The Power of Place

Over the last 25 years, I’ve volunteered in the summer as an Interpretive Ranger at a national park. This involves leading nature walks, giving lectures, monitoring hiking trails, and keeping visitors away from wildlife.

Every spring, both full time Rangers and volunteers undergo training on park updates and, for want of a better term, “pep talks” on the significance and uniqueness of our jobs. A common theme presented is that of the influence of the “power of place.” The notion of the power of place is a generic concept relating to how our surroundings shape our thoughts, emotions, and actions.

The context presented of the training is, of course, about the influence of nature on our lives and especially the lives of Park visitors. At one level, our role is to interpret the experience of nature in terms of their emotions (often in the form of “wow” to majestic vistas) and their thoughts and actions regarding the need for conservation and preservation of wild places. Additionally, we are to explore visitors’ needs for a “nature respite” from the hustle, bustle and stress of modern life.

This year’s training got me thinking about the power of place for our Faith. Several things came to mind.

The church

First, is the physical environment of a church. I have been fortunate to attend mass in many places in the world and there is no question the beauty seen in many cathedrals, especially in Europe, fosters a reverence that sets the stage for spiritual emotions and thoughts.

The beauty of a church is also expressed by the sounds. The type of music can certainly influence our thoughts and feelings. Personally, I prefer the classical hymns and chant. In addition, the timing of bells, chimes and silence can add to the total experience as an influencing event, especially for prayer.

By the same token, some of the churches that I have been to that are of a modern architectural style were challenging places to help shape any deep spiritual emotions or thoughts. Their sterility reminded me of many Protestant churches I attended before becoming Catholic.

The Pulpit

Second, is the power of the pulpit. The format for the Liturgy of the Word can cause a pause in our random thoughts to pay attention. A well thought out and delivered homily can sure make one think. Likewise, good homilies can challenge us to act on our faith.

Many have noted the power of God’s Word and there is no need to expound on it here. However, the interpretation of the Word by the priest or deacon in the homily can have a profound impact for better or for worse on our thoughts, emotions, habits, and actions.

The Altar

Third and most important is the altar. The altar is where the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ. It is where we meet the risen Lord. The Liturgy of the Eucharist opens the door for a multitude of emotions and thoughts. It is itself, a prayer that can stimulate other prayers.

The sacrifice of the Mass on the altar is also a call for action. At the end of Mass, the priest says to “Go out, to love and serve the Lord.”

Nature

Finally, in the context of what stimulated these faith reflections is the power of place for nature.

In a previous essay, I outlined the importance of being connected to nature from a faith perspective. Opening all our senses to the natural environment around us can stimulate emotions and thoughts about God as the Creator. In turn, that nature connection can facilitate necessary stewardship actions to protect and preserve His creation.

I think that nature’s “power of place” influence on our faith was succinctly expressed by St. John Paul II.

“The first stage of divine Revelation is the marvelous “book of nature”; which when read with the proper tools of human reason can lead to knowledge of God the Creator. Nature, therefore becomes a Gospel that speaks to us of God.”