“Rosy-fingered dawn appeared” is a phrase from a translation
of the Iliad that came to mind this
morning, as the mountains and forests outside my window have a rosy sheen.
It is a late October morning. The sun is about to appear.
It is Sunday. I have no church affiliation these days. I
know I am part of the church of Christ world wide, and I meet sometimes with
the local believers, but the services are irregular. There is a local vacancy
in the office as priest, and in addition I have formally withdrawn my
membership from the former ‘state-church’. We will find our place again. I have
ideas about what to do next – but I hesitate. I need to pray.
“Gå inn
i ditt lønnkammer”, Jesus says in Matt 16 – and the English translation we read
go into your chamber, your room, - but I think it refers to a place in the
house where you may be alone. Perhaps it is a place to store things, but the
point is that you will be unseen and undisturbed, and you talk with God. We
just bought a house in the area, and I know which room will be the little
chapel. I knew it before we put in a bid for the house. The room was originally
built for a domestic servant, the kitchen aide. I think it will be an
appropriate connection to a place where I may close the door and know I am
before the Lord God. I am his servant.
Symbols are
items that give strong associations, and some symbols are used in enhancing the
direct approach to God. Some are beautiful artifacts. When I see a naked cross or
a crucifix, I am reminded of Jesus who is risen and living or of his sufferings
in dying for me. I see an icon, and the image stares back at me, the image of
Jesus – it challenges me to remember him and pray. When I touch a chalice with
my mouth, taste the wine and put a piece of unleavened bread in my mouth, I
know He is there, to cleanse me from my unclean thoughts and selfish acts –
The window
in the chamber faces the east. Even this is symbolic. For as I pray there, I
will face the east, the direction towards Jerusalem, and I will face the dawn
appearing. The dawn is the hope of a new day, a new beginning.
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| a small reminder |
