St. George’s Berlin - Not all delays are Troublesome.

I traveled to Berlin in May of 2023 and had the opportunity to walk the labyrinth at St. George’s Anglican Church in the New West End of the city. This seven-circuit labyrinth was built in memory of a beloved parish pastor, The Revd. Dr Irene Ahrens is modeled after the turf labyrinth found in the cloisters of Norwich Cathedral in England. The smaller, St. George’s labyrinth is constructed of red brick and pea gravel.

Every labyrinth journey offers us a lesson that may come in the form of a profound revelation or a more subtle realization. Sometimes the journey to and from the sacred space provides the lesson.

My journey to the St. George’s labyrinth made me consider the concept of universal or divine intervention.

I had worked out the most direct route to the church, including a short train ride and a 30-minute bus ride. The train ran on time; however, the bus was considerably delayed. There was no strict schedule set for the day so I was very comfortable with testing my understanding of the Berlin train system by creating a
Plan-B and surprised myself when I successfully arrived at the church.

Shortly after arriving, I stood at the threshold of the labyrinth where, unexpectedly, I was warmly greeted by the assistant pastor (curate) The Revd. Joachim Reich. I told him I was from South Carolina and had made a specific trip to walk the labyrinth during my visit to Berlin. He was amused by my pilgrimage and hoped that I would find the visit worth it. Fr. Reich also remarked that if I had been there just 30 minutes earlier, my experience would have been interrupted by the gardener mowing the lawn surrounding the labyrinth.

I happily walked the labyrinth a couple of times to the sounds of birdsong and children playing down the street. I am not convinced that it was an accident that a lawnmower was nowhere to be heard. Admittedly, I was not able to completely quiet my mind and therefore walked in mindful gratitude. Fr. Reich walked past as I concluded my second walk. I assured him that his warm greeting and the peaceful walk were every bit of “hardship” endured on my short pilgrimage to St. George’s.

My visit ended with a picnic lunch of a sandwich and drink from the train station. The New West End is a very affluent neighborhood. I enjoyed exploring the main street shops and easily found my way back to the hotel on the train without delay.

I ended my day recognizing that all delays are not troublesome.

Here is a wonderful prayer offered by the parish.

St. George’s offered the following Celtic prayer for walkers.

I weave a silence onto my lips

I weave a silence into my mind

I weave a silence within my heart

I close my ears to distraction

I close my eyes to attractions

I close my heart to temptations

Calm me, O Lord as you stilled the storm

Still me, O Lord keep me from harm

Let all tumult within me cease

Enfold me, O Lord within your peace

(Traditional Celtic)

Jack On The Path in Berlin 2023.