Listening for the Hearthbeat of God

J. Philip Newell is a poet, a scholar and a teacher. Formerly Warden of Iona Abbey in the Western Isles of Scotland, he is currently Writer Theologian for The Cathedral of The Isles on Cumbrae. He is internationally acclaimed for his work in the field of Celtic spirituality, including his best known titles Listening for the The Heartbeat of God and his poetic book of prayer Sounds of the Eternal. He is an ordained Church of Scotland minister with a passion for ecumenical and interfaith dialogue. Canadian by birth, he lives in Edinburgh with his family where he undertook his doctoral research in Celtic Christianity. Since then he has played a leading role on both sides of the Atlantic in the re-birthing of a creation spirituality for today.

It was my priviledge to attend a conference on Friday and Saturday, March 10-11, led by Philip Newell on Celtic Christianity and Listening for the Heartbeat of God at Christ Cathedral Episcopal Church In Nashville, TN.

Some thoughts shared during the conference:

He talked of transformation, the example being the Wedding at Cana when Jesus transforms the ordinary into the sacred.

He mentioned that there are ways of seeing in our lives that are only opened through us by suffering.

The story of Lazarus begs the question, "What has fallen asleep in us and needs awakening?" and "Are there places that don't smell right in our lives?"

The conference was a good overview of Celtic Christianity as well as challenging us to listen to the heartbeat of God as did the beloved disciple John. Newell is an excellent speaker. If you have a chance please take time to hear him.

By the way, the pastor at Christ Cathedral is Kenneth Swanson, himself a well known author about prayer. In a recent lenten sermon of his he tells about his days attending St. Joseph's Abbey in Mass. Worth a read.

(Editor's Note) And yes you might remember my visit to the Abbey of Gethsemani.