“Life never comes to a closure; life is process, even mystery. Life is
known only by those who have found a way to be comfortable with
change and the unknown. Given the nature of life, there may be
no security, but only adventure.” Rachel Naomi Remen
There were two rites of passage this past weekend. Both marked a passage in my life. They were both ritual events that marked transition from one status to another. Rites of passage are celebrated by all cultures, nations, and religions. It can be a coming of age, a sacrament, a life change. Passages celebrated in community are the best. Our need to be part of or share an emotional connection is overwhelming. It’s where we learn the heart habits of tolerance, charity, and trust. They are life altering on this worldly path.
The first was for my friend Paul who died on April 26th. It was a combination Native American Church/Buddhist ceremony, celebrated with and by those who loved him. Prayers, singing and drumming were offered up for a safe passage, the fire lit at his death was extinguished, the reading of The Bardo finished. A time for reflection on our own lives and to remember Paul’s words to us. Our adventure continues.
“The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure “ Joseph Campbell
The second passage was my granddaughter’s First Holy Communion. The sharing in the divine nature given through the grace of Christ bears a certain likeness to the origin, development, and nourishing of natural life. The faithful is born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. By means of these sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity.”
“Jesus, what made You so small? LOVE!”
St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090 – 1153)
It is an act of love and sets her on her adventure to experience and share that love.
As with many rites there are gifts for the participants.
From Paul, a picture with his favourite word, written in his ashes.
For Giorgia, an ornament as a gift for our sharing in her passage and remembrance of our LOVE!
Amazed With Mystery 