STEWARDSHIP—LIVING CHRISTIANITY [ RADICALLY]

New World Articles

03-16-03

Following the leader

By Anne Marie Tirpak

I walked a labyrinth today. Winding toward the center of the maze, I was tempted to look ahead but instead kept my gaze down. Could I just be open and prayerful about the experience?
My journey toward the center, called the “purgation” stage, mirrored the unraveling taking place within me. Stopping at my parish’s labyrinth was seemingly another task I could cross from my planner. It didn’t work out that way; the experience brought more insight than I could have imagined. I was quieted and was able to listen—a personal feat.
Letting go is exactly what we are called to do during this Lenten season. We believe that in emptying ourselves, we create a space and a hunger that only God can fill. What is God asking me to purge? How am I being asked to walk with Jesus during this time of his suffering, death and eventual resurrection?
As I wound my way around the labyrinth, pausing to let others pass, I thought, “everyone makes their journey at their own pace. Do what feels right for you regardless of what is happening around you. Life is God’s time, not your time.” A sure moment of enlightenment, this second part of the labyrinth’s three-fold path is termed “illumination.”
Lent offers us an intensification of how we are called to live as Catholics. As we become more intentional about prayer, fasting and almsgiving, this season reminds us that the only way to embrace the resurrection is dying to self. Denying ourselves—hmmm … that seems pretty counter-cultural. Not a bad thing at all.
I paused in the center and thought, life is more challenging—yet liberating—when God is my compass, when I am the directee instead of the director I like to think I am. Despite the challenges of living as we are called to be—adamant, obstinate and fiery disciples in a world where it can be so much easier to follow the norm—I know the only true freedom is found in following God’s path, in fiercely living the Gospel. Lent reminds me, in denying myself I will find myself.
I left the labyrinth’s center. This move outward encourages a person to bring one’s insights with them into the world. I’m following the Leader, God’s voice at my center guiding me on the winding path of life. It’s time to get out of my own way. Thanks be to God.

Tirpak (atirpak@archchicago.org) is a member of the Office of Stewardship and Development.