11/28/07:

"Guided Meditation on Xenophilia" - Deirdre Egan

As we move deeper into our contemplative time together, let’s take a moment to center ourselves in order to remain fully present here and now.  It might help to sit with both feet on the floor.  You could close your eyes if it feels comfortable to you.   Take stock of your existence in this room, in this space, today, surrounded by light and shadows, by other members of this community.  Pay attention to the movement of your breath in and out.  Continually in and out. 

Now, let me draw your attention to the image pictured on the front of your order of worship.  This is a replica of an icon housed in the Wilten Abbey in Innsbruck, Austria, one of the Norbertine Abbeys that the Heritage Tour visited this summer.  The title of this icon is “xenophilia.”  Many of us are familiar with the idea of “xenophobia” or the fear of the stranger.  But this image indicates just the opposite--love of the stranger.   It asks us to consider the notion of a radical openness and hospitality toward the stranger, toward the other.     

Look closely at the image.  Use your imagination to enter into the scene.  Imagine yourself in a similar place, surrounded by a community of people, sharing a meal or simply sharing time together.  Look around you.  Who is there?  Who might be at the table with you?  What do they look like?  What do you talk about?  What might you eat?  Who is out in the town, or out in the larger community?  

Now imagine that the individuals there are complete strangers to you.  What do they look like?  What food do you share?  What do you talk about now?  What sense do you come away with from engaging with these different people?     

Now return to this place, calm and refreshed.  Take note of the community surrounding you—a community of strangers and of friends.