2/1/15
Today we gathered for the annual Thanksgiving service. There were thousands of people--some of whom travelled eight or more hours to be here. The procession is always led by dancers--men and women from the remote parts of the diocese with tribal costumes. It's not George Herbert but it is holy.
I felt as if this gathering was a glimpse of Pentecost---visitors from New Zealand, Austrialia, England and, of course, the USA--South Carolina and North Carolina. I was the celebrant and although this was the liturgy of the Church of North India, it was our liturgy.
When you say "The Body and Blood of Christ" five hundred times, something happens. It becomes a breath prayer and we know once more that the love and grace of Jesus is beyond our capacity to understand or to diminish.
The time change remains a challenge. I've discovered what a good time 4:30 am is for writing and thinking but it would be okay with me if my body would get on Indian time.
I can tell the visit is already too short--too many old friends to see and places to go. However, my sense of what it means to be companions has been renewed.
+Porter
Today we gathered for the annual Thanksgiving service. There were thousands of people--some of whom travelled eight or more hours to be here. The procession is always led by dancers--men and women from the remote parts of the diocese with tribal costumes. It's not George Herbert but it is holy.
I felt as if this gathering was a glimpse of Pentecost---visitors from New Zealand, Austrialia, England and, of course, the USA--South Carolina and North Carolina. I was the celebrant and although this was the liturgy of the Church of North India, it was our liturgy.
When you say "The Body and Blood of Christ" five hundred times, something happens. It becomes a breath prayer and we know once more that the love and grace of Jesus is beyond our capacity to understand or to diminish.
The time change remains a challenge. I've discovered what a good time 4:30 am is for writing and thinking but it would be okay with me if my body would get on Indian time.
I can tell the visit is already too short--too many old friends to see and places to go. However, my sense of what it means to be companions has been renewed.
+Porter
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