I tell you, if these were silent
the very stones would cry out.
Luke 19:4
I often make routine particular ways of doing things I enjoy without thinking of the reason why I do what I do. When we travel, I always plan stops to chapels, churches, and cathedrals located in the places we visit. I feel a real compulsion to do this but have never really thought about why this is so.
As part of my planning for the trip I search out places of worship in guidebooks, historical reference volumes, and on the Internet. I take notes regarding why each particular place is of interest to me, historic information, architectural design of the structure, and so forth.
Upon arriving at my destination and entering these places of worship, I refer to my notes to help me reflect upon what I see. Frequently there are printed materials located at the entrance of the building that provide additional information or, perhaps, a verger to take me on a tour. Sometimes a worship service is available or an organist is practicing - if so, these make my visit really special.
After checking everything out, I sit awhile, ponder about what I have experienced, think about the people who made the building of the house of worship possible -- those who provided the funds as well as craftsmen and artisans. And, I offer a prayer of thanks to God for making it possible for me to be able to visit the structure.
One house of worship I visited during our recent Scandinavian trip was St. Knud's Church in Odense, Denmark. It is a Gothic church - thin pillars rising upward and light streaming in from big windows. At the entrance to the church, I picked up a leaflet expecting it to tell me more about St. Knud's, one of the most beautiful churches in Denmark.
The leaflet did just that. It provided the history of the church from 1086; it contained a diagram explaining the carved altarpiece; and listed the church leaders buried in the crypt. But, the pamphlet did much more. It provided me with an epiphany - an "aha!" moment. I found printed in that brochure the reason for my compulsion to visit houses of worship while traveling.
"To visit a church is to be included in a living tradition of prayer, sermon and worship. That is why a church visit, for a busy tourist, is an invitation to experience something far beyond yet another museum. This sacred place offers a possibility of seeing and exploring, as well as of experiencing a moment of silence and reflection."
Yes, that is why I find it so meaningful to include houses of worship when I explore new places. Reflections in a house of worship remind me that God is for all people and that God travels with me.
Thank you, God, for always being with me. Continue to lead me into places where I can find you in quiet reflection and beauty. Help me to provide ways to welcome those who visit Abiding Presence in ways that provide a meaningful experience for their visit. Amen
Contributed by Pastor Dan
Sunday January 27, 2008
Liturgical Year A Week 9
Sunday Gospel reading:
Third Sunday after the Epiphany