WALKING THE LABYRINTH DURING LENT & EASTER

FIVE CIRCUIT LABYRINTH

The labyrinth is a path that leads inward to a centre point, and back out again...but not directly. The circuits, or pathways, of a classic labyrinth like the one at Chartres cathedral in France draw close to the centre and then move out to the edges all along the way. Moving on the path, at one moment you find yourself close enough to touch the inner core and in the next moment you are in the outer orbit. Neither position is more valuable – there is no "goal" at the centre, it is simply another place on the journey. Each spot has its particular perspective, its point of view and its truth.

The stories we encounter in this Lent and Easter take us on a labyrinth journey, moving us into the heart and out to the universe. God’s promises of presence, grace, peace, friendship, and joy are viewed from every perspective. There are rainbow reminders way out in the sky. An old man and an old woman hold their hopes as closely as a baby to the breast. Cosmic unity sparkles in the dew of the field and the stars above. Peace enters the room, and the Spirit enters the gathered community. Truth whispers, "Come closer," and then turns us outward to engage each other on the margins. Through it all we are invited to know that God can and does meet us where we are and is our constant companion along the way.

Like a labyrinth journey, Lent and Easter is a time of allowing ourselves to be guided towards new insight and transformation. Following the lead of these stories, we are free to open ourselves to promises particular to us as individuals and communities of faith. By grace, may we emerge on Pentecost empowered and renewed, a People of the Way.

Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2011 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Lent • Easter 2012