I was at a friend of a friend’s recently and was surprisingly struck by two different items in the kitchen. There was an authentic old-fashioned tin bread box on the counter. (I’ve seen modern versions, but I think the last bread box I saw like this was at my Grandma’s house many years ago.) On the opposite counter, there was a high-tech coffee machine. Next to it was a modern stand displaying a variety of single-serve pods of flavored coffee to choose from. Both items are functional and obviously used regularly. It made an impression on me that the residents use devices from two such different eras. They both had a place.
That got me thinking about other working combinations of ‘old and new.’ We can probably find that in the traditions of our spirituality. My parents’ prayer practice and spirituality, which they continually shared with my siblings and me, were certainly my foundation and a vital introduction to God’s love, forgiveness, and grace. Because of my parents’ example of faith, I continue to participate in sacramental rituals, specific prayer practices, and meaningful observances. I’ve also been blessed to discover newer avenues and expressions of faith which are much different from those older but still fruitful traditions. As I have had more life experiences, both good and bad, and have grown in faith and spirituality, I have found that incorporating older and newer types of traditions is to my spiritual benefit. I’m not losing one for the sake of the other but incorporating them together to provide a stronger connection to God that is ever-renewing as my spiritual journey takes me to new experiences of faith.
Connecting these diverse Christ-centered spiritual traditions is an act of faith and trust, of awareness and openness, and of ongoing discovery and growth. Each has a place and purpose as we commit in faith to always reach for Christ in our lives while we create a spiritual way that prioritizes and strengthens our relationship with God. Just like any other living thing, that relationship needs to be nourished and fed so its fruits are made known. Let us pray in thanksgiving for the spiritual and faith traditions we have grown to know and the ones that continue to reveal themselves in new ways; that together they always lead us to the peace and comfort of God’s merciful love.
Journeying to Grace 