2nd Michaelmas
October 7, 2018
Ephesians 6: 10-19
There are two types of lines that every young child learns about. One is the curve – a line that continuously changes direction. Its classic form is the circle – enclosing, harboring. The other line is the straight line that starts at a particular point and travels unerringly in one direction, towards infinity. These two basic gestures, the circle and the line, come together in every child’s drawing – in the circle and rays of the sun.
The sword is an archetype that partakes of the straight line – like the rays of the sun. Although we typically think of a sword as an instrument of destruction, when it is raised in victory, it is a symbol of peace. And pointed downward it forms a cross.
In artistic depictions, the Archangel Michael holds a light-sword that rays out the light of the sun. Sometimes the sword is pictured pointed downward. There it illuminates the depths, holding at bay a dark dragon. Sometimes the sword of light points upward as if to indicate where we are to send our thoughts, where we are to direct our attention.
Today’s reading says that we are to grasp the living spirit working in us the same way that we grasp a sword of light. What the living spirit is, indeed, is light; it is the light of consciousness, the light of awareness. With Michael’s spirit sword of awareness, we can direct our attention into the heights. With Michael’s light sword of awareness, we can illuminate the darkness of our own inner depths.
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| G. David, Altarpiece St. Michael |
For in the depths there is a great secret: the dark dragon in the cave sits on a measureless treasure. In the depths of the soul, hidden in the darkness, is Christ. He is the treasure the dragon would hide. Christ sends his powers of trust, of confidence and peace from the inner depths up into our hearts. When we illuminate the depths and hold the dragons of fear, doubt and hatred at bay, we will win access to the treasure, the Pearl of great price. And then will we hear the Word of God, speaking to us: My peace is with you; my peace streams through you, down to your feet, so that on your path you may spread peace, as the message that comes from the realm of the angels. (Ephesians 6:15)
