10 posts tagged “peace”
Gaudate Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, or Sunday of Joy is the Sunday we light the pink candle. I remember it most because it is the Sunday of the church's calendar on which I was confirmed in 2001. It is also the Sunday on which my cousin was confirmed in 2002. So, on that day, I always remember Fr. Mike Debrosky, who welcomed me into the family of the Parish of the Mediator (Meridian, MS), and of course, my cousin Rachel who was at All Souls, Washington, DC.
To spend time with my family after the ordination - the first real pause was in Muir Woods. We arrived before the park rangers arrived, and there was a sign saying 'go on in,' so we did. Very few people were there yet, and and everyone, mostly, spoke in a whisper, except for one family - the women were all in high heels click clicking. They seemed out of place, but I am glad they came to the woods that morning.
Since this is important time to be centered, before the Lambeth meeting. Also praying for +Katherine, +Steven, +Bob, `+Gene and all of the bishops, laity and clergy of the Anglican Communion gathering for and around Lambeth, .
I ask, can one part of the body say to another, I have no need of you?
I remain convinced that gathering together for a meal is a significant event, a way Christ taught us to participate in the salvation of the world. Think if kings and dictators and presidents actually ate together before going to war? Of if they would actually eat with their people from time to time.
Collect:
Eternal and Ever-Gracious God, you blessed your servant Thurgood with special gifts of grace and courage to understand and speak the truth as it has been revealed to us by Jesus Christ. Grant that by his example we may also know you and seek to realize that we are all your children, brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ, whom you sent to teach us to love one another; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
Suggested scripture for May 17:
Amos 5:10-15, 21-24
Psalm 34:15-22
I Corinthians 13:1-13
Matthew 23:1-11
Growing up going to church camp, this song got memorized. No wonder I believe war is wrong! This is a chilling video that shows the horror of war, the greed of capitalizm our oil consumption in the US, and the pain this war is causing, the dehumanizing effect of this war on both our soldiers and all the people who are in harms way.
Some random thoughts on Grace
Saying the rosary in Grace Cathedral today, I noticed anew the fresco of the Nativity in one of the chapels to the side of the choir. There were painted waters from a rock, upon which were Mary and Joseph with Baby Jesus. The waters seemed to flow down upon the altar itself, in a comingling of baptism and eucharist. Like the words of the hymn, "sorrow and love flow mingled down," and at the heart of both sacraments, in these profound expressions of life reflected profound moments of the grief of both Mary and Jesus. This reminds me, in these lenten days, that Jesus' love for us interesected the worlds desperate need for redemption in death, which death has become for us the vertex, or perhaps vortex, of Life.
The waters hit the altar at the point of its crown, where sits a mother pelican, one of the images Christ's love, and perhaps, though not classicaly so, also a symbol of the love of Mary, whose flesh of her own flesh became the bread of angels and of mortals.
