Echoes of the Emerald Faith

Focus Statement

As living embodiments of Christ’s presence,

we transform our everyday world into sacred spaces—

what Celtic Christians called “thin places”—

where others can encounter God’s love and grace.

Point of Relation

As we continue our exploration,

let’s revisit Saint Patrick’s story.

Imagine returning to the land of your enslavement,

not for revenge, but with a message of hope.

This was Patrick’s experience in Ireland.

He focused on converting tribal kings,

knowing their influence could sway entire communities.

Patrick used his understanding of Irish culture to make Christianity accessible,

baptizing thousands and establishing new Christian communities.

Despite constant dangers, he persevered for thirty years,

laying the foundation for Irish Christianity.

Patrick’s mission paved the way for a unique form of Celtic Christianity that would later embrace the concept of “thin places” -

locations where the boundary between the earthly and divine realms feels especially thin and permeable.

While Patrick himself didn’t teach about thin places,

his approach of integrating Christian teachings with Irish cultural understanding

set the stage for this profound spiritual perspective

that sees the sacred in the everyday world around us.

Things to Consider

As we explore this Celtic-inspired journey, reflect on the thin places in your life. How might seeing yourself as a living intersection of heaven and earth change your interactions? This Lenten season challenges us to be intentional about our role as Christ’s ambassadors. Consider how we, as individuals and a community, can create more opportunities for sacred encounters in our daily lives. How can we embody Christ’s presence in a world seeking meaning and connection?

What Scripture Says

Jesus stands on a mountain in Galilee,

his words echoing through time:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:18-19 NIV).

This Great Commission isn’t just ancient history—

it’s a living call, as urgent now as it was then.

For those who joined us on Ash Wednesday,

you’ll recall our introduction to ‘thin places’ -

where heaven and earth seem to touch.

The Celtic Christians saw these everywhere:

in misty mountaintops, by bubbling springs, or in the quiet of an ancient forest.

But here’s the profound revelation: we ourselves are thin places.

As ambassadors of Christ, we embody the intersection of heaven and earth.

For the Celtic faithful, to “go” wasn’t just about physical movement,

but about recognizing God in the everyday.

Just as Patrick found God in Ireland’s rolling hills and sacred wells,

we’re called to see the divine in our surroundings -

perhaps in a sunset that takes your breath away,

or in the profound silence of a snow-covered landscape.

And now, we understand that we carry this divine presence within us,

walking between two worlds.

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age,”

Jesus promises (Matthew 28:20 NIV).

Our mission becomes a shared journey,

with Christ as our constant companion,

making every moment—and indeed, ourselves—a potential thin place.

Isaiah’s response to God’s call echoes this theme:

“Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8 NIV).

It’s the voice of a willing heart, ready to serve—

a courage that resonates through generations of disciples.

These passages light our Lenten path,

challenging us to see the sacred within and around us,

respond to God’s call with the bravery of our spiritual ancestors,

and embody Christ’s presence in the world,

transforming our perception into a landscape rich with divine encounters.

What This Means for You

This Lenten journey invites you to be a thin place in your daily life.

Look for moments where the divine breaks through—

in unexpected kindness or in opportunities to help others.

Remember, you carry Christ’s presence within you.

This week, intentionally recognize these sacred intersections.

Respond with courage, becoming a path where others might encounter God.

To support your journey my friends,

I’ve prepared a resource with suggested Scripture readings for Lent, starting this Sunday.

You can find it in our Weekly E-News email—

it’s a great way to deepen your daily practice during this season.

What This Means for Us

As a community, we’re called to be a collective thin place where others encounter God.

Let’s support each other in recognizing and responding to sacred moments daily.

Together, we can create an environment where the divine breaks through, inviting others into this journey of faith.

Starting this Lent,

let’s make our church and community a place where heaven and earth meet,

continuing the legacy of our our own local church’s history and our Christian spiritual ancestors. Amen? Amen.

Written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Perplexity AI.