Many years ago, I had chanced upon a notice regarding a seminar on Celtic spirituality. I knew virtually nothing about the topic. So, I put my request in for time off and in short order found myself on the way to Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was an event that would change my life. I encountered new friends and was introduced to J. Philip Newell, the presenter for the seminar. Phil Newell is a prolific writer about Celtic spirituality and is credited with the renewed interest and resurgence of Celtic spirituality.
In a nutshell, Celtic spirituality centers on the love of God in all people. Even though we may experience hurt and pain, God’s goodness is ever present. We see God’s presence in each other and in the whole of creation.
I wasn’t feeling especially good about myself when I went to that first gathering in Santa Fe but the message given about God’s love shared that week changed me. As part of God’s creation, even though sinful, we are good and overwhelming blessed by the love of God in Christ.
Over the past 12 years, I would cross paths with Phil Newell, attending his retreats. He is a gentle, loving, wise soul, promoting the peace of Christ in the world and the respect for the world God created. If interested in leaning more about Phil and Celtic Spirituality, please check out this website.
I close with these Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession found in “Celtic Benediction – Morning and Night Prayer:”
“When it seemed there was no hopeI have seen your light in the eyes of a child.
When it seemed there was no joyI have heard your delight in the voice of a friend.
When it seemed that life was staleI have smelled the freshness of sunlight on my skin.
When in all emptinessI have touched your presence in the hand of a stranger.
When the future seemed barrenI have tasted life’s moisture on the lips of another.
Thanks be to you, O God,For your embodied love.Open my senses to your presence
That I may love you and care for you in all things.”*
God’s blessings to you and yours as we continue this Lenten journey.
Father Dave+
*Celtic Benediction – Morning and Night Prayer, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, MI, ©2000, p. 58