Thoughts on John 6

Memorial Day

One of the things we haven't had a chance to buy is an American flag. I'm feeling a little sad about that today, Memorial Day. I don't have that outward sign, the sign that shows respect for those who have given their lives, through their military service.

I will miss the annual trip to the park in Lake City, MN, where we would hear from an active member of the military, a home-town hero, where we would sing songs, pray prayers, listen and learn. Where a community would gather to celebrate and mourn.

I will miss the trip to the cemeteries with my parents and siblings to visit the graves of my grandparents, none who died in war, but who, nonetheless were affected by war.

Though I am missing these things, I will still ponder the depth of loss that war causes. I will think about the greater affect as well as the personal effects of war....

I like to think that there were others, like spouses of those who serve, who also deserve this day. Their sacrifices, those who had to raise their children alone for a time or for a lifetime. Others, like those who took the jobs of the men during the wars, those who sacrificed by giving up some of what they needed, like rubber, so that the war effort could go on and be victorious.

I think of children who lost their parents because of war. Through battles and illness, through long hours working to support the war effort. Of medical staff who cared for those injured and dying in the places they served, in peace and in war.

And I am thankful, that those men closest to me, my father and my brothers, never saw combat, but would have done what they needed to do, if they had.

I think of my friend, whose father died in Vietnam, leaving a household of young children for her mom to raise. Of her mom, who always, after the day the officers came to her door with her children around her to tell them of her husband's death, would have a sitting room in her home, a place to have that conversation in private.

It is Memorial Day. I don't have a flag hanging on our new house, yet. But yesterday, I wore my dad's Episcopal service cross when I celebrated the Eucharist. I reminded the community to think of the cost of war, of those lives lost and we left our worship singing "God of Our Fathers."

God be with us all.

Holy Week

As you journey into this week of complex, holy emotions, embrace them!  Holy Week takes us from the jubilant donkey ride into Jerusalem to the Upper Room to Pilate, the Cross, the Tomb and to the Resurrection.  So much to dissect and wonder about!

We begin with waving palms and soon after shout, “Crucify Him!” 
     We wash one another’s feet, both giving and receiving the depth of Christ’s love.
          We strip the altar bare, extinguish candles and walk in darkness.
                We walk the stations of the Cross, walking with Jesus on this pain-filled path.
                     We sit in darkness, praying and singing as Jesus dies on the cross.
                          We welcome the new Light, shouting words of joy in the resurrection!

Fall asleep in the garden.  Wrestle like Peter in his denial.  Feel the sting of the thorns, the nails and the sword.  Cry out as the last words are spoken.  Carry the broken body to the tomb.  Go home, empty and hopeless.  Return to the tomb to anoint your friend, Jesus.  Smell the oils, spices and herbs you carry in your arms.  Panic at the sight of an empty tomb.  Be dazzled by the angels.  Hear your name spoken by the One who calls His Flock by name.  Go…tell…

We walk this journey with Christ, not fully understanding the depth of this gift, but knowing that because of His sacrifice, we are ever wrapped in the arms of forgiveness, of grace and of eternal life.

May the depth of Christ’s love be with you,
~Rev. Debbie