Sacred Space
The space may be the same, but the time is consecrated by the mindfulness that arises in the striking of the bell.
~Sabbath, Wayne Muller
We have made the distinction between secular and sacred in our society, and it has led to a false dichotomy and a complete misunderstanding of the nature of God.
Let me explain, and, remember, I’m coming at this from the perspective of a Christian clergyman, but I think it is relevant regardless of one’s spiritual persuasion.
The divine is everywhere. There is no place that is off limits to the divine. When we make the case that something is “secular,” what we are saying is that there is a place where the divine is not.
The best example I can give is when I hear people say things like, “I’m going to a wedding this weekend. I hope God doesn’t strike me with lightning when I get in the building.”
Let’s be realistic here. If God is going to strike you with lightning, then God will do it when you are outside. Sure, it would be more impressive if you were inside when it happens, but it would be a whole lot easier and less messy if you weren’t. I digress…
Now, let’s be clear, we aren’t the first people to make this distinction either. For example, take a look at the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible prophet Jonah.
Jonah is called by God to go to Nineveh (modern-day northern Iraq), the capital of the Assyrian Empire, to announce God’s judgment upon the people for their wickedness (Jonah 1:2). But, Jonah doesn’t want to go. So, what does he do? He boards a ship that is headed for Tarshish (modern-day Spain), which, as far as Jonah knew at the time, was at the complete opposite end of the world from where he was supposed to go. Why would Jonah do this?
Because in the ancient world, they believed that the gods were limited geographically. If Jonah left YHWH’s domain, then YHWH couldn’t bother him to go to Nineveh. He was sorely mistaken. A great storm arises, and only subsides when Jonah comes to terms that it is his fault everyone’s life is in danger. They throw him overboard, and things settle down.
Jonah learned very quickly that God is not limited in God’s location. There was no place that he could go to get away from God. Nothing was secular. This is a lesson we need to learn today.
Do you know the real difference between the sacred and the secular? Awareness.
In his book Sabbath, Wayne Muller wants to make us aware of our lack of awareness. In order to “make” a place sacred, we simply have to increase our awareness of the presence of God in our midst. It is then that we realize the location we find ourselves in is already sacred because God is already there.
So, let me encourage you today to increase your mindfulness. Press pause for a moment, just a moment, and be aware that the divine presence is already with you, and you are already in a sacred place.
