A really great seat - December 8

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 38; PM Psalm 119:25-48; Amos 8:1-14; Rev. 1:17-2:7; Matt. 23:1-12

The diocesan ordination to the priesthood was last night. It was a solemn, glorious event. The glorious part easily bubbles up as I reflect: the Cathedral Church of the Advent was filled with people to witness and celebrate four new priests. Family and friends traversed Birmingham streets and downtown construction on a Tuesday night to ascend the stairs and find a comfy pew in the Advent nave that was built in the 1890s. The altar was adorned in a deep red frontal with bursts of white flowers in vases to the left and right. The choir processed in, joining the booming organ and lilting violin. Then followed the banners of the four parishes where the ordinands serve. Clergy from across the state gathered in the liturgical parade down the aisle, decked out in red stoles – the color for ordinations. Friends old and new, masked and unmasked, gathered. It was glorious.

Now to the solemnity of the occasion. When the ordinands are presented, the bishop asks the presenters, at least one lay person and one member of the laity, if the person has met canonical requirements to be a priest, and if the ordinand lives a manner of life suitable to the exercise of this ministry. There are promises made and documents signed. This ministry of being a priest is hard and holy work. There is heft upon our shoulders and upon our hearts. This order of ministry can be destructive upon the lives of some. Perhaps you have seen a priest wrestle with keeping their footing on this gravelly road.

We read in Matthew 23:1-12 about those in ministry who are coming unraveled – or who are more occupied with the tassels on their robes than the pastoral needs of their communities. Here’s the tension: in ministry – and in life – very few of us can actually fix people. I have heard that three times in the last 24 hours. We cannot fix others’ brokenness. Perhaps the scribes and Pharisees were overwhelmed with the problems afoot, and so they put great energy into the parts of their existence and worship they could control and make beautiful. The churchy folks (or synagogue-y folks) lost sight of their North Star – the first and greatest commandment, which Jesus had just spelled out for the Pharisees a few verses earlier: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’ (Matthew 22:37-38) 

Friends, it is hard to stay on course with the tensions and hard stuff around us. Crescendo moments like ordinations, birthday parties, lunch with a dear friend, and the like, provide spaces of inspiration and honesty to recenter us. To keep us grounded and connected, so that we do not get swept away in isolation or self-aggrandizement. If you do find yourself in a really great seat, enjoy it. While you are there, pray for those in need. Reflect on how you got to that chair. Give thanks to God for those who have helped you, for you did not get there alone. Before you get too comfortable, remember that you are called to serve God. Step into a different perspective. And when you have the chance, invite someone else into the great seat.

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

Think about a glorious gathering you have attended. What do you remember? Who was sitting next to you? What of that experience is special for you in this moment?

Daily Challenge

Raising up new leaders is important. It is what Jesus did as a teacher and preacher. He prepared his disciples to go and do the same. What are you doing to raise up leaders around you? Spend five minutes journaling about how God may be using you to teach others.