Fr Ben Garren

Dear Siblings in Christ,

This morning youth from across the diocese are gathering at the Rock Chapel to pray a simplified office amidst our Summer Camp program. Every day they are exploring scripture about the importance of names. Today they will hear the story of John the Baptist’s birth and the controversy that ensued when he was not named after his father, Zechariah. The lesson they are learning is an important one to reflect on throughout our lives.

The expectation is that Elizabeth’s first son would be named Zachariah after his father and be raised to be a priest at the temple just like his father. Neither of these expectations are bad in themselves. It is a beautiful thing to have names shared across generations in a family. It is an honor to serve as a priest for a community. The question is whether we create space amidst our expectations for something else to be nourished.

The community is scandalized when Elizabeth says that her child is not to be named after his father but instead have the name John. In disbelief the community goes to Zechariah to confirm this departure from tradition… which he does. Suddenly a miraculous child that was expected to be named Zechariah and be a priest in the temple is set on a different trajectory. Now he will be named John and serve as a prophet in the desert. Space was made for something else to be nourished, for a vocation of the heart that defied expectations to blossom. 

Later in the day our youth will gather for Praxis, where they are encouraged to reflect on the lesson with conversation and activities. Today’s activity will include providing them two popsicle sticks they can draw and write on in a way that represents things they hope God will nourish in their lives. They will then wrap those popsicle sticks with yarn in a pattern often called a “God’s Eye” as they pray for God’s love to surround them, watch over them, and be with them as their gifts are nourished and they engage the expectations the world has for them.

You may not have time today to find some popsicle sticks and yarn but in the next few minutes you could reflect upon what gifts you are hoping God will nourish in your life. You can imagine cords of God’s love surrounding your gifts and guarding you as you explore your vocations and callings. Take the time to know that God is with you amidst whatever expectations are placed upon you this day… alongside our diocesan youth. 
As you end your time of reflection with this letter, please take a moment to pray for our youth, our camp counselors, and program staff up at Chapel Rock and that they will have a week filled with God’s love and the joy of Camp.
Pax, 
Fr Ben

P.S. Registration is still open for the last two weeks of camp!