Ummm...I posted it here because I wanted to see what other UU's find sacred. But I wouldn't mind reading what others think as well
Guitar's Cry thinks like a UU. At least, I find myself often agreeing with him. So I would be interested to read what he thinks as well.
Today, during services at my congregation, the question was asked - "What do YOU find sacred?"....Please share your ideas of what is sacred to you. Thank you.
Hmm...., to me EVERYTHING is sacred and NOTHING is sacred. It all depends on the eyes with which one sees things. The universe is sacred so everything is sacred. Yet otoh, even the oldest and most venerated object is trash if it means nothing to you.
So for me the real question is: "what are the things that
remind me that everything is sacred?" Those are the things that we generally call "sacred," the markers.
1. I am often reminded of the sacred during moments of surprise. Surprise causes me to sees things in a new light. Surprise doesn't allow me to take things for granted. The times when I am most aware of the interdependent web of existence is when I encounter unexpected moments of beauty, kindness or absurdity. I am extremely grateful for these moments and would call them sacred gifts of the Spirit.
2. I am also reminded of the sacred during ritual. Unlike moments of surprise, these are the opposite of spontaneous. They're specially thought out to hold meaning. Repetition and familiarity makes them even more meaningful, such that it's in your very bones. To me, our flaming chalice, Spirit of Life, and our Seven Principles are sacred.
Hence, I was absolutely aghast when a UU minister suggested that someone take the lit chalice into the bathroom with them when the lights were out. I would never use our chalice as simply a source of light. Even tho, technically, everything including going to the bathroom is sacred, lol. It is because, to me, this destroys the symbolism. Now if one could use the lit chalice to light the bathroom in a way that is still mindful of its sacredness, that would be ok. :angel2: