Darshan : ' a face to face encounter with the sacred on earth a physical manifestation of the holy

Slowly up the hill towards the dark welcoming woods a promise ' to live within invisible and dim'. A breeze whips across the tall grasses bending them in seeming submission to the coming of autumn and the winter solstice. The rooks rest in the bosom of the wind black flecks on the foam of the racing clouds that hurry on their way who knows where but the wind itself. The leaves like  swarms of bees a golden circle around the dark branches. I turn to face down the valley the self becomes lost in the moment. All creation shares the same home and for a second we gather under its roof as for a fleeting moment the curtain lifts.

The ancient celts believed that the world has thin places where the divine and the mortal practically touch. But so often we seem to build barriers artificial walls that divide us from what should be a natural union. Nature is one of the doors God created that lead back to him not only an ever present reminder of his being but an invitation to touch the hem of eternity . However I think it’s only possible to enjoy this gift if you clear your mind of the clutter of  world and open your hearts to its presence.

The life of Christ too  give us a mosaic of glimpses of divinity. Jesus time and time again parts the curtain to let his disciples witness first hand the works of God. Most obviously of course in the miracles culminating with the resurrection the greatest miracle of all. Those who witnessed them understood immediately Martha ' yes Lord I believe you are the Christ the son of God'. Thomas ' my Lord and my God.' I know you are thinking all very well but they were eyewitnesses and their knowledge empirical. I agree we are not able to stand by Christs side and press our fingers into the wounds of the nails .Martha and Thomas saw with their eyes and believed . We also have eyes and we have Gods creation open the eyes of your heart before your next walk in the countryside and you will believe.