|
The renewing warmth of Spring often shows up in earnest during Holy Week, a devotional time following the Passion of Christ… his arrest, trial, suffering, and execution, followed by the Easter celebration of his resurrection. This Holy Week brought reflection on Jesus’ refusal of wine to bring relief to his suffering; how amid great challenge and difficulty, he chose to remain fully present to his experience and the mission he dedicated his life to.
This brings further reflection on devotion. Jesus’ experience and choice calls to contemplation the capacity we carry to meet suffering and struggle while experiencing a sense of devotion to the journey. There is an invitation here to explore where in our lives the energy of devotion gravitates to. I say it that way deliberately, as though devotion moves through us rather than by choice. We certainly have choice in where we direct our energy, yet it also seems that devotion arises from a sacred inner place where the experience of meaning dwells.
I think of our lives here at the Christine Center and of feeling devoted to something that deeply matters. Even when it feels challenging and we are living in uncertainty, there is an inner force that holds alignment with the spiritual vision and in tending this woodland sanctuary; the personal experience of devotion aligned with the spiritual need of refuge, of haven. I am reminded that the day before Jesus was arrested, he visited the garden of gethsemane and went deep into nature with a close circle of disciples. He carried a burden of despair at what was to come and went through a process of discernment followed by a renewal of strength for his journey. Nature and space provide sanctuary for the soul—for Jesus, and for us.
We all need haven and refuge, space to be with our experience and find clarity and renewal in our devotional journeys.
Abundant blessings to you, our Christine Center community... we look forward to seeing some of you soon as you return to this sanctuary for soul.
Valerie Haberman
Communications Manager
| 
