We need to slow down to look for Celtic ‘thin places'
Several years ago, there was considerable excitement among the more orthodox Christian denominations with ancient Celtic spirituality. It dates back to the second century in England and Ireland.
One of its better-known beliefs are the “thin places.” The thin places are physical locations where the line between the spiritual world and the physical world is barely discernible. These thin places are where an individual and/or a community encountered God. They could be anywhere!
A book about Celtic spirituality was written by Tracy Balzer, the director of Christian Formation at John Brown University. I really enjoy reading the works of local authors because there is always a better opportunity to ask them questions.
I was also excited to read that the title “Thin Places: An Evangelical Journey into Celtic Spirituality.” Eureka! I am a member of an orthodox denomination and she is not. That means we are both starting at different places, and that can enrich our dialogue. What a wonderful opportunity to learn from one another, our expressions of worship and our love of God through Celtic spirituality.
As I read her book, there were a lot of good things to discuss. First, there is the uncomfortable truth that we are very busy and often overwhelmed. Counter to our contemporary notion of hurrying up and cramming as much as possible into each day is the Celtic notion of slowing down and savoring each moment of each day and looking forward to the possibility of a thin experience. Some noted authors say contemporary spirituality is like fast food – quick, easy, very predictable, but not very satisfying or even good for us.
There are also thick places. We all have those times when God seems very, very far away. Those are the times our tendency is to crawl inside ourselves. However, it is my experience that those are the times our spiritual communities can lift us up, nourish us and be a part of our divine directed healing.
These are the times we all need an “anam chara” – a soul friend. This person (or people) serve as a sanctuary for us who need a skilled, fellow traveler and a compassionate listener. Our soul friends can be our prayerful intercessors because sometimes life can take away our breath and our words. A soul friend offers hope and a perspective on the past, the present and the future. Soul friends help us accept our new reality and help us recover our balance.
There are three essential questions that Celtic spirituality asks each day as we face the possibility of encountering God: Who is God? Who am I? What am I to do with my life today?
As we answer these questions, we are also challenged to wonder if the decisions we make each day will draw us closer to God or push us away. Slow down. Lift up your eyes unto the hills.
The leaves are changing and so are we.
There can be many thin places right here.
Come and see.