The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow me.’ Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.’ Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’ When Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards him, he said of him, ‘Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!’ Nathanael asked him, ‘Where did you come to know me?’ Jesus answered, ‘I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.’ Nathanael replied, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.’ And he said to him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.’ John 1:43-57
Today we set out late morning to enjoy several pilgrimages. While other bishops were cramming into buses and going to Lambeth Palace, we made alternative plans. First, we went to St. George's Church, Gravesend and had a visit with Matoaka or Pocahontas. Her memorial marks the place of her death at the age of 22. The area is lush with trees and we could sit on shady benches and reflect on her life and her many sacrifices. Then we went on to St. Mary the Virgin Church in Turville, founded in 1200s and the site of a fictitious vicar who charmed the world. Again, a garden place of trees and graves. Both holy places, reminding us of God's abiding love for us all. Places where God finds us, among the cover of the trees.
Wondrous Creator, you brought us here
to witness your love in many languages
see your presence on many different faces
and to renew us as one diverse family.
Give us humility to know our limitations
give us voices that seek forgiveness
let reconciliation and love be the agenda
and let us remember those who forged paths
so that we might be known and loved by you. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment