Spirituality in Kensington Market ... Signs of Desolation and Hope.

A few weeks ago, as part of our photography and spirituality course at Emmanuel, we spent the better part of the day in Kensington Market making photographs of what we saw and experienced. What an eclectic part of Toronto with so much evidence of what looks like desolation, and yet so many profound images of hope too. There was what appeared to be sadness and despair, but also elements of joy and celebration. I guess it's so true that it all depends on our perspective what we experience and feel in a given situatin and setting.

There's no doubt that some of the images were disturbing and symbolic to me of desolation, death and perhaps even the powers of evil that can have such an impact upon us, our lives and our world. For many people who are in a vulnerable and fragile state, this is all they see. It's no wonder so many live with the profound reality of depression and other issues that affect their mental health and well being.

As well, there were messages written on the walls that spoke what people felt in their hearts and souls. They may not even be aware of what they were expressing or the impact it might have on those who stop to read it. This particular one is the last line of the song "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea".

As I looked at another image, though, I found great hope and consolation. I was reminded that God calls me His own ... He says to me, "Mine"! It's a wonderful gift to know whose we are, and to be known as God's beloved. Was that the painter's intended message? Who knows for sure. However, it was the message I recieved and felt as I looked upon his/her work.

I found it interesting to look at the various images on the walls throughout the neighbourhood. Some would see it as graffiti; others would view it as art. The impact is truly in the eye of the beholder. Is this the image of a woman in despair; or is she pensive, reflecting on life? Sometimes whether an image portrays desolation or hope is dependant on what's going on in our own lives or in the world around us; what we see and recognize is a reflection of what's going on in us emotionally and or spiritually.

We are in the most holy week of our church year as we walk the road of suffering toward the glory of Easter. Do we experience this week through the eyes of desolation or through the eyes of faith and hope in all that God promises us through both the suffering, dying Christ and the resurrected Christ?

I am reminded of a prayer we often use for those who are bereaved. May it be the prayer that is on each of our hearts as we go through this week:

Grant, O Lord, to all who are bereaved
the spirit of faith and courage,

that they may have the strength to meet the days to come
with steadfastness and patience;

not sorrowing as those without hope,

but in joyful remembrance of your great goodness,

and in the joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love.

All this we pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Amen.