Reaching Out Our Hands
Today’s Readings for the Feast of St. Aelred of Riveaulx:
AM: Psalm 36:5-10 , Philippians 2:1-4 , John 15:9–17
Today’s Reflection
Last Sunday, as the clergy and altar party were scrambling to change out of vestments in preparation for the 10:15 formation offerings, one of the Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEMs) said, "Did you see what happened during the baptism?" I halted for a moment and looked at her quizzically. Serving as Katherine's assistant, I had been standing to the right of her as she baptized four-year old Leela Leverton. Was the LEM speaking of the sweet way her barely-older brother protectively positioned himself as Leela, adorned in a simple, beautiful dress, white shoes and bobby socks tentatively stepped on the stool in front of the font? Or, to the joy on the faces of the congregation as they leaned sideways and forward to get a better vantage point of the baptism? Was she referring to the beam of light that mystically appeared right after Katherine dipped her thumb in the anointing oil and proclaimed, "You are sealed by the Holy Spirit in baptism and marked as Christ's own forever?"
Eyes welling, the LEM said, "Her older brother was holding her hand almost the entire time. And, when their hands unclasped for just a moment, Leela reached behind and her brother immediately grabbed it."
Moments later, in the "Wholeness as a Path to Holiness" Adult Forum, our presenter Scott Stoner pointed out that secular research supports that people who are resilient have two things, "a strong spirituality and a strong community." In the conclusion of his presentation Scott astutely connected the baptism experience of Leela and her six-year old brother Dexter saying, "it's as simple as that folks, that's what a wellness ministry is, to hold each other's hands as we go through this journey we call life. So that we can be whole and we can be the people God created us to be. To hold each other's hands in community and to reach out our hands to hold the hands of those who are afraid those who are alone in our community as they go through (transitions/challenges) of life."
Today we celebrate the feast of St. Aelred of Rievaulx who is known for his commitment to, and theological writing about spiritual friendship. A description of St. Aelred says, "During his abbacy he built Rievaulx into a place of spiritual welcome and physical prosperity, desiring to make it a 'mother of mercy' to those in need."
In today's Gospel, Jesus says, "As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." Rooted in the Gospel, one of our baptismal promises is to "Seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourselves." St. Stephen's is already a place of spiritual welcome. And, we are wondering what new ways we are being invited in this time and in this place to hold one another's hand and love one another has Christ has loved us.
Led by Katherine Owens and myself, An Advisory Committee is forming with the intention of creating a center for spirituality and wholeness. All are invited to participate in a Listening Session on January 21st at 10:15 am to wonder together how we can join the Holy Spirit in co-creating the good works God has already begun.
Yours in Christ,
Mary Bea+
Questions for Self-Reflection:
When was a time you needed support and someone reached out to be Christ for you? What ways has being a part of the St. Stephen's community enhanced your physical, spiritual, emotional, vocational wellbeing? What kind of community are you yearning for?