June, 2010 Doors, Altar, Heart
My sermon on March 7th was a reflection on my retirement. During the sermon, I mentioned that my first act as rector was to unlock the doors of the church proper. They have remained unlocked ever since. The doors are open to allow parishioners and non-parishioners access to the sacred space of God's unique presence. The Open Doors are also a sign of God's open heart to those who seek sanctuary and love. Our parish is inclusive, inviting all God's children to the Table.
My second act was to institute the daily celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Each day the life of the parish begins at the altar. We come to the altar to re-member ourselves, to hear the proclamation of the Gospel, to receive the Blessed Sacrament, and to go forth into the world living the love of God. Every day the parish life begins in Eucharistic Thanksgiving.
Following the opening of our doors and the institution of the daily Eucharist, I then began the pastoral ministry for which I was called. Each day I moved from the altar to my office, a second sanctuary, where pastoral ministry has been provided. Countless numbers of parishioners have come for pastoral care or spiritual direction. I have been fortunate to be able to offer pastoral presence on behalf of the parish to those in need. You, the parishioners, of Holy Comforter have made this ministry available to our members. You have also agreed to provide this ministry to those who are not members. Over the years, I kept a portion of my time available to those you and others refer. What a blessing it has been for me to have this ministry affirmed.
Pastoral ministry is essentially a ministry of the heart. It provides a safe, loving environment, free from judgment, with an active listening ear. As the late Carroll A. Wise said, "Pastoral Care is the art of communicating the inner meaning of the Gospel to persons at their point of need." That inner meaning is of the Gospel is love. Love challenges us; love forgive us; love transforms us; love redeems us; love ‘eternalizes' us.
My memories of our parish organize around doors, the altar, and matters of the heart. I recall the many souls I have seen in the church praying through the hours of the day and night, joyful and sorrowful, each seeking hope and comfort. I recall the many opportunities I have had to celebrate the Eucharist or be present for the Eucharist - hungry souls seeking the Bread of Life. I recall the numerous folks who have courageously entered our ‘second sanctuary' to open their souls to a priest yearning for peace, restoration, and grace.
We are rightly proud of our inclusion of all by our open doors. We are rightly proud of our Eucharistic Life which begins each day at the altar. And we are rightly proud of the ministry of the heart that has helped so many find the redemptive experience of love. What a joy this ministry has been.
