Oxford
I searched the internet to see pictures of what was described in the reading. It was not the stories that ignited the search but more of the physical look at the place. I found some very interesting pictures. When I came upon the pictures of what was read to be a dining hall, I had a flashback to the only Harry Potter movie I’ve ever seen. I remember comparing this type of dining to the school cafeterias that I experienced. They had not put as much thought into where we would eat and what we would eat on (tables). It also reminded me of the last supper. The pictures depicting the last supper showed communing. I can imagine the same type of communing that will take place at the advance.
As the book described the stories of ghosts and the famous people that walked the halls of Oxford, I was somewhat overwhelmed. First, we are talking about myths and ghosts. Then we are talking about the possible bastard child of Shakespeare. Again, something to laugh and talk about as the cohort treads around Oxford, England. Which in turn brings me back to the topic of communing.
The word commune instantly reminds me of communion. This is a time shared with your spiritual family, a time when you are all communing with God. Communing is said to be an intimate time of sharing. The word intimate in turn reminds me that “where two or three are gathered in his name, God is in the midst”. This is the communing that I will essentially miss during this advance.
Oxford as a town and school are very rich in history. If I could use my imagination, I would say it was also a great gathering of the elite. What a privilege it must be to some to stand in the places where kings and queens at some time passed through. I imagine that once my cohort experiences it they will have a reason to feel grateful for being able to experience the beauty as well. They will get the chance to express how the visitation speaks to them. The chance to commune and share these feelings will in turn bring about a greater experience.
Though I will not be able to attend, I will spend time communing with God that everyone will reach the advance safely and return safely. I will also be praying that each person that is there is able to receive the message that God has through this experience and not allow it to be in vain. I hope that Oxford will be everything that you dreamed it will be.
Paul Sullivan, The Secret History of Oxford (The History Press, 2013).
About the Author
Shonell Dillon
A daughter of the KING of kings and the LORD of lords. A lover of LIFE!6 responses to “Oxford”
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Shonell, I am so sad that you will be unable to join us in Oxford. We will miss you. Your discussion of communing reminds me of one of my professors in grad school who used the term commensality to describe the communion that happens over meals. I will be thinking of you and missing you over our meals in Oxford and I will take lots of pictures to share.
Ah Shonnel, I am saddened we will miss you in Oxford. Thank you for being intentional about COMMUNING with God on our behalf. I look forward to receiving whatever the Lord speaks to me while there.
Shonell,
Great post and words of encouragement. I am hopeful Oxford will be a spiritual experience as well. In my spirit I will be praying for something you are hoping for to come to fruition. Peace and Blessings to you.
God is Able!
Hi Shonell
Sorry to hear that you will not be part of the trip, but I am great that you are always part of the connection we all have on this journey.
It is wild to see a dining hall like this. I always assume that they are just a creation for the movie. Amazingly people actually eat there! It really is a picture of the sacred gathering around a table to share a meal.
Shonnell,
I am sorry to hear that you are not able to come to Oxford. I hope you are able to get a jump on research and the different assignments we have ahead of us! We will share our experience with you when we return.
Praying for you
Kristy
Shonnell,
You were missed! I hope you felt loved as we carried you with us!