Canterbury Colorado

Love one another as I have loved you. John 13:34

Reflections on TaizÉ

Allison Lundeby

             When I arrived at Taizé, I had no idea what to expect. I was unfamiliar with the worship services and music. All I knew was that it would be a week focusing on God and prayer. Each day was simple; focusing on the three main worship services. Surrounding the services were daily meals, chores and Bible Introductions. This lifestyle was much simpler than the life I live at home, yet I still struggled to find time to spend time in silence with God. There were so many people to meet and get to know leaving every spare moment in constant chatter. I knew that one of my goals as a pilgrim at Taizé was to spend time reflecting on my life back in the United States, so I spent three days in silence at the end of the week.

             This was the best choice I made because it allowed me to experience an entirely different aspect of Taizé. Each day we had Bible Introduction with a brother or a sister. At the silent house our Bible Introduction gave us the passages to focus on when spending time in silence with God. One of the most important things I learned from this time was that prayer does not mean you always have to be think words and sentences to God. I had never been told before that it was okay to just be in the presence of God.

             Eating the first meal in silence was strange because I am accustomed to meals being a social experience, but I was surprised to find that there could still be a sense of community even in silence. When I was in silence I found the Church of Ameugny. I loved to spend time in the church reflecting. It was a relaxing place that stayed cool during the day because of the stone it was built out of. Off to the side of the altar there was an area with one single bench facing a sculpture of Jesus hanging on the cross. This was my favorite place in the church because it was simple setting, yet provided a reminder of what Jesus had done for me.

             Throughout the entire week I was reminded of life lessons that are critical to the Christian faith, like not judging or making assumptions about others based on first impressions. Being at Taizé was like looking at my life from the outside through a window. This was an amazing experience because it allowed me to see how I am affected by my decisions. Taizé was more than I could have ever imagined. It is a place to grow closer to God through community, diversity, and learning by example; a place to remember that God loves me since I was made in his image.

             One of the most meaningful parts of Taizé was the evening prayer service. After the majority of the monks left many people would stay and continue singing. The repetition of the simple songs made them powerful. After learning the words and melody, I could focus on the song as a prayer without looking at the music. Singing in other languages was a great experience because I learned that I do not always have to understand exactly what I am saying for it to connect me with God. From these experiences l have learned lessons in simplicity, prayer, and a new style of worship. I know that I have not realized every impact that this experience has had on me. Taizé is an amazing and unique place. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to visit the monastery. Thank you to all of our supporters.

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Reflection—Lundeby