Revival Part 2
January 8, 2025
Egg and Dart Classical Design
Revival Part 2
When we are revived, it means that, in some sense, we have been dead or dying. After we are revived, we live again. In the cycle of life, which includes all living things, there is some form of birth, death, and rebirth. This motif is exemplified by the traditional egg and dart design in many classical moldings and plasterwork. It’s also depicted in the architecture of private residences and public and religious buildings. The egg means life, the dart symbolizes death, and the continuance of that pattern means that life is constantly being reborn.
We witness that motif in ourselves, others, and the world. Just think of the many times that we felt lifeless and inert. Something inside us died. I recall the famous lyrics from Carole King’s now classic song, “It’s Too Late.” — She wrote: “Something inside has died, and I can’t hide, and I just can’t fake it. Oh No, No.”
Sometimes, what has died inside remains dead forever. Yet other dead things in us are revived, like an interest in an activity, a person, a food, a quest, a type of music, a study, or even God. We are now alive where we were once dead!
In the new year, many of us crave revival. Over the past year, the losses and traumas may have taken their toll, leaving us depleted. We may have lost faith in someone or ourselves; we may have lost physical energy; we may have lost our theology the way we once embraced it and look to revive it in a different, more resonant form. We may have exhausted our reserves of spiritual energy and enthusiasm. Many of us have lost interest in politics because, among other things, political issues and the news remind us of the vast divide that exists. Something has died in us, and we may be searching for new meaning, new life!
The good news is that resurrection always follows death. Rebirth always follows loss. But the closest source of revival is within our souls because it is always connected to the Divine, and its energy constantly flows. Just as when we step off the garden hose, the water flows, and we overflow with new life when we reconnect to our inner being, soul, and essence.
I am reminded of Jesus’ words: And when he was demanded of the Pharisees when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The Kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! or lo there! for behold the Kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:20-21 KJV)
Consciousness studies and the study of the Spirituality of the Enneagram take us on the inward journey into our soul, where the Kingdom is within.
Spiritual practice: Do a scan of your mind, body, and heart. Do you feel the need for revival of anything in these three centers?
Self-inquiry: In this new year, what would you like to remain dead and what would you like to revive?
Dear God,
Let me accept what must remain dead. Let me find joy in discovering what needs to be revived and grant me peace in all these. Amen
