One congregation member remarked that she has come by to sit in her car and meditate on this artistic piece hung on our church exterior for all the world passing by to see. She cherished how she and her husband exited on their wedding day through former doors where this piece now hangs. In this socially-distanced Eastertide, may God’s love revealed in the risen Christ radiate through each of us, though we be only “seen” as if from the outside of our homes. May we find a way through loving service to witness in our world for all who may “pass by,” until such time as we walk sidewalks and fill our sanctuary with prayer and song together again … with the Spirit of Holy Love as in this text often read at weddings:
“So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. … As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:1-4, 12-17)
Prayer: God help us to confront all that makes for death and despair in our lives, our communities, our world. May we never lose sight of the possibility of transformation and be continually surprised by people who believe in one another. So may we not serve your purpose unless we are open to each other; not care for each other unless we reflect your love; not dare to love like you unless we are glad to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, as friends and followers of Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen. (adapted from the Iona Community Daily Prayer resource)
(Sculpture by Kirk Newman)
~Pastor Seth