REAPING WITH JOY

Dear Friends in Christ:

Every morning I receive an e-mail that tells about the birthdays and anniversaries that will be celebrated that day by Bishops and General Convention Deputies. If I know someone on the list, I will send off an e-mail greeting. On Sunday, November 9 I sent anniversary greetings to Bishop Jeffrey Rowthorn and his wife Anne. I have never met the Rowthorns, but his hymn, "Lord, you give the great commission," has been one of my favorites since it was introduced in The Hymnal 1982, and I have long admired the work that she has done in equipping lay people for ministry in the world.

I often get responses to my e-mail greetings, but Bishop Rowthorn's response was unusual. He asked me why I had the quote from Psalm 126 - "Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy." - as part of my signature file at the bottom of my e-mail. I sent the Bishop a fairly long response, sharing how that verse had spoken to me powerfully during some very difficult times and how I had been led to choose that verse as a word for this congregation when I came here two years ago during a time that had been difficult for all of us. That verse has continued to speak to me, as I hope it has to others in the parish, reminding us that while tears are an inevitable part of our life, God has promised us joy.

Even as we celebrate Advent and look forward to our celebration of Christmas, there are many reasons for tears. Members of the American and British forces in Iraq and Iraqi civilians are dying as the war continues. There is continued violence in the land where Jesus was born. Much closer to home, there is pain among Episcopalians and other Anglicans over the fractures in our communion with one another. And, as is always true, we have neighbors and friends who will be experiencing their first Christmas after the death of a loved one. There are many reasons for tears this year, as there have been since the first Christmas, and God calls us to "weep with those who weep," (Romans 12:15) not turning away from the sorrows of our friends and neighbors.

But there is also reason for joy. God has not turned away from us and has chosen to share our human experience of joy and sorrow and suffering and celebration in the Incarnation. In Jesus we meet Emmanuel, the one who is God with us. In Christ our human life is being drawn by love into the divine life, into the very heart of God. The sorrow and tears aren't gone, at least not this side of heaven, but God's loving presence brings joy in the midst of our tears.

Expect joy in this blessed season. Look for it. Share it. Celebrate it.

Your brother and priest,

Daniel