Walking on Holy Ground

In late spring the wooded foothills of Appalachia beckoned my friend and me to come for a walk. With much to talk about and a picnic lunch in hand, we set out. Stepping into the trees we moved into another world.

Suddenly there was not much to discuss. The silence drew us into itself. Even the birds were hushed. We inhaled the clear, cool air. The stream along the path flowed gently. In some places it splashed and rushed over rocks. Gigantic boulders were wrapped and seemly held in place by vines and roots with determination, delicate design, and humor in their shapes and twists.

As we moved deeper into the trees, the air became more still. We could sense the moisture from the recent rains being held captive. Moss matted the forest floor. Flowers broke through. Ferns, some still with their fiddleheads, and bushes banked many of the tree trunks. In some places the sun’s rays streamed through the trees. We felt as Moses did when he met God in the burning bush and was told to take off his shoes because he was standing on holy ground (Ex. 2:5).

We, too, stood in a sacred place. God was there, in the everyday world of the woods. God became present to us as we noticed. We could then respond with awe, gratitude and a sense of connection with all creation. Our hearts prayed with the psalmist: “How abundant is your goodness . . .” (Ps. 31:19).

While wonder held us in praise, questions gnawed at me. So many wonders go unseen. Moving through their natural life cycle, they just are. What kind of God would spurge like this, giving so much beauty that will never be noticed? I wonder.

I can’t enter woods every day and become awe-struck. How might I live with awareness wherever I am so I can be caught more often by “burning bushes” where I recognize God’s presence and action. “Burning bushes” need my attention to invite me to respond, in attitude and action. How might I realize more deeply that I’m always on holy ground. On this holy ground God is walking with me and everyone all the days of our lives” (Ps. 27:4)—now and into the future?

Mary Reuter, OSB

Blog is an edited excerpt from S. Mary’s article, “Caught by a Burning Bush,” Sisters Today, Nov. 1999.