Sacred Are the Days

Yesterday I officiated the funeral, rather, a Celebration of Life, of one far too young to die. Today I celebrated the Holy Covenant of Marriage in the lives of two who are beginning their journey together later in life than most. Tomorrow I will lead the congregation in celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Baptism in the life of one whose first few months on this earth have been wonderfully joyful.

I was asked this evening, "How do you do it? How do you manage the shifts in emotion and intensity?", which are excellent questions except that they are directed to the wrong party. These are the questions which need to be asked of the entire faith community for, truth be told, what happens to one in the faith family happens to all and, in all three of these 'celebrations', the entire faith family will be present either physically or spiritually in prayer and, in many cases they will be doing both. This is the sacred journey of those who dare to call themselves 'Christian', for sacred are the days on this earth which we have to walk in the footsteps of Christ and many are the lives which call out to God for a presence and healing. It is the Christian community's privilege to 'be with', as Christ is 'God With Us', as sisters and brothers of every age, race, ethnicity, educational level and economic bearing, cry out under the burdens of whatever the latest Pharaohs are which are plaguing their lives.

As the hungry call out for food, so the spiritually starving call out for God. As the thirsty call out for drink, so the marginalized call out for the waters of God's sweet, sweet Spirit. As grief fills the days of those who dare to care, so the mourning find their cries quieted in the Redeemer's embrace. As the ill have their fevers cooled and their lives attended, so God's Love washes us in mercy and grace and revives our fainting hope.

In the wonder and power of all that is the best in being a community of faith, there is the Presence of God touching the woundedness of our existence and offering a healing and recovery that smacks of empty-tomb amazement. This is the sacredness of all that we are sharing in these days of emotional and spiritual challenge and this is the Gospel we are called to proclaim as the faith family embraces the 'unembraceable other' in holy compassion.

Really, the Pastors are the lucky ones, for they are the ones called of God and privileged to observe God doing what no mortal could imagine as the celebrations of life are shared at whatever juncture they occur. Pastors may carp and complain about all that they have on their plate, but of all they have on their plate, it all pales in the face of the One who, from the Table of Sacrifice and Victory, extends the plate of Body and the cup of Blood and prays, "That they may all be one."

Thank you, God, for the sacredness of these days and the humbling moments of service which refresh our understanding of Who is truly at work in the hearts of those which call out to You.

Your servant in Christ,

Pastor Don