DT 34.1-12, MT 22.34-46
Gathered Up to Go Home
Father David Wettstein
Autumn is getting serious now. We slid through most of October with gradual hints of change, but there is no denying autumn is serious. So comes the Triduum this weekend; All Hallows Eve on Friday, All Saints on Saturday and All Souls Sunday.
On these days we recall those who have gone before us. The saints, the souls of our beloved ones, and there is a sense of gratitude. It is a time to give thanks for all that these people did, endured and passed on to us that gives us sense of purpose, belonging and even in this time of dark chaos, hope. This season gathers up our spirits, directs us inwards, focuses up our priorities and loves; and points us home. And it all comes wrapped up in these beautiful colors of October.
Moses was standing on top of Pisgah in the OT story from today, we don’t know what season it was, but he was being pointed home. He looked out north and west, east and south and God shows him the Promised Land. This was not his home. He was going home to God; he had done all he could do. The years piled behind him still vigorous and clear eyed, the message came “you shall not cross over”.
Moses, you have done what I called you to do, the next generation is coming to carry on. Many have mused that this seems unfair of God, I mean after all he did all this and Moses doesn’t get to the Promised Land himself. Moses was living for others.
You can hear Moses words echo across the centuries into our own: “Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I am not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to the mountain. And I have seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we as a people, will get to the Promised Land.” ~MLK Memphis, April 3, 1968
When we get to that place in our life journey when we know we are forgiven and we are loved we bless others. That is our life’s work. For some it comes early like in the memory we have of MLK. For many of us it comes when our mistakes and our triumphs become one lesson on how to live in God. We become the true self. We focus. Old lessons become new. Things get cooked down to their essence and you know what is more true, more essential, more real. That is the gift of time, the turning of the seasons –
So, love God and your neighbor. They are one and the same. As our former Bishop Brian often blessed us – there is little time, no matter how much you think you have to love your neighbor, so get out and do it – now.
This is the week to the Triduum, to open our hearts to the saints and souls of our circle, those in heaven and those among us. It is a good season to gather up our blessings and give thanks. How can you not with such a riot of beauty we live in here. With Moses and Martin let us go to the mountain top and give and bless the generations to come trusting our way home. Read Steven Charleston And this is a good week because at its end you will welcome your rector home. Treat him gently for the first few days he is back. He too has seen the promised land of retirement. He has a long way to go…bless him as he returns to you.