From the
Rector’s Desk
October,
2001
While all America has been watching the news, waiting for reports about Afghanistan and Anthrax, many of us have been watching just as intently for signs of another possible development. We watch and wonder whether America is on the verge of a genuine and significant spiritual awakening. Never have we seen so much theological reflection in the editorial pages of major newspapers. Never have we seen so much reporting about religious activity. Never have we heard the words “God” and “prayer” used so frequently and regularly in the media. Never have we heard so many people say, “The events of September 11 have caused us to rethink our lives.” Never have I heard so much talk about a spiritual awakening in our lifetime.
This week, while I was thinking about this, my big, old dog Cassie, lying at my feet, began snoring. When the snoring grew so loud as to interrupt my thinking, I began shoving her with my foot, and calling out, “Cassie! Wake up!” She stirred, looked up at me, grunted, changed position -- and then went back to sleep. Moments later, she resumed snoring. Typically, she stirred, but did not actually awaken. In the end, nothing of significance had really changed.
This is the challenge ahead. My fear is that America has been stirred – but that once we have changed position, dealt with the dangers at hand, rearranged our policies and programs, we will eventually go back to sleep. Our snoring will resume. I fear that no genuine, significant spiritual awakening will follow. Our challenge as Christians is to bring some good and light into the evil and dark events that fell on our fellow citizens. The evil that fell upon us cannot be undone, -- but it can be redeemed. Our challenge is to shake ourselves awake. To arise from our slumber. And to awaken our friends and family with us. We already know the hope for the world. It is time to make that hope known to all!
Arise, shine for your light has
come
And the glory of the Lord has dawned upon you.
For behold, darkness covers the
land;
Deep gloom enshrouds the peoples.
But over you the Lord will rise,
And his glory will appear to you.
Nations will stream to your
light,
And kings to the brightness of your dawning. (Isaiah 60.1-3, BCP Canticle 11)
This is the challenge before us. Arise! Shine! God will enlighten this sad and scary world by shining his light into every dark corner… beginning with us… shining on us and in us and through us… shining into our families… lighting the faces of our friends… blazing brightly in our community. Come, let us not just stir, change position and then go back to sleep. Let us arise! The time is now.
The Lord be with you!