Purple Threads

Purple Threads

A few days ago I found something in a box that hadn’t been unpacked since I moved here last summer.  It was a little poem that had been wedged in my former bathroom mirror.  Each morning I had said it aloud.

“I arise today

Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,

Through a belief in the Threeness,

Through confession of the Oneness

Of the Creator of Creation.”

Something good happens to me when I repeat the words of a good poem aloud.  This one was written in the 8th Century and is known as “St. Patrick’s Hymn.”  It’s one of a few relics remaining from the Celts.  This was a branch of Christianity that thrived in Scotland, England and Ireland during the early Middle Ages.  The Celts were known to have a special way to do everything from stirring the stew pot, to making a fire, to cleaning up, or weaving cloth.  For instance, when a child was born, ritual dictated it be passed over the hearth fire three times, then carried east to west around it by those who helped with the birth.  Then three drops of water were placed on the child’s head to thank the blessed Trinity for a successful birth.  Farmers were not to be outdone.  Their seed corn underwent a three-day process of preparation before planting.  The fieldworkers then walked around it sunwise, sprinkling the seed with water while reciting a chant that sought a successful harvest in the name of this same blessed Trinity.

These are examples of the way everything the Celts said or did was blanketed by reminders of the presence of God.  If one thinks about it, their survival meant working hard.  So these people had little time for formal prayers or worship.  Their developed rituals kept the community centered in the presence of God.  This was a good thing.  I see that when I look at the content of their prayers which speak of God as a friend who is ready to support, help, and reveal that there is still a bit of blessing even during the hardest of times.  That perspective on faith and life led the Celts to value home, hearth, family and community too.

Despite being ravaged by the Vikings, (which led to their demise) it’s the little golden kernels like these the Celts planted that remain with us. For the Celts, life and faith were steeped in ritual and prayer.  This helped keep their spirits up and connected to the Holy Guard and Guardian – who was the Lord of their lives.

Now that it’s summer, I spend more time outside. And after rediscovering this little poem and re-reading about the Celts, I am reminded of the simple things I do each day that could be used to help me stay more mindful of the blessed Trinity who is here with me.  For instance, when I water the flowers, that practice can be a reminder that Jesus has promised to provide me with “living water.”  When I take a bite of a fresh peach, I can recite the gifts of the “fruits of the Spirit.”  Or, when I see the fireflies light up the sky, I can sing, “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine!”  It really isn’t that hard.  So, how about you?

Rev. Carol Kress

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