A Letter from Lindy Jan 18
Hello Pilgrims,
I’m sure I am not the only Pilgrim struggling this week with the dissonance of citizens across our country being harmed by our government for protesting, while the same administration threatens other nations for doing the very same. It is a challenge, Dee Salistad noted in her invitation through the “active pilgrim group,” to grasp hold of hopefulness in the midst of such events seemingly unfolding more and more often. She shared one idea to push against.
Hannah asked me about another way that I’m guessing others have gravitated toward– tracking the monks’ walk for peace. To her question, I shared that yes, I too have incorporated viewing daily videos of their progress in each city as part of my morning prayer. What I also confessed was that the videos actually bring unexpected tears to my eyes. The monk’s impact on those who gather streetside with flowers. The humility of the walkers. Aloka, the peace dog. Need I say more? If I scroll more than two, then I’m a blubbering mess–which is how I found myself this morning, clinging to peace in our streets. The monk who I assume to be the abbot is often recorded inviting the gathered to recognize “this moment of peace. To feel its energy as they stand together.” He goes on to share that the monks’ purpose is not to create just a moment, but for that moment to turn into a day, a week, a month, a year…of peace. Something we can all pray for.
At Clergy Caucus this week, our “rounds” which doubled as our theological reflection touched on this theme of sustenance as well. We were asked to answer the question of what was saving our life these days? Like my fellow clergy, I would love us to name and claim the ways in which we are finding hope and joy amidst. There were common threads woven throughout the clergy responses–family, community, play, exercise, faith–giving sustenance to our journey. I’m curious what you might add to this list that we could share with each other. Ideas to add to what we are already doing. As we live into the practices of any and all, I believe we will 1) feel their life-giving energy and 2) perhaps our daily practice will turn into weekly, monthly, yearly nurture and nourishment for the work before us. One “practice” to put on your calendars is a Peace Vigil being planned through DCIA for February 19. I’ve just gotten off the initial planning call, so I have nothing more than the date. Although suggested as a date that marks the Executive Order leading to Japanese American Internment, as well as marking a key date in Archbishop Oscar Romero prophetic appeal for peace, it also signifies, for Christians, the beginning of our Lenten journey, as we wash the glitter/ash from our foreheads. Beginning the season of Lent with a lament for peace feels God inspired.
For now, I leave you with a timely re-wording of a hymn that sings to this moment, gifted to us by Betty Curtis from a Christmount friend:
………..to the tune of Finlandia (Be Still My Soul)
O God of love, this is a time of turning–
a time of change with conflict in the news.
For in our land, some mighty winds are churning:
O God of all, you call us all to choose.
O God of peace, we hear your gracious promise:
May we stand firm for truth and peace and justice;
May we leave fear and hatred far behind.
May we sing out, and--singing---be a witness,
And show resolve to work for what is kind.
O God of all, of immigrant and neighbor, of those in power–
and of the the refugee,
You give us all our common life and labor—
our common hope, the peace we long to see.
God may we turn and be made strong together.
May we seek justice, love and unity.
O God of love, have mercy on your churches;
Take from our hearts our paralyzing fear.
Give us new faith! Make us courageous workers.
Help us to labor on from year to year.
When other voices call out to distract us,
May we choose well and seek your kingdom here.
Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
grace and peace,
Pastor Lindy
(she/her) why pronouns matter