Leaving the Crowd
This morning was bitter sweet. I presided at my last Word and Communion Service (W&CS) combined with Morning Prayer (Liturgy of the Hours) at St Joseph church, St Joseph. It was much calmer than the 5 W&CS services saying ‘Hasta Luego’ I presided at over the weekend. As I looked at the familiar friendly faces from the altar my mind ran on a line from this week’s Gospel Mark 4: 36 ‘Leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat just as he was’.
The serenity of this final service allowed me to reflect deeply on my journey with the community of St Joseph. The faces looking back at me were not just congregants but cherished companions in faith, each one embodying the spirit of our shared worship and fellowship. The Gospel reminded me of the times we navigated the challenges of life together, finding strength in our unity and faith.
The word 'crowd' may sound impersonal, but I am sure among the people seeing Jesus depart on the boat there were many that had formed a bond of friendship with him. Leaving others is never easy, especially when those bonds have been strengthened by shared experiences, prayers, and mutual support. As I bid farewell to this beloved community, I am reminded that, like Jesus and his disciples, we too must sometimes move on, carrying with us the love and lessons from our time together.
Probably you too are experiencing change. You too have to move on from a chapter in your life. If so, please remember, as I try to, that departure is not an end but a continuation of our journey in faith, knowing that the connections we have made will always remain a part of us, guiding and supporting us no matter where we go.
Jesus was taken into the boat 'just as he was'. We also find ourselves taken by Jesus' disciples into a boat just as we are. We enter the boat with all our strengths and weaknesses, hopes and fears, trusting that we will be accepted and guided on our journey. In this shared vessel of faith, there is no need for pretense or perfection; rather, we are embraced in our authenticity.
We are assured that the 'crowd left behind' are not orphans but have with them the spirit of our time together, a spirit that will continue to nurture and sustain them. The bonds we've formed and the memories we've created will serve as a source of strength and inspiration. Our shared experiences, prayers, and acts of kindness have woven a tapestry of faith that each person carries with them.
Even as we depart physically, the essence of our fellowship remains, guiding and comforting those who stay behind. This enduring presence is a testament to the impact we've had on each other's lives, a reminder that our community transcends physical proximity. The love and support we have fostered will continue to flourish, ensuring that no one is truly alone, and that our collective spirit endures, lighting the way forward for all.
As we board the boat to embark on the next chapter of our spiritual journey, we carry with us the warmth and love of this community, grateful for the moments we have shared and the lessons we have learned together.
NOTICE BOARD
Friends, I invite you to join me in my Benedictine Spirituality program where we will journey together growing our spirituality St. Benedict style. St Benedict teaches us to Pray, Work and Study. I hope to use this formula in my new post as Deacon and Administrator and it will be good if we can share together how we can combine these three pillars in our daily lives. Click on the link below to join