Weekly Reflection - 9/12/2023

St. Mary's Reflection: The Rev. David Erickson

Oh What a Mess!! Grace in all Life’s Circumstances

‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’

Matthew 11:28-29

Monday morning, on his day off, Eric Choate sent me a text informing me there was a water main break in Cow Hollow. When I responded “where?” he texted, “Union and Steiner.” I quickly got in the car to get to church and see what damage had been done.

Thankfully, St. Mary’s property was unscathed. Other business downhill, however, were flooded. Rose’s Café was closed. There was a pile of dirt in the intersection. Workers were sweeping debris off sidewalks.

While we were lucky this time, the truth is that life will get messy at times. There is no such thing as a life without trouble, hardship, uncertainty, and sorrow. This is a part of what it means to be human, to be fully alive.

The tragedy is when we don’t have any place to share those troubles, to mourn those sorrows, to lean on others during hardships and uncertainties. Jesus invites us to go to Him with all of this, all of our lives, and He will teach us the most excellent way.

St. Mary’s is a place where we can bring all of ourselves, all the joys and all the sorrows, all the celebrations and the sadness. Jesus Christ is among us, at the corner of Union and Steiner, offering us grace and peace. Not instead of all mess of our lives, but in all of it, and through all of it. Christ is with us, as promised, even when, especially when, things get messy!!

The Rev. David Erickson