Listening for the Voices that Lead to New Life

“O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” — Collect for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

One of the reasons I love the image of the Good Shepherd is that it automatically makes us remember the herd. Our life in community is one of the sustaining practices we use to listen for who God is and what we are being called to do in the world. Whether it is in worship, a small group setting, or during a moment of fellowship, we are each reflecting the light of Christ back to one another. The more we accept this, the more we see that light and hear the voice of the Risen One calling us forth as disciples. We are nourished by those who uphold us in the Body of Christ, so we can then be sent forth and offer that to all we meet.

This Sunday is one of my favorites of the year. We will hear from several of our graduating high school seniors at the 10:30 am service as they reflect on the way St. Mark’s has formed them. It is always touching and inspiring to see our community life reflected back to us as they enter a new season of their lives. It is also a good time to remind them that we will joyfully welcome them back during school vacations (another regular highlight of my year!). 

We often don’t know the ways in which our community life has formed us until we have some distance. I received a lovely letter this week from Karen Snyder, whom some of you might remember her from her time at St. Mark’s. She’s currently preparing for the diaconate. Given that our diocese is preparing for this to be a part of our life, it seems timely to share her letter with the whole community. It is a window into the everyday life we share that manifests so many of God’s blessings.

Continued Easter Blessings!

Peace, Beth +