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I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord."
[Psalm 122:1]
I am back home after an eight-day sojourn along the Guatemala-Mexico border as part of an international observation mission on human rights. I plan to reflect extensively on this experience in my blog (
Walking Together in Faith
) over the next several days. It was, to say the least, a transformational encounter.
Speaking of my blog, I have also committed myself throughout Advent, to reflect on the daily lectionary readings as I attempted to do during Lent. There will undoubtedly be some gaps depending to my schedule, but I invite you to travel this journey with me. We'll begin November 27, the First Sunday of Advent. The daily readings can be found in the Evangelical L
utheran Worship
hymnal pew edition, beginning on page 1121 or online: http://www.elca.org/Our-Work/Congregations-and-Synods/Worship/Lectionary/YearA.
Anyone who doesn't already use some form of daily devotion may find the practice helpful, comforting, and a way of directing or centering your day. I would encourage you to consider it.
The rest of this space will be taken up by my guest muse, the Rev. Terrance Jacob. With his permission, I am republishing a recent Facebook post of his which I found intriguing in that, as I read it, it moved me to contemplate the complexities of our life as we live into this new post-election reality.
Thanksgiving blessings to you!
******
I had church at Suzie's Diner where I had brunch in-between going to my church and going to a meeting of a church that's closing down.
I saw two senior Vets across from me. I waved at them and they at me. I heard people speaking excitedly about Mr. Trump's election. I heard an older woman say she was angry with Trump...he should have chosen a woman for VP. Someone else was talking about her investments. A youth was happily wiping off tables and we smiled at each other. Two middle aged white women were talking approvingly about a marriage in their family between two recent immigrants - one Irish-American and one "Hispanic-American".
My order was wrong and the waitress was very apologetic. I said that it was okay and not her fault. She brought me a new meal and said that the check was taken care of. I said she did not need to do that.
A few minutes later, the two Army Veterans left and as they passed me I reached out my hand and shook theirs, thanking them for their service. The second Vet said, "And thank you for yours!" I thanked him half dismissing his praise. I was wearing my clerical collar. They left with my warm wishes.
A while later, I asked the waitress for my check. She said that she had told me it was taken care of. I said that I hoped it was not by her. She said it was someone in the restaurant - one of the two Vets! They chose to settle my check, even before I had thanked them - so I take no credit.
Yes, I was in church at Suzie's. Praise Jesus even if no one pays your bill. (I left a big tip.)
******
Thank you, Pastor Jacob.
+ Bishop Abraham Allende
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