How often do we share our gratitude for those folks who have nourished our faith? As clergy, it has been humbling to understand that God’s ministry through me is well appreciated. And that is important to me; it is important to me to know that those I serve experience God or understand sacredness through my life, words and deeds. But, I am not sure I am all that good at remembering to thank those I strive to serve.
So, in the spirit of St. Paul’s letters, I give thanks to you, gentle readers, for sharing this week with me. I have tried to see you holding my words alongside God’s word and allowing me to enter into your home, your mind, your heart. It is a thought that gives me both great joy for the faith we share as the Christian family and great responsibility. I hoped to reflect in a few short words something meaningful so that you, too, “are not lacking in any spiritual gift.” I trust that God, the gracious giver of the gift, has blessed you as I have been blessed.
We pray: God who binds us together as a community of believers, we give you thanks for one another, for sacred text and for all that you offer into our lives. Guide us to receive your hospitality, know your love and trust in all that you offer. Amen. — SP