Reflections

Last Friday, I was sitting at Sugar & Twine coffee shop in Carytown to do some schoolwork when a woman around my age approached my table. She had noticed one of my laptop stickers – a rainbow version of the Episcopal shield and the words “PROUDLY EPISCOPALIAN” also in rainbow colors, created by the church’s Office of Latino/Hispanic ministries. She shared that she was in town for a preaching event over at Union Presbyterian Seminary, and we connected about both being clergy. I’m someone who enjoys a conversation with someone new at a coffee shop, but it’s a special kind of delight to have an unexpected connection with someone with whom you share a lot in common!

 

Yesterday, one of my best friends from seminary who serves a church in Connecticut reached out to see if I happened to free for a phone call. I had been thinking of her lately, but it had been a while since we’d been able to touch base. We chatted on the phone as I walked, in beautiful springtime weather, from my apartment over the VCU campus and got to catch up on all manner of things – including how her kids are doing, our experience at our respective churches, and more.

 

Thinking about both of these conversations, I’m reminded that both long-term relationships and encounters with people we may never meet again support us as we do the work God has called us to do.

 

One of my favorite prayers in the Book of Common Prayer, which you will hear me sometimes use after the Prayers of the People, says this: “Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit you have made us one with your saints in heaven and on earth: Grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may always be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and know ourselves to be surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy. We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, in whom all our intercessions are acceptable through the Spirit, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.” (p. 395).

 

As the prayer says, that “fellowship of love and prayer” includes both heaven and earth. It also includes those who have long been dear to us and those who may be in our life for only a moment or perhaps those who are just now entering our life for a longer, more meaningful connection. All of these relationships – all of these people – are interwoven in the body of Christ. I wonder: When have you felt in touch with that “fellowship of love and prayer” lately, and who has provided your support in some way, big or small, for your “earthly pilgrimage”?