A Journey to Worship Part 1

I am struggling with many things in my spiritual life right now. I am desperately thirsting for a deeper connection to God. What does one do when what has always worked, doesn't work anymore? What does one do when simply nothing works anymore? Get silent ... Get silent ... Get silent ... What does one do when even the silence refuses to allow a single droplet of living water to wander onto the landscape of the soul? My God, My God! Perhaps one simply takes a leave of absence in order to search for the well within and find the way to worship again.

God works in mysterious ways ...


I've been in Houston for 4 years. Last night I worshiped with my husband at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Community for the first time. It was different and fresh. We went 30 minutes early because Joe likes to meditate in the quiet. He isn't the only one. There were many people gathered but no one spoke. It was peaceful and calm and quiet. It gave me time to pray and notice and see and "feel" the space. The worship center is large and round and all a very pale green. In the center is a round raised area with a couple of steps. The Table is in the center of the center. The priest sits to one side and the reader stands at a lectern on the other side.

There were many sacred things to look at but my attention became focused on the large round stained glass window. It was not a "rose" window and it was not traditional. It was rather abstract. There was a cross in the center but it wasn't really prominent. Red and yellow in the center area depicted light and there was blue all around the edges. The sun streamed through it as we arrived but there was a gradual dimming of the vibrant colors as darkness fell ... however, suddenly I saw a white light shining through ... it must have been the moon because the window is placed so high in the sky. It was quite simply ... beautiful.

Lest you think I didn't pay attention to anything else, the most amusing moment was when the altar boys walked up to take 2 candles and escort the priest down the steps with the bible. I thought he was leaving! I thought I missed it all ... yet they processed around to the other side and ascended the steps together to the lectern and we stood as he read the gospel. As a United Methodist minister who struggles to make a point in 15 minutes I was in awe of this priest filled with wisdom. He made his point in less than 5 minutes ... with a sensual drop of 2 coins in a tin cup ... clink, clink. Can you guess what the gospel was? Hint: think widow (or go to my bible study blog and check out the readings for Nov 8)

The word liturgy is a "churchy" word but it simple means "the work of the people." Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of this worship experience was the involvement of so many people coming and going ... leading worship together quietly and reverently ... no rushing.

And yet ... I stand on the outside looking in ... longing to partake of the bread and the cup.

Next week I'm going to Mercy Street!