V. THE NIGHT IS A THIN PLACE
LITANY FOR THE THIN PLACES
When the sun sets, twilight fades, and night settles in, we know:
The night is a thin place.
The air is clearer. The world is quieter. We can almost reach through the veil.
The night is a thin place.
Labor begins in the night, the space between hope and new life.
The night is a thin place.
First breaths are taken. Final breaths are taken. Spirit and soul dance between the realms of heaven and earth.
The night is a thin place.
Thank you, God, for the veil.
Thank you, God, for the thin places.
VISIO DIVINA
Print or project the art “Choosing the Courageous One” by Ashley Slade.
I invite you to look deeply at the art printed on your bulletin cover [or on the screen]. Let your eyes move around the image, taking in all the colors, shapes, lines, and textures.
Pause for a moment of silence.
Notice what parts of the image you are most drawn to and what parts you glanced over at first.
Pause for a moment of silence.
Imagine what emotions or narrative you might assign to the figures in this image. What do you see happening?
Pause for a moment of silence.
Consider the emotions that this image evokes in you. How does it make you feel?
Pause for a moment of silence.
Friends, all art is a conversation. The artist creates in conversation with the Spirit, and we continue that conversation by bringing our own perspectives to the art. Whatever you see in this image, whatever story you imagine, is one of many valid readings. I’m going to share now a little background from the artist.
This image is titled Choosing the Courageous One by Ashley Slade, and it’s inspired by the angel’s visit to Mary, a moment when the veil between heaven and earth is thinned. Ashley writes as part of her artist statement:
“Another moment that caught my attention in the text is when Gabriel first speaks to Mary. She is perplexed and wonders what kind of greeting this might be. I wondered that myself. How would an angel speak to a person? With words, thoughts, or something else we can’t quite articulate?
In this piece, I attempted to show both Mary’s courageous nature and the otherworldliness of her ‘conversation’ with Gabriel. I used bits of variegated metal flakes and paint to symbolize the light of Gabriel’s message as it traveled from the celestial being into Mary through her mind, down her throat—becoming part of her voice—and eventually into her heart as she accepted her assignment from God.”
I invite you now into a time of wonder. Why do you think the artist chose to portray the angel with the darkness of the night sky? What meaning do you glean from this choice?
Pause for a moment of silence.
Finally, how is God speaking to you through this image? What message will you carry from this conversation with the Spirit into the days ahead?
Pause for a moment of silence.
MUSICAL MEDITATION OR CONGREGATIONAL SINGING
REACHING THROUGH THE VEIL
If you would like to offer Communion in this service, integrate it into this ritual. If you celebrate Communion by intinction, simply invite people to take an ornament after they receive the bread and cup. If you pass the elements, you might choose to place the ornaments in baskets to pass down the rows instead of creating a display.
In scripture we find that angels often appear at night and in dreams. It is as though, in the night, heaven and earth meet. Many cultures across the world have associated the stars with ancestors, those who have gone before and who now look down at us from their place among the heavens. So tonight we remember what Jesus preached: the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
I invite you to come forward and take a [star/ornament/prism/candle/etc.] from the Table as a reminder of all the light that reaches us from beyond the veil—the stars twinkling from beyond, the light of our loved ones’ legacy, the angel voices ringing. Come, reach through the veil and hold on to a piece of heaven, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
MUSICAL MEDITATION
As worshipers are coming forward and returning to their seats, offer a gentle musical meditation, whether instrumental or vocal.
