Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I’m thinking about eternity and all the ways in which it is shown to us in Scripture. We’ve seen just a few examples in the last several weeks: the heavens opening up and angels appearing to announce the birth of Jesus; the Wise Men being guided by a star from the East all the way to Bethlehem, where the Holy Child was. This Sunday, the collect prays that we will be filled with the same radiance that Jesus, the Light of the World, has. In his Letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul notes that we are all called to be saints.
But if eternity IS eternity, it is well, eternal. And if it is eternal, it must also be here now. It’s just that since we live in mortal bodies, we don’t think of it as surrounding us. We think of eternity as something coming in our future.
I was recently talking with the curate I mentor and we were exchanging some thoughts about funerals. I realized that for me, when I am officiating at a funeral, it’s like I’m standing in the doorway, looking into eternity for the person we’re burying, saying goodbye to them as they step through that door. Part of what I do is to find ways to help the family and friends see that eternity.
Celebrating the Eucharist is another time when we are standing at the edge of eternity. Give some thought to this. Where and when do you experience a glimpse of eternity? For me, the awareness of eternity helps keep me calmer in the midst of all the fearful craziness of the world right now.
Praying daily with you, for our nation, our new diocese, our parishes, and the world,
Mo. Laura
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COMING UP!
- February 1: Annual Meeting
- February 6: Soup Potluck, 5:30
- February 8: Groceries Plus in-gathering/blessing
- February 18: Ash Wednesday, times TBD
- Wednesdays, noonday prayer via zoom at 12:00
- Wednesday evenings, yoga class at 6:00 (discount for St. M members)
- Saturdays, Iglesia Luz de Esperanza, 9:00-3:00