Contemplating the Light

 Some reflections from my sermon for October 8th.

Here I discuss a visit to James Turrells work 'Within Without' at the NGA and my experience of entering across the water lined path into the stupa to stand within the light reflected from the 'eye' in the stupa, beyond description in mere words. As someone who has participated in Quaker meetings it is no surprise that Turrell is a life long Quaker. The Religious Society of Friends uses the metaphor of the Inward Light and 'Within Without' reminds me of a meeting house, a place of stillness and silence.

Today's readings included the ten invitations, the ten words or ten invitations of Exodus given as a gift. At the heart of words about the Holy One and the admonitions to live ethically is placed the command to observe the Sabbath.  The Sabbath a time for rest, renewal, contemplation, remembrance and realignment. When a Sabbath is kept, in whatever form we look to the Light, to the horizons of meaning and purpose. For Christians the Logos or Christ is the Light. Light is of course a metaphor as we know the path only through metaphors and reflections. Our Gospel was the vineyard and the tenants who forget their place. This speaks to me so vividly of the tragedy of  so much of life and our forgetting to live in harmony with each other and the planet.

The vineyard in the parable is planted, a wall and watchtower offer boundary spaces and the press a metaphor of transformation as the wine comes into being.

James Turrell's mission to assist people to find wonder, amazement and appreciation through his work is an inspiration, a sign of hope. May we in our sabbath keeping practice contemplation and participate in the Great Work of healing and hope bringing.