Reflections from Iona

We have just returned to Glasgow from the Isle of Iona. The time on this isolated island was a wonderful experience. The Iona Community is centered around the Abbey on the island. We experienced a week of intentional living in Christian community guided by faith understandings growing out of Celtic roots.

The rugged beauty of the island called to mind the thin line between earth and the heavens, feeling so very close to God. Standing in front of the abbey is a cross which has stood in the same place for over a thousand years. This cross stands pointing to the skies, reminding one to lift up your eyes to the heavens from which the Lord reigns.

The week was dominated by worship twice a day at nine in the morning and nine at night. We were called to meet God in the worship service but then to see God in all of the world around us. One feature of this experience was the free roaming sheep and cattle on the island. Nature points to God, a reminder of the Creators magnificent work!

Our last evening included a worship service with communion. During the silent reflection time, we could hear the bleating of the sheep just outside the Abbey walls. I was powerfully reminded of Jesus' words in John 21 where he calls Peter to "feed my sheep." We are each one called to feed those around us, those who are God's children with the same type of love that Christ demonstrated to us.

I will cherish the sights and sounds of Iona because I have been powerfully reminded of two things which have always been important to me - the beauty of God's creation and the value of the Christian community.

To see some pictures from Iona, you can view them at Bernie_Jackson at www.photobucket.com