When we hear the term Sacred Writings, we typically think of the Bible or the Torah or the Koran. Sacred writings usually refer to key written words central to any religion. However, if by Sacred Writings we mean anything, written or otherwise, that has been and continues to be central to our spiritual journey, this opens us up to other ways the God of our understanding may speak to us.
I recently looked back at a list of my personal Sacred Writings, something I wrote some 30 years ago. I saw that the list has changed. Some pieces no longer have the power they did 30 years ago. Other newer pieces have taken their place.
The Bible is still on my list. I am in the process of reading through the Bible for what I believe is the tenth time, something I started after writing my initial list. My relationship with the Bible remains complicated. Some parts remain crushingly boring. Others, e.g. Jeremiah, can be depressing. Other parts continue to sustain me. Some have become more important. Some remain central to my journey. The story of St. Dismas in the Gospel of Luke is one such story. I am currently benefitting from a new understanding of the role of outcry to God in books such as Lamentations.
Henri Nouwen’s The Wounded Healer is still on my list. It is a book that literally changed my life, playing a major role in my embracing recovery. It also became a cornerstone of my work as a psychotherapist.
The chapter “We the Agnostics” in the book Alcoholics Anonymous remains on the list. So does Ferdinand the Bull. These words from the play Our Town by Thornton Wilder continue to challenge me: “Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it? Every, every minute?”
But there have been additions. The 2 volume series The Zen Monkey and the Lotus Flower are collections of Zen Buddhist stories that teach simple lessons of peaceful living. While the stories challenge me to learn more about quieting my mind, somehow they are a comfort, especially stories such as the one on grieving.
C. S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity is not an easy read but continues to challenge me to examine what I really believe about Jesus and His message.
The closing soliloquy from the Film A River Runs Through It is on my list, There is something profound about spiritual connection in these words: “Eventually all things merge into one and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world’s great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Beneath the rocks are the words. And some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters.”
The sound of the waterfalls in Yosemite Park and at Elbow Falls are sacred to me, giving me hint of God’s voice. Music too remains sacred and now includes Andrea Bocelli singing “Nessum Dorma”. For me God was present as the audience jumped to their feet cheering him as he held the last note. The hymn “Be Not Afraid” has also become more significant to me. And one piece comes from of all things a video game. “Baba Yetu” is the Lord’s Prayer in Swahili. It’s on my list.
The journey continues and so I imagine the list will continue to change.
Reflection: What is on your list of Sacred Writings? How has it changed over time? Please share any of your list.
