I enjoy walking labyrinths. Labyrinths are maze-like structures that have been used as spiritual tools for centuries. There are many of them around, and I am in the habit of trying to visit a lot of them. For more information about labyrinths, check out The Labyrinth Society. Find where labyrinths are in your area at the Worldwide Labyrinth Locator.

St. Bonaventure Church sits at the edge of the city of Paterson, in the shadow of Interstate 80. It’s an urban setting, with small but beautiful grounds. Slippery Rock Brook flows in and out of the property, amid statues and  The labyrinth is small, a three-circuit classical, printed on a canvas installed in the ground.

It was rather underwhelming, except for the cross in the center, an intricate celtic cross carved in stone. I was drawn to this cross. It was filled with richness and hope.

The question I brought into the labyrinth was this: Why do I always feel so guilty?

The labyrinth was short, and so was the answer. It wasn’t really an answer to the question, actually, but more of a prelude, an introduction, a reminder. I was reminded that I hadn’t intended to come to this labyrinth at all today. When I set out this morning, I tapped the wrong little flag on my mapping app. I was planning to head for a different one – I’d made a mistake. I made a mistake coming here at all, and I should have known better. I should have paid more attention, I should have noticed that I was heading into Paterson, not the town I intended to visit.

And yet, despite the place being wrong, despite the labyrinth itself being a bit disappointing, the cross in the center more than made up for it. The cross in the center was glorious and holy, and symbolized for me the presence of God. This is the starting point for today. Whatever mistakes I made, you are here. Whatever further wisdom or insight I find today, you will be with me, even in the mistakes. Even in the places I find guilt, God is always waiting for me.

Heading off to the next labyrinth, to delve deeper…