Coming home is a bit of a culture shock.
Living in the community means accepting a very simple life. Prayers, which consist of a few simple words said in a range of languages, the classic Taize chants and a lengthy period of silence punctuate the day at 8.30 a.m., Noon and 8.30 p.m.
Simple meals are also served three times a day and are perhaps a little reminiscent of meals in prison. You stand in line and are given a tray, two plastic bowls (one for food and one for drink) and a spoon. A nourishing but basic meal is served to you by other pilgrims and you eat it sitting on benches or folding chairs in the company of hundreds of other pilgrims. There is a steady hum of conversation in a number of different languages punctuated by bursts of laughter.
Perhaps the analogy with meals served in prison is inappropriate as the overwhelming sense everywhere in Taize is peace and freedom. No-one demands that you do anything. On arrival you agree to do about half an hour's work each day and then you are free to simply go with the daily flow of life in the community.
This must be my ninth visit and I've yet to hear anyone in the community insist on anything. It all seems to work in a spirit of co-operation and mutual respect.
But now I'm home and faced with all the complexities of normal daily life.
It took me more than an hour this morning to attempt to organise my diary for the next six weeks and I failed because I'm dependent on other people organising theirs.
It all leaves me with some serious questions about what is really important in life.
No comments:
Post a Comment