Fr. Sully, the rector of my parish, has lost his mother-in-law and his father to the COVID virus. He says he is haunted but who among us who are strong and present will be gone next spring because of the virus. It is a very hard time with illness suffering and death circling around.
And yet this week, we are asked to give thanks, not especial for the colonization of the country on stolen land, but for all the wonders of our life even in the face of such darkness. This week, I have turn to the mystics, a Franciscan, a reformed church hermit and hymn writer from the 17th century, a very privileged 19th century Presbyterian minister and hymn writer and a 19 century Shaker mystic. They all lived through dark and trouble times.
“Gratitude is the first sign of a thinking rational person.” Solaris Casey OFM Cap
This is my Parents’ world. O let me ne’er forget that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. This is my Parents’ world: why should my heart be sad? The ONE is All;. let the heavens ring! God reigns; let the earth be glad! Maltbie Davenport Babcock
To turn, turn, will be our delight, till by turning, turning, we come round right. Elder Joseph Brackett from Alfred Shaker Village
We live in a magical wonderous world, full of color, smells and rich tastes. It is had to even begin a list of all that is here for us. If we open our hearts and our eyes.
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving. Book of Common Prayer
Even your faults that you have committed should only humble but not disquiet you. G Tersteegen
Shake off excess worry and exercise a little confidence in God’s merciful providence. Blessed Solaris Casey OFM Cap
We are completely surrounded by love and by the Holy One of Blessing’s reach for us. It is very easy to spend our energy on the troubles and worry but that does not open us and allow us to fully embrace our call as children of god.
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18 NRSV
God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love. 1 John 4:17-18 The Message
God themself is with us, let us all adore them…. Humbly, fervently draw near them. Now their own, who has known God, in worship lowly, Yield their spirits wholly. You pervade all things; let your radiant beauty Light my eyes to see my duty… Let your light shine through me. …. Come, abide within me; Let my soul like Mary Be your earthly sanctuary G Tersteegen, Reformed Church mystic and hymn writer – Hymnal 1982
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving
Juniper oef
Following Jesus in the Little Way