What a great turn of events after everything that's happened between us and the church in the Middle Ages and beyond. In classic witch fashion, I talk about how our greatest source of guidance comes from within. Yes, exactly the sort of thing that got us in trouble with the church in the first place. However, I am delighted to see some churches evolving to understand that we are all climbing the same mountain. And I, a former philosophical materialist, am very much here for it.
Serendipitously, the day's gospel reading was on Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not store up your treasures on Earth [...] but in Heaven." So I actually got to talk about how my own decluttering journey led me to be open to spirituality. And how this new spirituality born out of deep decluttering can align us with planetary intelligence so that we are naturally inspired to do what's good for the planet.
During my sermon, I also manage to share with the audience of mostly older church goers why I think so many their peers struggle to accept gay marriage (without mentioning gay marriage), talk Jesus out of a job, and reference the non-canonical gospel of Matthew McConaughey. Green light! Pretty alright for first time preaching by former rage-y atheist turned witch.
A very special thanks to The Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Knoxville for inviting me to speak at their Celtic Mass. This monthly Celtic Service is based on a faith tradition that grew out of the Celtic branch of christianity that evolved in its early years outside of the control of the Roman Catholic Church. The natural world was at the center of their faith, priest where allowed to marry, and women were allowed to be priests. Yes, all the sorts of things we're into now. This mass was celebrating the Feast of St. Brigid, who to me symbolizes a marriage of the authentic teachings of Jesus and the nature worshiping ways of the Druids. What's not to love?
As an architect I have to mention that the church is one of the most beautiful spiritual spaces in Knoxville. The sensitivity of the design is wonderful and the mostly atheist crew of friends who came to see me all reported being delighted by the space. Because space matters y'all! Apart from the perfect scale and proportions of the sanctuary, one sweet detail that gives me immeasurable joy is that the stained glass windows have tiny stained glass window built into them and those little windows—gasp—open. Slay!
Oh, and please excuse the darkness of the video, it was a candlelit service for those Celtic vibes. Let me assure you that it was very charming in person.
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“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
