Sacred Space Week Review

This week we explored the concept of creating and keeping the sacred spaces in our lives sacred. We built on the Gospel passage John 2: 13-25 of Jesus cleansing the temple area of commerce, insisting that it be kept sacred. We reflected on the parallel in our own lives, that there must be places and moments in our lives dedicated to worshipping God.

We recognized that going to church and celebrating the sacraments, in particular the Eucharist, on a regular basis, was the most powerful sacred moment and space in our lives. In addition, we suggested creating sacred spaces and moments in our lives beyond the church walls. A humble prayer chair or corner by a window can be made into a sacred space. A short stop at our desk or work table can be made into a sacred moment.

All that is required is a conscious effort to demarcate a space or time slot to silence and an awareness of the presence of God. The Christian Meditation practice suggests quieting your body and mind by focusing on our breath and the repitition of a simple mantra. It suggests MA-RA-NA-THA which means ‘Come Lord’ in Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus. Other prayers such as the Rosary and traditional devotions are also ideal. Reading and reflecting on a bible passage, ideally the day’s Gospel, can be very enriching.

The Church’s Liturgy of the Hours allocates specific times in the day to stop and say specific prayers. Today this is easily done through the use of mobile phone apps such as iBreviary and Universalis. The important practice is making places and moments in one’s day sacred.

Friday we reflected on small retreats as sacred spaces and moments. I shared my experience at Maracas Bay St Peter’s church with the Santa Cruz parish men’s ministry. I spoke of the compassionate brotherhood as they listened to the vulnerable sharing of each other. We came away from the retreat committed to making periodic sacred spaces and moments where we can share as brothers walking with each other.