Reflections

I often joke, especially after Easter, Christmas, and other big events, that, for the Rector, thanking people is a dangerous proposition. Celebrations are a group project and since so many people, guilds, committees, ministries, etc. are involved, if I start thanking individuals, I would inevitably leave someone out. I am sorry about that, because everyone at All Saints deserves to be thanked, does such a good job, and makes all that we do possible. We are All Saints.

 

That being said, I do want to thank and “shout out” (as the kids say on the MTV (one of my favorite David Curtis-isms)), two acolytes, Nora and Ronan.

 

The word liturgy, or how we organize worship, comes from the Greek λειτουργία (leitourgia), meaning “the work of the people.” And Nora and Ronan do great work. Ronan said, "It has been really fun and I have loved carrying the torch and cross. I enjoy acolyting because it gives me time to reflect on my spirituality and the joy that it brings me." Nora appreciates the opportunity, "to make so many people happy and be a big part of church and be with God.” I could end this reflection with that, and please pass the tissues!

 

Nora has served as a Gospel Bearer, the person who carries the Gospel Book in procession. The Gospel Book (in case you were asleep during Confirmation Class) contains (you guessed it) our Sunday readings from the Gospels. Gospel Bearer is, at first glance, a simple job: you carry in a book, you hold a book for the Deacon as they proclaim the Gospel, and you carry the book back out again.

 

But, the Gospel Bearer also manifests what all of us are meant to be and do as Christians. We, as followers of Jesus, are called to carry the Gospel out into the world and embody the Good News: to share with friends and neighbors, to invite others to Christian community, to care for the ill and marginalized, and to proclaim justice in broken and dark places. This is why we read the Gospel in the middle of the congregation on Sundays: to remind all of us to take the Good News out, “amongst ‘em,” to celebrate the resurrection of all things. Bearing the Gospel is critical work everywhere and at all times, not only on Sunday morning.

 

Thank you, Nora and Ronan, for serving as acolytes, serving with excellence, and inspiring great joy. Keep on being the great people you are.