Message from the Rector

“The Birth of the Word in the Soul”

This quote is from Meister Eckhart, a German philosopher and Dominican theologian who lived c.1260 – c.1328. It was the most pervasive theme in Eckhart’s preaching. He especially preached on this theme during the Advent and Christmas seasons, and it represents the essence of his teaching about the nature of our union with God; or, in the language of Sermon 53, how we are “formed anew into the simple goodness that is God.”

As we ponder “the Birth of the Word in the soul”, three basic themes emerge: where the birth of the word takes place; what our response should be to this birth; and the profit that comes from the birth. Under the second category, Eckhart returns again and again to his insistence that one must go within “shunning and freeing oneself, from all thoughts, words, and deeds…, maintaining a God-receptive attitude as the only way to prepare the soul for the birth that comes from God’s action, not ours.” (The Classics of Western Spirituality: Meister Eckhart, Teacher and Preacher by Bernard McGinn and Frank Tobin)

Eckhart’s preaching was deemed audacious in the 14th century, but also continues to both shock and compel us today. How else do we interpret Advent if it is not a preparation for “the birth of the Word in the soul”, the incarnation of God in Jesus, and the birth of the divine in the very depths of our soul, the essence of our being and existence?

Similarly, in one of Bernard of Clarivaux’s Advent sermons he asked: “Why did Christ come to earth? We shall find the answer without difficulty, since his words and actions clearly reveal to us the reason for his coming. It is to search for the hundredth lost sheep that came down hurriedly from the hillside. He came because of us, so that the mercies of the Lord might be revealed with greater clarity, and his wonderful works for humankind. What amazing condescension on the part of God, who searches for us, and what great dignity bestowed on the one thus sought.”

Advent blessings to you and your loved ones. Come and celebrate Christ’s birth with St. Aidan’s:

Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 23

• 8 AM – Holy Eucharist
• 10 AM – Children’s Advent/Christmas Pageant with Holy Eucharist

Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24

• 4 PM - Family Christmas Eve Celebration
• 10:30 PM – The Feast of the Holy Nativity with Lessons and Carols, Choral Music, and Candlelight

In Anticipation of the Birth,
Reverend Joyce

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December 2007