Sacred Memory Series: Ever-Present Spirit
Cheryl Davis of Fairbanks, AK, USA
As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. -Colossians 3:12-15
I was honored to attend my 11-year-old granddaughter’s first Communion. Not being Catholic, I felt awkward with all the sitting, standing, kneeling, and prayer responses. These were not what I grew up with. As I entered the church that Sunday morning, I was greeted with “Grandma” and a big hug from my four-year-old granddaughter Kadence. She guided me to the family, announced my presence, and went back to handing out programs.
Father Kasparaj Mallavarapu, whose accent is quite strong, seemed easy to understand that morning as he prepared these thirteen individuals to partake. They had all been baptized, taken the required curriculum, gone to confession; they were now were ready to partake of the body and blood of Christ. As I listened and filtered through the doctrine, Father Kaspar spoke. I was impressed with the love he held for these little ones and by the congregation, who obviously upheld and loved these children as well. A true family, sharing with one another in an atmosphere impregnated with warmth, understanding, love, and respect.
I really have no sense of how many people were in that sanctuary that Sunday morning, but I can tell you that the Spirit of God was-and it deeply touched my heart as I watched not only my granddaughter Kendall but twelve other children partake of the emblems for the first time. I rose with my family and allowed Father to bless me as he served communion to others. I realized in that moment that God is wherever we seek him. I need not be in a service of Community of Christ. I do not have to know the protocol of another faith community. I do not have to understand every word of the liturgy. I only have to allow my heart to be open to the Spirit that fills every breath I take. God does not discriminate. God lives in and through every individual and in and through all time and space. May we open our hearts to that ever-present spirit of love.
Prayer Phrase
“Remember the long way that the Lord your God has led you…” (Deuteronomy 8:2).
Spiritual Practice
Sacred Memory
Spend time journaling or reflecting on significant memories that have shaped your life. Allow the following questions to guide you: What memories from your life impact how you encounter and respond to the world around you today? When has sacred memory in you become a path into the future?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
