Many of us know the value of holy places such as monasteries, retreat centers, hiking trails or cathedrals. Less discussed are other holy places that can remind us of God’s love and God’s vision of a better life for us. For example, our homeplaces might remind us of the love of those who came before us. When we can’t travel to holy sites, some films, art and even words above our desks may take us to those holy places that can call us back to God. Sometimes we might experience a cyberspace as more holy than some real-life sites.
Expanding our view of holy spaces can enrich our lives in unexpected ways. I have found that we don’t always have to leave home to be in a holy place. A holy place can be a retreat center, monastery, cathedral or hiking trail that offers spiritual practices that help to sustain us when we return home. A holy place can be portable or found internally, in our own bodies. When we gather, we can find holy places online or in person, and in nature or in human-created structures.
This message is excerpted from “Sacred spaces” by Kristin Berkey-Abbott in the November/December 2023 Gather magazine.
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