Edina Hall

Children of God,

In a recent discussion with a friend, they described an inner voice that kept telling them that they were not enough. Not in a pathological or overtly dangerous way but a small voice adding a little extra stress to be “better”. They bemoaned the fact that sometimes religions/churches and their language feed this small voice.

And, I think they are sometimes right.

The Prayer of Humble Access:

“We do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful 
Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold 
and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather 
up the crumbs under thy Table.” (BCP, pg. 337) 

The Confession:

“We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, 
which we from time to time most grievously have committed, 
by thought, word, and deed, against thy divine Majesty, 
provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us. 
We do earnestly repent, 
and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; 
the remembrance of them is grievous unto us, 
the burden of them is intolerable.” (BCP, Rite 1, pg 331) 

Mea culpa, Mea culpa, Mea cupla.

The readings today, however, remind me of the JOY that it is to be followers of Jesus.

Mary: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:47)

Isaiah: “I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God…” (Isaiah 61:10)

David: “Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.” (Psalm 34:3) 

In a world full of seriousness from ourselves and others, how can we access that joy? Thomas Aquinas and Deitrich Boenhoffer would agree that our lives need not be an exercise in denial or seriousness.

Maybe we should play more with God. Laugh more with the Holy Spirit. Tap into the child Jesus was.

What might that look like?

I look no further that summer camp at Chapel Rock and take cues from our children and youth.

Create—freely and messily. 

Join a group in games (be on the lookout for fellowship nights at Saint Philip’s like this summer’s game nights).

Belly laugh and dance.

Find what helps you let go, play with the Trinity and fill you with joy.  

Come Holy Spirit, fill me with your playful presence,

—Edina