Sacred space

Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. (Exodus 3:5)

Our society has lost its understanding of the sacred and so instead props up false idols and ideologies. Some create a false sense of sacredness while others are bent on destroying that which is truly sacred. 

What is sacred? That which comes from God directly: His Word in sacred scripture.  Human life is sacred from conception to natural death at all ages and stages. Items consecrated to the service of God, such as Catholic church altars and vessels consecrated to altar service, are sacred. Sacred space is that which contains the presence of God–Catholic church tabernacles and sanctuaries—or are also dedicated to His service: cemeteries, and other grounds blessed and set aside to worship are sacred.  Nature, in its beauty, reflects God’s goodness and by being alive reflects His creative action. However, it is not sacred. Yet too often nature is treated as sacred in our secular culture of death which inverts truth to its own designs. 

Human personhood must be respected with a reverence that is religious. When we deal  with each other, we should do so with the sense of awe that arises in the  presence of something holy and sacred. For that is what human beings are: we  are created in the image of God (Gn 1:27).” (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Economic Justice for All, no. 28)

Every conversation is an opportunity to create sacred space. How? First by remembering the other person is a sacred creation of God. Take in the scent of their soul. Then invite Him into it. 

While we think of conversations as talking, we forget these are also listening sessions. One of the best ways to ease a burden on the heart is to find someone with whom to talk about it. Just speaking it out loud often brings some relief. However, for those of us on the ‘receiving end’ listening, we often feel obligated to find something to say that will relieve their pain or concern. 

If instead we ask God to give us His ears to hear their heart, His eyes to see their situation, we have brought Him into the conversation. This, then, creates sacred space for the person to open their heart and safely let out all it longs to say. It may be that God doesn’t want you to say anything; He just wants you to listen. Your role isn’t to solve every problem but, rather, to be His instrument through which He works. Just as the Centurion said to Jesus, “If you will…”, ask God “If you wish me to speak, give me Your speech” and trustfully rest in that. 

This listening to God can become your way of engaging with all who cross your path, including and especially those with whom you live. Consider how it will form you and impact the ones you love to simply bring God into the conversation of who picks up little Joey from soccer practice and Susie from ballet. Most certainly it will be impactful in the more important matters too. 

Ultimately this forms your heart to be like His, increases your desire to follow His will, and purifies your heart to love others as He does. There is less worry about what will happen when talking with someone who has a difficult personality or who simply is not prepared in their heart to hear truth. Your heart will be joined with His as you engage them with love. And you will be blessed to live in the grace of the present moment, in awe of God at work before your very eyes. 

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam 😊

(Image © Debra Black. All use restricted)