Today is Our Lady of Guadalupe for our Hispanic brothers and sisters. As I chose to postpone today's Brigid's Breakfast, I drove to the church to post signs and change the voicemail message. On the way I saw the fleet of cars parked all around Ascension RC Church, where the customary dawn Mass and Mananitas for OL of G was celebrated. I am glad she looked after her children and her Misa, at least today and here.
The Canticle "suggested" for Morning Prayer in the BCP is the so-called "Song of the Three Young Men" (BCP 88) One man I respect called this the "song of the actual", as all creation is named and called upon to join in the general chorus, "glorify the Lord." Seems particularly apt today, as Advent waiting and openness, expectancy and quiet is forced upon us when the news channels hum excitedly with a "weather event" and unnecessary travel and restlessness ceases. Church-folk are part of the general agitation--there are things to do always, usually good things, but lots of things nonetheless. It can be a good thing to be compelled, as far as our professions permit, to pause and hear even briefly the song of creation in ourselves and in the world around us.
So we pause, breathe a prayer for those who must travel as well as for those who are without shelter, and welcome just a moment of quiet into our souls. Quiet, in which, without any effort or agitation on our part, the silent Word comes to birth in darkness and in secret, be we man or woman, old or young. Quiet, in which we need do nothing, move nothing, achieve nothing, save make room for the silent One who was born and who is constantly re-born in receptive hearts and in the forgotten places of our world.
Creation can be trusted to keep watch and to sing praise--"glorify the Lord." Pause and we too can hear.
If we continue to be icy, re-check this 'blog for updates. Stay safe.
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