Reflections
All Hallows’ Eve (aka, Halloween) has come and gone, and I was quite impressed at the way Water Valley celebrated that sugar coated holiday. All Hallow’s Day (aka, All Saints Day) was noted on our liturgical calendar November 1, but we at Nativity will be remembering our personal saints who have touched our lives this Sunday, a day the Church calls “All Saints Sunday”.
There is still time to add names to the prayer list of those, now departed, who have been the vehicles of God’s grace in our lives. Some of those used the language of the faith and were the intentional bearers of divine love, though always in imperfect and incomplete ways. Others would have been greatly embarrassed, if not scandalized, to be told what role they played in our religious pilgrimage. But they, too, were bearers of grace for us.
We dare to search for meaning and purpose; dare to hope in the darkest of times; dare to celebrate the tiny miracles of this life because we saw it being lived out in the life of these special people. These are our personal saints who have so greatly shaped our hearts and souls, and these are those we remember in special ways on All Saints Sunday.
Even if their names are not on our prayer list for Sunday, take a moment or two to remember who they are and what they have meant to you. I believe that even in death they continue to hold us in love, and the words of our Eucharistic prayer when we gather at the altar “with Angels and Archangels and all the company of heaven”, is another reminder of the deepest reality of eternal interconnection.
As I’ve mentioned before, I also believe that if the relationship has been painful, those who now see God face to face know their faults intimately, and earnestly seek our forgiveness.
There’s a lot to think about this Sunday!
Sunday’s Scripture: A Few Brief Thoughts
Daniel 7:1-3;15-18
Daniel has a disturbing dream that concludes with reassurance that the faithful will prevail. Similar to the New Testament Book of Revelation, the Book of Daniel was written in the midst of extreme persecution. Both books were written to assure those who were suffering in an apocalyptic moment of God’s faithfulness and to bring hope to what appeared to be a very hopeless situation.
Psalm 149
The faithful rejoice in the strength and security of the Lord, praising God “in the dance…and with timbrel and heart,” for, and I love this line, “the Lord takes pleasure in his people.” To imagine in my worst moments God takes pleasure in me/us is a powerful image.
Ephesians 1:11-23
Two thoughts come quickly. First, I noticed how the solitary believer does not exist for Paul. He always uses plural pronouns-you, your, we- as he addresses a community, not a bunch of individuals. Secondly, there is an assumption that there is an ongoing process in the development of faith: that God “may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him,…so that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you…”. That ongoing faith journey is a life long, even eternal, process. We shouldn’t become discouraged when things are not absolutely clear and certain today.
Luke 6:20-31
Jesus constantly turns what we call common sense on its head: “Blessed are you poor…Woe to you who are rich…Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you…” Believing in Jesus does not mean simply affirming certain doctrinal statements. Believing in Jesus means daring to trust that his view of reality is more true than my wisdom and common sense. That is a much more dangerous path and requires far more courage than simply saying “Jesus is the Son of God”.
Other Matters of Interest:
Adult Sunday School Continues
Our class continues to meet at 9:15 am at the TIN building-16 Main Street South.
Over the last two weeks we will be exploring how our Eucharistic and Baptismal liturgies speak to the deepest longings of our heart and soul and articulate the core beliefs of our Episcopal tradition. All are welcome to join us, even if you have missed any or all of the first three classes.
Interested in Being a Lector?
As you notice, we always ask lay persons to read the Old Testament, Psalm and New Testament. Is this something you would like to participate in? If so, please let Robbie Fisher know (robbiedfisher@aol.com; 601-941-1865) and you will be scheduled in to be a lector/ scripture reader from time to time.
Dates to Remember -Much More Information to Come!
Christmas Worship- Saturday, December 24 @5:30pm
Note: There will be no worship service on Sunday, December 25
Epiphany Worship - Friday, January 6 @ 5:30 Feast of Lights/Holy Eucharist
Note: King Cake and Pizza follows!
Diocesan Council - January 27-29: Hosted by Trinity Church, Natchez.
Delegates from Nativity: Robbie Fisher, Beth Mayeaux and the Vicar
Visitors are welcome to attend!
Annual Mission Congregation Meeting- February 5, following 10:30am Worship
Visitation By The Right Reverend Brian Seage, Bishop of the Diocese
Of Mississippi; February 12 @ 10:30am Worship.
See you Sunday!
Peace,
Duncan
601-260-1937
Commenti