Disciples, Apostles, and Saints!
This week’s visitation from the bishop was full of grace and joy. We had a worship service rich with anticipation and gratitude. Bishop Jennifer spoke to us about faith in the midst of struggle. A theme that is as much central to the gospel lessons in the lectionary these late weeks as it is our present lives in these uncertain times. We were reminded in the gospel a couple of weeks ago that if we are faithful in little, we are faithful in much. And now, we’re reminded that faith as small as a mustard seed can uproot a mulberry tree and throw it into the sea!
Our bishop bore witness to a community of faith where things are happening, where faith is uprooting the proverbial mulberry trees. And while we may think our job is to move mountains (that’s a different mustard seed reference!) our faith, no matter the volume, is enough. Our work, no matter the volume, is faithful. She could see our witness, our faith, our devotion, our love for this community. And we are enough.
I’m as guilty as any in making it seem like this isn’t enough. We’re trying to move mountains, after all! But that isn’t the expression of faith we think it is. No, the faith doesn’t stem from the desire to change the world. It comes first in seeing the incredible, improbably love of God in our midst. It grows in us, through our desire for that love to be present and known and shared throughout our neighborhood. To reflect that grace. That is what it means to keep the faith. Always. As a people of deep faith. It just takes some and God can do the rest.
With love,
Drew+
