- Acts 1: 15-17, 20a, 20c-26
- Psalms 103: 1-2,11-12, 19-20
- 1 John 4: 11-16
- John 17: 11b-19
- Communal discernment
- We have seen people come and go in various roles within the parish, but outside of small conversations in various contexts, we never talk about their passing, or how to respond. Do you think that could be improved upon?
- What sort of forum would be best for having that sort of discussion?
- Do you think a group discernment - seeking God's will for the community as a community is even possible?
- How would that get started?
- Removal of sins
- We all know that sin in our lives has an impact on our relationship with God, those around us, the creation that we inhabit. When our sins are forgiven, how is all that damage mended?
- Do you think that it would help us to lead better lives if we were more aware of the impact of our sins?
- How do you think we might gain that awareness between now and judgment day?
- Love hurts
- In the film Bruce Almighty, Jim Carey gets a taste of what it's like to be God (artfully played by Morgan Freeman, one of my favorite actors). Part of the deal is that he hears all of the prayers from everyone from a few square blocks in East Manhattan. The avalanche of prayers that hits him threatens to overwhelm him, and he tries several ways to deal with them en masse with no success. We don't have God's powers of generosity, so how is it that we are to love those that God calls us to love, and trust Him to somehow deal with the rest?
- Have you ever had to balance competing calls upon your life, and both of those demands were good?
- How did you make that decision?
- How did it turn out?
- Somehow, I don't feel all that protected
- What gives you joy in life?
- Would that joy persist in the face of hatred and privation?
- So just what good is it that Jesus is protecting us?
- How is my life a witness to the resurrection?
- When was the last time that I took inventory of my thoughts words and actions to see whether they were pleasing to God?
- How would I know if I strayed from God's love?
- What about my life truly takes a stand that others might object to?
Gone Without a Trace
Years ago there was a family in the parish beloved and appreciated by all.
They were model parishioners, active, generous, always ready to help.
They even started their own booth at our annual community fest.
One day, they announced that they were relocating to a new home.
Someone organized a farewell party for them in the parish hall,
Turnout was generous, the grief and well wishes mixed in equal portions.
They passed their community fest booth on to us, and we're still at it.
A living legacy of their commitment and dedication, that few remain to remember.
And yet, they are the lucky ones.
So many others have come, poured their lives into this place, our hearts,
And then, for one reason or many, they have passed from our midst
Without comment, without reflection, no wake to mark their passing.
And I wonder if it's just that we're too busy to pause and reflect,
Or the loss is too painful to share,
Or we don't even know that we need healing that only we can give.
From this day forward, I want to be more intentional,
To truly feel the loss, both personally and as part of the community,
That I might get past my own abandonment to their pain in parting.
Somehow, hospitality is not very real,
When we don't do a good job of mourning those who leave.
I choose to love more deeply, and yes mourn more painfully.
I will share their stories with anyone who will listen.
Try to learn from those who make their departure.
And not shift blame or anger to someone else.
They were model parishioners, active, generous, always ready to help.
They even started their own booth at our annual community fest.
One day, they announced that they were relocating to a new home.
Someone organized a farewell party for them in the parish hall,
Turnout was generous, the grief and well wishes mixed in equal portions.
They passed their community fest booth on to us, and we're still at it.
A living legacy of their commitment and dedication, that few remain to remember.
And yet, they are the lucky ones.
So many others have come, poured their lives into this place, our hearts,
And then, for one reason or many, they have passed from our midst
Without comment, without reflection, no wake to mark their passing.
And I wonder if it's just that we're too busy to pause and reflect,
Or the loss is too painful to share,
Or we don't even know that we need healing that only we can give.
From this day forward, I want to be more intentional,
To truly feel the loss, both personally and as part of the community,
That I might get past my own abandonment to their pain in parting.
Somehow, hospitality is not very real,
When we don't do a good job of mourning those who leave.
I choose to love more deeply, and yes mourn more painfully.
I will share their stories with anyone who will listen.
Try to learn from those who make their departure.
And not shift blame or anger to someone else.
Shalom!
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