A labyrinth a Christian symbol?

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michaelArc

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I was in a basilica the other day perusing through the gift shop. Among the crosses and rosaries, there was a large pendant with a labyrinth design on it.

I always thought it was a pagan symbol. After some reading, I learned the Catholic Church adapted the labyrinth for its own purposes within its cathedrals in the Middle Ages. According to The Labyrinth Society and Veriditas, the labyrinth is a “is a “divine imprint,” a “mystical tradition,” a “sacred path,” and a “sacred gateway.” The stated purpose of Veriditas is “to transform the Human Spirit,” using “the Labyrinth Experience as a personal practice for healing and growth.”

I really admired the craftsmanship of the pendant. It’s something I would consider having in my home but I’m really on the fence about it. I’m curious if anyone has used a labyrinth in their prayer life or what your thoughts are about the labyrinth associated with the church.
 
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Outside of the little Episcopal Church that I attend is a thirty foot wide labyrinth in the yard made of bricks. I’ve been assigned the job of keeping it free of weeds and grass. (Lucky me.)
I really have no idea as to the religious significance of the labyrinth, but I thought that you might like to know that another church has one.
 
Yes. I have seen them in many churches (mainly in Europe). It is Christian but with some specific characteristics. There are no dead ends and it is always a single path: one way in and one way out (sometimes simply retracing your way back out once you reach the center). It can be symbolic of the spiritual journey. God always leads us closer to him, no matter how many twists and turns come into our lives. Also, as it can be used as a practical meditative tool. You begin praying. Whenever you turn, you pause on the last word or phrase and take your prayer in a new direction using that as a starting point. For example:

Lord, my father is ill. If it’s your will, let him live. (turn)
Live in me, oh Holy Spirit. Dwell within me and shower your grace upon me. Inspire my heart…
(turn)
Oh Most Sacred Heart of Jesus was away my sins. Oh blood and water which flowed from your side, be my Eucharistic drink and my waters of Baptism.

This is, of course, only one of the ways to use a labyrinth and the one I use. I am sure there are others, I am simply not familiar with them.

God bless,
Br. Ben, CRM
 
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