Discovering the Labyrinth at CCC

By: Father Chris Harris

Walking the labyrinth is an age-old practice of walking meditation and prayer that helps us become present with ourselves and to God. Unlike the maze of our everyday life which has multiple paths, wrong turns, and dead ends, a labyrinth has a single path that leads to the center and back out again. Thus a labyrinth helps us find a sense of safety and peace, knowing that as we walk we don’t have to worry.  We are in God’s hands.  We don’t have to be anxious, we don’t have to think about our path, or plan or decide which way to go. We can just be present as we walk, confident that God is with us on our journey.

Historically, labyrinths were prevalent in European cathedrals during the Middle Ages and were associated with pilgrimage. Pilgrims would walk the labyrinth to prepare for their journey to a holy site or as a substitute if they were unable to travel. Today, walking the labyrinth serves as a way to follow Jesus’ footsteps, repent for sins, seek grace, express gratitude, or ask for healing. There is no right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

• Practice being present:  Intentionally leave the cares of the day behind you as you enter and release distractions and worries that percolate as you walk. Invite God to accompany you instead, and pay special attention to how God communicates with you through your thoughts, feelings, sensations, or impressions.
• Reflect on your life: Recall the events and experiences of your life, both positive and negative. Thank God for the blessings, seek forgiveness, ask for guidance, or offer your concerns.
• Connect with yourself: Pause at the center of the labyrinth to rest in God’s presence. Use this opportunity to acknowledge your feelings, needs, desires, or questions. Ask God who you are being called to be or do.
• Return with peace: As you walk back out of the labyrinth, carry with you any insights, messages, or gifts you received from the journey. Commit to acting on what was revealed to you and consider sharing it with others. End your walk with a prayer of gratitude, praise, or blessing.

Walking the labyrinth is not magical or superstitious; it is a tool to help us focus on God. Much like our faith journey, it’s about exploring who we are on the path – who we bring with us, who we encounter, and what we need to leave behind to become the person God intended us to be. I encourage you to give it a try this Lent. If you do, I’d love to hear about your experience: charris@christchurchcranbrook.org 

Can you help us staff the Labyrinth this year?  We could use some volunteer greeters to welcome folks and have them sign in each night.  If you can help on any Tuesday night in Lent.  Sign up here.

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