Temple: Church
“The Church is the only society that exists for the benefit of those who are not its members.”
—Archbishop William Temple.
Perhaps we should write Archbishop Temple’s truth in stone in a prominent place in our churches. It should also be written on our hearts. I also see this declaration as a mission statement for our soul. Jesus gives, in his last discourse to the disciples before he dies, this Great Commandment: “that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). We are called to stay connected to God’s love, and then to share that love with all we meet on this journey. Part of spiritual direction involves helping our spiritual friends stay aware of their connection to God by following a rule of life or observing spiritual practices on a regular basis.
There is a second part to spiritual direction, however. If we just keep that God connection to ourselves and do not pass on the love we have received from God, the love cannot survive.
My image of feeling God’s love is like the peace and calm and joy one feels when immersed in the warm water of a bath. We cannot just stay there, however. Our skin shrivels; the water becomes cold and murky and eventually dirty. We are called to enjoy the bath, but then to get out of the bathtub, put some clothes on, and go offer to others what we have to give in words and actions! We may even run a bath for or be called to bathe another. Perhaps we will stoop to wash the feet of others and they will wash ours.
Loving others involves servant ministry. First we must be connected to that love, and then we are to serve through sharing that love with others.
Rebecca Spooner is leading a morning retreat about the Enneagram at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Saturday February 29th from 9 to 1. The Cost is $15. Sign up on St. Mark’s website lovesaintmarks.org. Go to What’s on, then Events.
Joanna . joannaseibert.com