Scottish Centre for Inter-Faith and Spirituality

Reaching Inwards, Reaching Outwards

here.

Kairos Moments

Kairos is a Greek word which means the right or opportune moment. It is distinguished from chronos which is sequential time and for those living a spiritual life it is the the fullness of time in which God can speak to the human heart. Each moment is a kairos moment if we have ears to hear. As it says in the prophet Isaiah ‘Behold I am revealing new things to you, things never heard before’

 

I have arrived, I am home

In the here and in the now

                          (Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Buddhist monk)

 

 

 

 

 

Ordinary Time

In the Christian tradition the festival of Pentecost begins what is called ordinary time.  The festival celebrates the presence of the Spirit of God which is present in all people and brings gifts of joy, peace, courage, goodness and all that is needed to live life in its fullness. And this fullness of life is to be lived in the ordinary events of daily life. In a sense nothing is ordinary in that our lives  hold hidden meaning and opportunities for growth, love and compassion.  Gerard Manley Hopkins has spoken of the ’dearest freshness, deep down things’ and those with eyes to see are not limited to the physical but recognise the spiritual dimension which unites individuals with God and one another. And this seeing is more of the heart than of the eyes. It is opening ourselves to the challenge and adventure of life, listening to the opportunities that are offered to us, having the wisdom to respond lovingly and appropriately, and at times courageously.

 

To move to the heart is the work of prayer and meditation. Take time to slowly read the poem by Anne Lewin, allow it to open you to the presence of the Spirit and the moment.

 

Flame Dancing Spirit, come

Sweep us off our feet and

Dance us through our days.

Surprise us with your rhythms,

Dare us to try new steps, explore

New patterns and new partnerships.

Release us from old routines,

To swing in abandoned joy

And fearful adventure.

And in the intervals

Rest us in your still centre

                                                     Anne Lewin

Bridge of Allan, Scotland,     Email: directors@ifscotland.org    Tel: 01786 832368