Wednesday, April 25, 2007

God's Plan: Prayer

As I was reviewing the readings for today, I thought I saw clearly the common thread that brings them together - a sure fire sign of what lessons I should concentrate on up here this morning.

It was the seeing and recognizing: Saul, having, losing, and then regaining his sight. The disciples - seeing Jesus on the shore, and yet, once again, not recognizing who he was.

Both had their eyes opened by God, and were led to carry on God’s work and word.

I figured there had to be something there that would speak to me, to all of us. Well - there probably is, but I didn‘t figure that out in time!

What I did figure out, however, was another common thread, that not only runs through some of our readings, but the events of this past week, as well.

And, I feel I would be remiss not to recognize an event so painful, so needing of our thoughts and prayers, for so many.

First, we have Saul - out of the blue, blinded by the brilliant light of God. Second, we have Ananias, a disciple of God, chosen to risk his own safety to bring God’s healing to someone who is in desperate need.

Third, we have the disciples, fishing in their boat, trying to catch some breakfast. And lastly, we have students, parents, teachers, friends, and family changed forever by the tragedy in Virginia.

I can only imagine that they all were faced with the following emotions : fear, uncertainty, anger, and frustration.

Saul, suddenly losing his sight, fearful of what would happen to him, not knowing how long he would be without sight, uncertain if it would ever return.

Angry and frustrated : well, let me ask you, have any of you ever stubbed your foot on the leg of the bed, trying to make your way back to bed, in the darkest of the night, after going to the bathroom ? I have - anger and frustration is only the tip of that iceberg.
Ananias - fearful to approach Saul because of his past persecution of disciples of Jesus. Uncertain if he would be arrested as well. Angry and frustrated that God pushes him to do as he is told.

The disciples - fearful: Jesus was dead, now alive, but not as before. Uncertain as to the work they are to do now, will Jesus stay or leave again - will they continue to be persecuted and pursued ? Will they ever catch anything to eat, or will they go hungry ?


Angry and frustrated by the past events - Jesus’ brutal death on the cross, Jesus coming and going, being left alone without a teacher and leader, not knowing what their future brings, and all on an empty stomach.

The students and teachers in Virginia - I think it’s easy to imagine their fear and uncertainty, with death or injury looking them directly in the eye. Perhaps watching friends or teachers murdered, wondering if they’ll be next.


And I’m sure we can also relate to the anger and frustration that is beginning to surface,

regarding security and emergency message systems to alert those on campus, or lack thereof.

New findings of potential warning signs that went unnoticed or ignored.



Fear, uncertainty, anger, frustration - evident in our readings, our world, and perhaps, our own church family. We here at St. Hilary’s face uncertain times.

Our records indicate that our numbers are not growing as we‘d like, our financial resources becoming limited.

And, we are not alone - churches all over the diocese are experiencing many of the same trends.

Many of us, I’m sure, are fearful of what our future holds. We are uncertain how long we can sustain a parish without new members, and with such a small treasure chest.

Many are probably angry and very frustrated that for all of our efforts - our numbers haven’t really changed.

Frustrated, also, that we have had many visitors that have come, even for a number of weeks or months, only to suddenly stop coming and leaving us to wonder what we didn‘t offer them.

For Saul, Ananias, and the disciples - they were fortunate to discover God’s plans for them without too long a wait.

Saul had his sight restored after 3 days, Ananias’ healing was welcomed and no arrests were made - in fact he was witness to Saul’s conversion - what a gift !

The disciples did as they were told, were greatly rewarded with a tremendous catch, the recognition that Jesus was again among them, and breakfast to boot.


I would never begin to try to interpret what God’s plans are for the victims of Monday’s tragedy.

Likewise, I wouldn’t presume to know what God’s plans for us are either. It may be awhile before we know what our future holds.

However, in all of these situations, God was present. None faced their fear, uncertainty, anger, and frustration alone.

Even one of the victims wounded in Virginia said he saw both Satan and God at work during all of the bloodshed.

And, God is with us as well. Holding us, giving us strength, answering our prayers - perhaps not in the way we’d like or in the way we believe to be best - but answering them all the same.


During their convocation ceremony on Tuesday, I heard various people speak of great evil, tremendous grief and suffering,


but also of courage, strength, and good coming from something so horrible.

Many calls were made for all of us to rally together for support, for comfort, and to do what is necessary to make sure that good triumphs over evil.

And, we were all asked to pray - for victims, for survivors, for family and friends in mourning,

and, for the one who committed such a heinous act and for his family as well.



Now, just as in Virginia, I ask that we rally together for support, for comfort, for strength,

for new ideas, and to make sure that we continue the good work that we do for each other and the outreach ministries we support.

St. Hilary’s is a tremendous family - I truly believe we care about each other greatly - it is our strongest virtue.

I believe we have a lot to offer anyone that comes through our doors - no matter how long they stay.

I ask that we all continue our great gift of hospitality, and never stop thinking of new ways to greet the world

and spread God’s word and love to those around us who need it the most.

And, finally, I ask that we continue to pray ! Pray in thanksgiving for all of our blessings,

pray for our family and friends who are safe and healthy, pray for those who aren’t,

pray for our community that it continues to be a safe place to raise our families,

pray for patience and guidance for whatever monkey wrench Life throws into our lives.

And pray for all of us - near and far - who wait for a clue as to what the future may bring !

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