Mountain Circles

Fr. John shares a final reflection written before his departure from the Mountain. He began his new assignment at a campus ministry program in Georgia in late July.

There is something about the shape of a circle that naturally attracts people. This is, at least, my theory.

Spheres are circular and we happen to live on one called Earth. When we look at the sun and moon, our eyes take in circular forms. We know the moon circles the earth and the earth circles the sun.

When people stand or sit in a circle there is no one in a superior or inferior position. It all feels very equal, inclusive, and unified. If love had a visible shape I think it would be circular. It’s no wonder rings are used as a symbol for marriage.

As I reflect on my three years of sharing in the life and ministry of Mt. Irenaeus, I find myself remembering the many circles that have had a formative impact on me.

One of the most eye-catching objects a person encounters upon entering the Mountain’s House of Peace is the wagon wheel above the fireplace. Its variety of colors with equal-size spokes connects a larger outer circle to a smaller inner circle.  As the spokes get closer to the inner circle they also get closer to each other. It can evoke many thoughts and feelings in a viewer. For me, looking at it through the eyes of faith, it is a reminder that we are never outside of God; and as we move closer to Christ at the center we come closer to each other. It is a symbol for me of belonging, hope and community.

Who has spent time at the Mountain and not experienced standing in a circle with others? At Mass we stand in a circle holding hands during the Our Father with Christ’s presence at the center on the altar. The experience of unity and intimacy at such a sacred moment is more profound than my mere words can express. And who hasn’t gathered in a similar circle around the table at the House of Peace as we collectively give thanks to God for a meal we are about to share? Frequently, after sharing food and conversation at dinner, a group will gather in yet another circle before doing a contemplative walk up to the chapel. It’s a circle that sends its members forward into prayerful solitude before re-gathering again in the intimacy of shared worship.

There are other circles too: a peaceful walk around the pond or in the labyrinth can help us to reflect, meditate and perhaps recognize that we are pilgrims on a journey toward a Divine Center. And of course there are the many unseen circles that form at the Mountain and ripple outward beyond physical boundaries, touching the lives of countless others; seeking always to draw more into the Great Dance.