On the Search for the Sacred

        Many of us were born into or chose certain religious systems that were deeply satisfying to us, and we have spent our precious energy in their attendant churches, temples, mosques and gurdwaras. Then there are those of us who don’t find particular inspiration or comfort in things religious but somehow know that we are connected to “something” greater than ourselves that we may call sacred. If we are curious enough, we are bound to a life-long search. What is this connection, and where might I find it? This question, this path spreads before us all our lives.

"Atmosphere of the Infinite"...

Simply enough, I believe that an “atmosphere of the Infinite,” unspeakable as it sometimes is, holds sacredness within it. It may be an object, a place, something visual, something kinesthetic… or a sense that tells us we are on holy ground, a ground, by the way, which may lie deep within us.

A wondrous light...

St. Augustine complained of a wondrous light which would touch him but then would dance out of reach. I understand his frustration. Would that our own sacredness would shine as a steady beam before us, always beckoning! Not so. The world and its vagaries encroach and cast clouds upon the light. We know it; we long for it; we seek it…but cannot always find it.

Pristine, whole, perfect, complete...

The Infinite makes the invitation…pristine, whole, perfect, complete, leaving none of Itself out. This is Its nature. St. Paul said that “we see through a glass darkly…now we know in part.” This is our nature. Thus it belongs to us to search, to be open, to have a soul of adventurous spirit.

One of the most sacred days of the year, Easter, is coming. Let us have our discovery clothes on!

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