July 8, 2005
Recently, on the front page of a Catholic paper, there was an article about a new labyrinth built at a shrine in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The article was accompanied by a large color photograph of the labyrinth and promoted it as a “simple and quiet way to become connected with your inner self”.
I wonder, in a Church with the Body and the Blood of Jesus present in every tabernacle to be adored and loved, in a Church with 73 books of Scripture – the living, inspired Word of God, in a Church with a centuries old tradition of praying the Holy Rosary and meditating on the mysteries of our faith, in a Church which actively promotes a living relationship with the Saints and Holy Angels, why do we need to walk around in circles getting “in touch with our inner self”?
Labyrinths, being built in Catholic parishes all over the country, are lauded for their ancient history and promoted as a “spiritual tool”. Interestingly, I’ve never read of this ancient spiritual tool being used by any of the saints.
When building a labyrinth comes up at your parish council meeting, don’t get side-tracked by all the non-descript, hazy talk of “spirituality”. If the spirit behind the spirituality doesn’t lead to the cross of Jesus Christ, conversion, the Holy Eucharist, confession, and serving the poor and those in need, it’s not of the Holy Spirit.
God Bless You,
Sr. Clare Marie Matthiass, CFR
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