For nearly a year I have been walking around with a little book of poetry in my bag called “How to Love the World: Poems of Gratitude and Hope” edited by James Crews. Almost daily I have found myself taking refuge in this sanctuary of words. My heart, mind, and body opened by the soothing reflections that center hope, joy, and gratitude as the world moved through another painful season. A difficult year broke its spine, and the pages are smudged by my eager and searching fingers. As if the right poem, at the right time, would unlock the mysteries of living in such a way all the suffering would make sense.
It arrived just as the world was acclimating to the hope, and relief, that a Covid 19 vaccine might provide, a hope that soon faded. I found comfort in Ross Gay’s invitation to create the world with our witnessing, he writes, “witnessing how we are loved and how we love makes the world”. Witnessing is a radical act of hope – it suggests that there is love, joy, and connection alive in our lives, alive in the world even when it feels far away or is disappeared by tragedy. Witnessing love is a celebration of life. Maybe this is the key, or a key, to keep handy. Maybe we tie it to a string, hide it under a rock, or give it to a friend to keep safe for us in case we lose the way.
Last Sunday, I invited us to widen our gaze of the Christmas story and explore the relationship between Elizabeth and Mary as a holy family, as sister friends who were revolutionaries and world changers. For me, this is where the Christmas story begins, with Mary’s visit to Elizabeth and witnessing their joy in the presence of each other. Mary sings the Magnificat to Elizabeth and casts open an imagination of a world of justice. Sadly, due to a technical kerfuffle, most of this talk wasn’t audible and we were all reminded how wonderfully imperfect life can be! Perhaps next Christmas I will revisit this sermon and offer it again.
Until then, may our hearts leap with joy in the presence of each other!
This coming Sunday we will gather for the first time in 22 months in our building at 170 Dundurn. We will celebrate the JOY of life and hold gratitude for the gifts of community. Join at 10:30 am – perhaps arrive a bit early and avoid the queues. If you have not already, be sure to submit proof of double vaccination to vaccination@uuhamilton.ca.
In the months ahead I invite you to visit this page for reflections, meditations, and updates on Interim Ministry. You can reach me at jamie@uuhamilton.ca.