What a glorious All Saints Day this has
been!
Early this morning,
Kathleen and I took our walk in the park and were greeted with the most
magnificent sun/cloud rise one can imagine (and a glimpse of the setting full
moon). Looking at the sky and mindful that we are two days from the end of a contentious election season beyond imagining, the words
from “For all the Saints” filled my heart with confidence and joy, including
these:
And when the strife is fierce,
the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant
triumph song
And hearts are brave
again and arms are strong, Alleluia, alleluia!
But lo! There breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant
rise in bright array,
The King of glory passes
on his way, Alleluia, alleluia!
Then we went to St. John’s outdoor service (I was instituted as rector there 35 years ago today) and enjoyed seeing old friends and a good message from Mother Patricia including an illustration about the Episcopal parish featured in the movie “All Saints” a few years ago. We announced Emily’s and Christopher’s birthdays (Nov. 2nd and 9th) and remembered our loved ones who have gone home.
Then we went (virtually) to the National Cathedral in Washington DC for their All Saints service (taped earlier) and heard the most powerful and compelling sermon from our Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry. It is a must see and share. I’m sure Kathleen will be posting it soon or go to their website.
Then we “crashed” the St. Dunstan’s, Carmel Valley, zoom coffee hour, on this one year anniversary of starting my interim ministry there last November 1st. The real reason, however, was to force former parishioners to congratulate me on the Dodgers winning the World Series. (Did I mention many of them are San Francisco Giant fans?) I wore my blue Dodger cap to rub it in for fun.
Finally, we watched “Holding on to Hope”, an afternoon Ecumenical Service at the Washington National Cathedral, a wonderful smorgasbord of scriptures and prayers and music. Once again, our Presiding Bishop preached a powerful sermon. I am very proud to be an Episcopalian today!
All these experiences were urgent reminders that no matter what happens this Tuesday, we have already been elected to be the light and the love to shine through any chaos to come, to be the calming peace that will help still and heal anxious souls.
As 2 Peter 1:10 tells us,
"Therefore brothers and sisters, be all the more eager
to confirm your call and election,
for if you do this, you will never stumble."
John
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