as standing on holy ground and to choose to live accordingly.
Not that it is easy. Not that we will always feel peace and engage lovingly. But might we cultivate a way of moving through our days awake to blessings, grateful, and prayerfully discerning? For centuries, monastic communities and people of many faith traditions have honored “the hours” with conscious pauses for prayer at specific times of day. May each of us find ways to mark our days well.
–Trish Stefanik, Overlook Retreat House at Dayspring
For reflection:
- When was a time you knew you were standing on holy ground?
- What helps you stay grounded in the storm?
- How do you reverently mark your days?
