“Prepare The Way of the Lord, Make His Paths Straight.”

From the Rector…

When I pray, so often what I need to do is to let go of my resistance to the work of God in me.  The words sometimes start out cold and distant, but bit by bit, I relax and imagine myself being open to God’s work in me, in us, looking for where Jesus is at work, now.  I pray that my initial resistance will become energy that is transformed for good, for God, and I can join into Jesus’ ministry more fully.

Will you hear the Advent prophet’s call to us again and again “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”  This path straightening work happens to us personally and communally.

Where is God trying to move but is blocked in you, in us? Where would you like a more direct experience of God acting? Make straight the pathways in you, in us.

This joining together of heaven and earth in a new way is the possibility of Advent. This past month we have had some very Advent, actions:  Hearing Gabriel Bol Deng speak of the obstacles he faced as a child escaping violence in Sudan, was a powerful, prophetic call.  Many of the mountains he is trying to move are moving—the building of a school that can educate girls and boys has required much faith and openness.

 Joining in with the joyful work of our social/outreach events: in the Wine-Tasting gala and Holiday Fair resulted in making a pathway for us to raise over $12,000 this fall for those in need. Thanks to Melinda Stoops and Judy Shaw who co-chaired the fair. It was a privilege to see Melinda’s determination to support the Natick Service Council and other companions in ministry. Thanks to Corinne Daniels for her coordination of the Wine-Tasting Gala, along with Beth Brady and Linda Burgoon and Julia Collin-Davison’s amazing food. These are path-straightening activities. Thank you. God is discovered more present because of your work.

Thanks to the new formation of the Friends of the Natick Housing Authority which is supported now in our parish by Mark St. Hillaire, Kristin Arnold, and Dick Perry among a whole team.  That 30 youth participated in youth retreats this past weekend was also an amazing path-straightening activity—I sensed they all grew in the joy that comes when we connect more deeply to God and each other.

My heart goes out to those living in tents at this moment, in the Occupy movements around the world, protesting our imbalanced economic policies that support increasing disparity and block pathways for God. My heart goes out to those seeking deeper dignity in the Arab uprisings. My heart goes out to those children who are struggling to have decent food or shelter.  My heart goes out to those in our parish who are struggling in any way.

Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight this Advent.

With Gratitude in Christ,

Jon+