My congregation is part of the United Church of Christ. We have a vision statement that is stated in unison at the beginning of each worship service; Offering Sanctuary To All in the Storms of Life. Today as I survey the sanctuary, I see faces of those whom I know and those of visitors. A microcosm of what lies beyond our doors; young and old, black and white, gay and straight...the physically and mentally challenged. They are all here and they are all welcomed.
This Sunday the Pastor's sermon was entitled "A Love That Does Not Die". In preparation for the delivery of his sermon, there was the reading of Psalm 36:5-10. Your steadfast love, O God, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your judgements are like the great deep; you save humans and animals alike, God. How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. O Continue your steadfast love of those who know you, and your salvation to the upright of heart! The reading was followed by discussion about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s vision for all people, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and catholics. We speculated about what Dr. King might say about the current affairs of today. We were called upon to offer thoughts on what he meant to us individually. In our sharing and reflection, I thought of the verses that had been read from Psalms. Dr. King embodied a steadfast love of mankind, faithful to the belief that we would all walk hand in hand, seeking the moral high ground, not looking to judge, he came and gave of himself unselfishly, for all!
Sometimes during a storm there is darkness, not unlike the trials and tribulations we experience in life's journey. The refuge God offers, gives us the opportunity to see the light in his light. The congregation sang Precious lord take my hand....through the storm, through the night lead me on to the light. The shadow of his wings ever protective, his assurance as our guiding light. Dr. King knew that the day would come, as darkness turns to light, so would the unjust come to be the upright of heart.
The soloist sang Didn't you love the things they stood for, didn't they try to find some good for you and me, Abraham, Martin and John.
Here we are from all walks of life, seeking spiritual nourishment to sustain us through this journey, called life. We look one to the other and reached out to take each others hand, creating a circle within the sanctuary. We sang; We'll walk hand in hand, we shall be free, we are not afraid, we are not alone. Dr. King said his eyes had seen the glory of the coming of the lord and we not only felt the Lord's presence today, but that of Dr. King as well! Revealing love!
Peace Be With You.
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