Saturday, March 15

The Elegant Solution

A Reflection for Lent

Last Fall I had the pleasure of attending a retreat in Bass Harbor, ME, on the subject of the Trinity and the Law of Three, taught by Cynthia Bourgeault, an Episcopal minister, writer and teacher. I’d like to share some thoughts from that retreat with you.

I was intrigued and excited by her explanation of the concept of the Law of Three. My “take” on it is that whenever we witness an impasse in our own or community affairs, there is always a “third force,” idea or action which is often hidden, but which, when discovered, will move the impasse into an entirely new place or arising. If we want to be part of the Good, we discover this third force by being open and listening to the always present God. Utilizing that “force” will result in a whole new experience. Consider the Alcoholics Anonymous member who finds a new way of living and being through AA rather than simply not drinking.

In our community at All Saints, I think this elegance was illustrated when Father Tom, writing in the Trumpeter about our stewardship campaign results, noted that the recent reduced income may be a call for reassessment of our emphases and direction of ministry, for example, rather than shaming or ”guilting” us into a preformed resolution.

Personally, I look for the third force when I hit an impasse in my social relationships. When I let go trying to make something happen according to my way of seeing the situation, offer the impasse and myself to the always present God, and wait, the elegant solution comes . . . accompanied by that knowing “aha!”

As we engage in these Lenten reflections, consider how Jesus is an Elegant Solution to the mystery of God’s being with us.

Jane Welch