Follow-up to WATERmeditation with Lillian Lewis

“The Wardrobe: Taking the Next Step”

Monday, May 5, 2025, 7:30 PM ET

            WATER is grateful to Lillian Lewis for inspiring us in meditation and contemplative prayer as a response to contemporary U.S. events through The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Chap. 1, Chronicles of Narnia). 

The video can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rigB5xzIpYw&ab_channel=WATERwomensalliance

Mary E. Hunt’s Introduction to Lillian Lewis

Lillian Lewis is a writer with theological training and ministry experience. She was among the early women who studied graduate theology at Marquette University, no easy feat back in the day. She is a Roman Catholic Woman Priest who minsters in the Midwest though I sense that her reach is cosmic.

Some of us will recall her mediations, “Solitude in the Vault” and “Roadkill, The Blessing,” both of which can be accessed on our website under Programs/Meditations. I am impressed by Lillian’s unique and powerful imagination, better perhaps, spirit, through which she takes us new places whether we are ready for the trip or not.

Tonight, as she explained “C.S. Lewis’ book Narnia takes place in England as Nazi Germany and World War II are shaking the European continent. As is told to the children going through the wardrobe to enter a foreign kingdom, Lillian Lewis tells us that a new world is possible and will begin to be created by us.”

Lillian Lewis’ Remarks

  1. The image The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is our key. It is the 1948 cover of C.S. Lewis’ first novel in The Chronicles of Narnia.
  2. The triggering events of the beginning of the British government’s war-time edict to remove millions of children from London, sending them into the countryside to escape the WW II bombings, the Blitz, inspire Lewis to open the door to the world of Narnia.
  3. The Consequences of War are seen and unseen. Mothers must “tag” their children and “let them go.” This results in unseen childhood trauma.
  4. Lucy emerges as she represents the innocent and courageous part of Lewis’ soul that leaves fear behind and opens the wardrobe and figuratively, takes the next step.
  5. When C.S. Lewis pulled off the drape to the massive armoire, he had to deal with some of his fears about what would happen if Europe lost democracy. World freedom to this time was in jeopardy. A new world is needed somehow.
  6. We are at the threshold. Are we ready? Can we throw off old fears, intimidation, and excuses?
  7. Meet Lucy, the young girl, in yourself. Do not plan the route. Let the Holy Spirit choose who will take you on the journey: human or animal.
  8. It is a Wisdom Journey… a stretch well worth it.

Participants’ Comments

Many of the participants were inspired to start their journey themselves, ready to take the first step. Contributions were brief but insightful. A sample of comments follows:

  • One participant remarked that it is always a surprise to see who shows up during their thoughts during the presentation (e.g., James Finley, theologian and meditation).
  • The books were popular with many for many years.
  • Another participant was struck by the light coming out of the wardrobe, thinking great light would be easy to go through. But on the contrary, closets have been dark places filled with unknowing for many. It is important to concentrate on new light and therefore transformation.
  • The wardrobe was a symbol for a doorway into one’s soul. Sometimes there can be darkness leading to new knowing and understanding.
  • One participant wants to pay more attention to what she’s afraid of, like listening to the news several times a day and still trying to find the holy in all things.
  • One mentioned a personal trauma they had to endure when they were young, and how this is prohibiting her from continuing her journey as a 10-year-old Lucy.
  • Do we have the trust and courage to open the door and go through?
  • One mentioned the Book of Hours and a several poems that help them move forward.
  • One remarked that the evil she has known has always been hate.
  • Stepping out, as tough as it may seem, means to survive. Making choices means being brave because it has implications for family and institutions, and therefore community. What does it take to move forward with whom and how?
  • Maybe we become less courageous once we mature because we think about the consequences too much.
  • The girl in the book is going into the wardrobe to hide. Why are we hiding?
  • One participant expressed her gratitude to have a place to come and meet people with shared values.

Thanks to Lillian Lewis for her creative input and to all for participating. Our next WATERmeditation will be Monday, June 2, 2025, at 7.30 PM ET with Cynthia Tootle who will lead a guided meditation. All are welcome.