After the Fact -- Random Thoughts

I attended several worship services last week which left an impact on me.

Bill and I went to New York to St. Mary the Virgin near Times Square for a service in honor of the Feast of the Annunciation. The date had been changed because of our early Easter. The Presiding Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori, was the preacher and celebrant. Lots of priests were in attendance, some with collars and some without. It was a magnificent service with wonderful music, a good homily, and a beautiful setting. Bill counted about 60 candles on the altar. Some were so tall that acrobats must have lighted them. Hearing Bishop Jefferts Schori chant reminded me why it’s good that we don’t do much of that at St. John’s. I love hearing those who do it well and am pained when it is done badly. I don’t think the bishop is comfortable with chanting.

On Saturday I attended a funeral for a parishioner’s mom. I had never known her, but somehow I was quite moved by the service. I thought the Roman Catholic priest did a lovely job of emphasizing resurrection and of touching on the loss we all feel when our moms die and enter into new life away from us. I thought that some of the funerals I attend are proxies for the ones I am unable to attend – family members in California, friends in Oklahoma and elsewhere. A favorite teacher died a couple of weeks ago, and Saturday’s service allowed me to grieve for her and to give thanks for all she had taught me. After all, she prepared me for my very first public speech.