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September 26th.
2007
HOLY MOMENT
There really is no way of
predicting it. Sure, there are certain situations, certain circumstances
that “traditionally” if it’s going to happen would be a possible time
that it might. But there are no guarantees and there is no manipulation
that can ensure it will in fact happen. And the simple reason this is
true is because it is all based on God’s grace and those present open to
that grace.
It is what my long time spiritual director and I talk about as a “Holy
moment.” It is that sometimes overwhelming, sometimes subtle experience
of God’s presence in the moment.
By God’s grace I was blessed last week to be a part of two separate
experiences of Holy moments. The first was in the hospital with Winifred
and Clarence Jacobson saying prayers the night before Clarence died.
Their enduring love for each other and constant gratefulness for the
blessings of their lives, even amidst very trying times, manifested
God’s grace.
The second wonderful moment of God’s grace was at “young Sam” Buzby and
Heather Gwynn’s wedding on Saturday. I have known Sam as well as his
family since he was a fourth grade camper. Sam has always been a “big
kid” but it’s no match for how big his heart is. Heather and Sam are
high school sweethearts, and I have been blessed to share part of their
journey with them.
As they stood amidst the beauty of Beacon Hill embracing each other and
exchanging vows, God’s loving grace was abundantly present.
Unquestionably, these two embodied the words from Paul’s first letter to
the Corinthians: faith, hope and love.
It truly is a blessing to be present in these Holy moments. Ironically,
they also frankly provide a challenge for all the other less than Holy
moments. Those moments that Paul also talked about such as jealousy,
pettiness, etcetera. The reality is when you have breathed such “fresh
air” it’s hard to adjust to the “smog.”
And yet, in the end that’s what the Lord is calling us to. We are to let
go of those less than Holy moments so that we may be truly open to the
possibility of God’s grace.
Blessings,
The Rev. Brian N. Prior, Rector
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