A joyous congregation gathers after the Easter mass for fellowship. The Rev. Fowlkes, Priest-consultant, seated right. Ms. Laura Mills, Warden for Finance, seated left front. Mr. Ben Farnandis, Warden for Operations, standing left. Daniel Hoffman "monastic in residence" for Holy Week seated center. The Easter service at the Church of the Holy Cross (Episcopal) in Chicago began with the lighting of the Paschal candlle and the words: The light of Christ. The people responded: Thanks be to God. Two more times these words were intoned solemnly and slowly by liturgist and congregation. The Paschal candle made its way to the front of the podium to one side of the alter where its light flickered gently and beautifully. It was cold outside--a Great Lakes cold. But it was also sunny and the shafts of amber light made the wonderful 1960s nave aglow--yes, the light of Christ! And this in a city that is struggling with unprecedented gun violence and social issues (the announcement was made just days before about the closing of more than twenty public primary schools). And yet . . . And yet, this small congregation announced with assurance and joy that Christ lives. It was a radiant moment following the darkness of Holy Week and the long forty days and forty nights of Lent. After a full week of fellowship and prayer with this congregation as monastic-in-residence, I rejoiced in the wisdom and stability of faith of the members and the vision of their priest-consultant.. Celebrating the resurrection in Morgan Park was a gift to me that I will not soon forgot. Easter joy! Yes, indeed, the light of Christ! I returned to Indianapolis thinking that the light of Christ and the hope of the world may reside in small groups of persons who generate energy and goodness as they carry the Paschal light into their world.
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March 2023
AuthorDan Hoffman is an Indianapolis USA based spiritual director, supervisor of spiritual directors, and workshop/retreat leader. This occasional blog discusses things he is thinking about and wants to share. Comments are always welcome. |