How does a place become holy?

[Mark Dohle]

How does a place become holy?​

We get so many people out here, and many find solace, not because of the monks, but perhaps because the holiness and the healing that people experience, actually flow from the love and prayers of the many that come here on a regular basis. We are all used, I guess by God if we are open to it, and perhaps we are used for others, even when we aren’t conscious of God working through us.

What people see here, and what I experience, are two different things. In the end, I am glad that even in spite of my failures and fragility, and of the fragility of all of us here, God still uses this place to heal His beloved creations.

People make a place holy. A holy place is where people become themselves, become children before God. Where they drop all the games and stand naked before God, showing their need. In the process, some form of healing and a new beginning is found. -Br.MD

 

[Red Gold]

The Island of Iona in Scotland is holy.

 

[Michie]

View attachment 311313

How does a place become holy?​

We get so many people out here, and many find solace, not because of the monks, but perhaps because the holiness and the healing that people experience, actually flow from the love and prayers of the many that come here on a regular basis. We are all used, I guess by God if we are open to it, and perhaps we are used for others, even when we aren’t conscious of God working through us.

What people see here, and what I experience, are two different things. In the end, I am glad that even in spite of my failures and fragility, and of the fragility of all of us here, God still uses this place to heal His beloved creations.

People make a place holy. A holy place is where people become themselves, become children before God. Where they drop all the games and stand naked before God, showing their need. In the process, some form of healing and a new beginning is found. -Br.MD

How long have you been at the monastery Mark?

 

[Benjamin Müller]

People make a place holy. A holy place is where people become themselves, become children before God.

I got problems with how this is worded; seems you elevated people above God--people 'become themselves'. The nature of man is inherently evil so to 'become yourself' sounds more like becoming your base self, which is not holy, whatsoever. We are to put on Christ and become Christ.

Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

God's presence is what makes a place holy, not the people.

 

[Michie]

I got problems with how this is worded; seems you elevated people above God--people 'become themselves'. The nature of man is inherently evil so to 'become yourself' sounds more like becoming your base self, which is not holy, whatsoever. We are to put on Christ and become Christ.

Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

God's presence is what makes a place holy, not the people.

This is the Catholic Chapel. Please read the SOP. It is not your place to critique his meditations he shares here.

 

[Benjamin Müller]

This is the Catholic Chapel. Please read the SOP. It is not your place to critique his meditations he shares here.

Sorry, I didn't look at the board I just clicked the link in 'New Thread Bar'. I'll be more observant next time. Also, he placed a question mark at the end of it; I assumed it was an actual question; hence the critique.

 

[Michie]

Sorry, I didn't look at the board I just clicked the link in 'New Thread Bar'. I'll be more observant next time.

No problem. I figured you did not know. You are welcome to visit again. We just use this place as a place of meditation and prayer.

 

[SuperCow]

Another question. Can a once holy site lose its holiness? If we knew what mountain was Mount Sinai would it still be holy, or did God leave it when it was no longer needed?

 

[Mark Dohle]

The Island of Iona in Scotland is holy.

Have to look that up, thank you.

Peace
Mark

 

[Mark Dohle]

Another question. Can a once holy site lose its holiness? If we knew what mountain was Mount Sinai would it still be holy, or did God leave it when it was no longer needed?

All places are holy because God's presence is everywhere. Creation is good, reflecting the holiness of God.

 

[Mark Dohle]

I got problems with how this is worded; seems you elevated people above God--people 'become themselves'. The nature of man is inherently evil so to 'become yourself' sounds more like becoming your base self, which is not holy, whatsoever. We are to put on Christ and become Christ.

Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

God's presence is what makes a place holy, not the people.

We become our true selves in Christ Jesus. Prayer allows his healing love to transform us. There are many places where the experience of God 'seems' to be easier, I believe it is because people pray, and in doing so open up their hearts to God's saving grace. This can affect the way the place is felt.

If people were inherently evil, then we would not seek salvation, or be able to be open to the invitation to grace. We are deeply flawed, wounded, and so the death to self is necessary in order for us to love ourselves and our neighbor and most importantly the Lord.

Peace
mark

 

[SuperCow]

All places are holy because God's presence is everywhere. Creation is good, reflecting the holiness of God.

Okay, but there must be some special significance to some places:

Exodus 3:5 - "‘Do not come any closer,’ God said. ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.’" (NIV)

Sinai is the only place in the Bible designated as holy ground explicitly.

 

[Mark Dohle]

Okay, but there must be some special significance to some places:

Exodus 3:5 - "‘Do not come any closer,’ God said. ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.’" (NIV)

Sinai is the only place in the Bible designated as holy ground explicitly.

For us, some places become magnets for pilgrimage. Some feel called to go to certain sites. Grace uses whatever is needed to call us, heal us, and draw us deeper in.

Peace
Mark