This Week from Caitlyn

Dear Siblings in Christ,

Our New Testament reading for this Sunday from the Letter of Hebrews begins, "Let mutual love continue." We don't know exactly who wrote this letter or sermon, or to whom it was written. We think that it was probably written by one of Paul's co-ministers, and we think it was written to a community (likely Rome) that needed encouragement during a difficult time where members were arrested, property was seized by the emperor, and folks felt afraid. What we do know is that its truth, its beauty, and its comfort have rung true for all Christians in all churches ever since. We turn to these comforting words. It remains a favorite. 

Let mutual love continue (NRSV translation). Keep loving each other like family (CEB translation). While sitting here at my desk to write this, my phone has felt like it's blowing up. Ping! News notifications about investigations into the most recent school shooting. Ping! A statement from the Minnesota Episcopal bishop. Ping! A parishioner who was in the hospital for a long time finally got home. Ping! A meal train sign-up went out in a fellowship group in our church app. Ping! Kits are being put together in the sacristy to take communion to three different people on Sunday. Ping! Investigations into the recent CDC shooting. Ping! Another parishioner is released to rehab following surgery. Ping! Taylor Swift got engaged. Ping! "Stewardship Committee meeting is starting, we've got such an amazing team." Ping! Our parish nurse updating us on a visit. Ping! A fellowship group organized a potluck together with themselves. Ping! Another RSVP for the Welcome Dinner. Ping! A picture of one of our toddlers reading her bedtime book about communion, and pointing at the illustrations, "That's Mitch. And that's Mother Caitlyn." Ping! An update from the Bishop of Jerusalem and the Anglican Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza. Ping! Volunteers are bringing their food for Safe Space dinner - this week the youth asked for grandma-style casseroles so the food felt extra homey. 

I don't know who the letter of the Hebrews was written to, but I know I often feel buffeted about, or afraid, or stressed, or angry, or conflicted on any given day. I know that the same words written in chapter 4 to encourage and comfort them encourage and comfort me too, "We don't have a high priest, [Jesus], who can't sympathize with our weaknesses...so let us draw near to his throne of favor with confidence so that we can receive mercy and find grace when we need help." Our reading this Sunday goes on to say that through Jesus, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, because that's what Jesus-people do. And how? "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have." I've sat here this week and watched a world buffeted about, and the mutual love continuing in this big church family. Jesus sees us and aches with us when we ache, mourns with us when we mourn, rejoices with us when we rejoice. Our best show of praise and gratitude for him is to mimic his love, share his love, continue in his love. I've watched a great many of you do just that this week. If you find yourself struggling to see grace or hope this week, I invite you to choose a ministry of love in this place. Everyone here ought to do it, because it's what Jesus-people like us do. And it's how we "confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper, and I won't be afraid.'"

In Christ,

Caitlyn