"For Good" **SERMON 25 July 2021**
“I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you.
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good.”
Those lyrics come from the hit musical Wicked. Galinda and Elphaba are the Good Witch of the North and the Wicked Witch of the West, respectively. In the song, “For Good,” the two share this poignant song about their relationship. Over the course of the play, the two come to realize that they are better people for having known each other. I can honestly say the same thing to you.
I am better for having known each one of you. Both personally and professionally, you have touched my life for the good. You are a part of me and my journey. Everywhere I go, you will go with me in my heart.
I have always tried my best to be a faithful priest and to let God’s love for you flow through me. I know that I have sometimes missed the mark. I ask for your forgiveness for those times when I have not lived up to my calling. If you fear that you have offended me or done something wrong towards me, please know that I forgive you.
A few words about this time of transition. After next Saturday, I will no longer be your priest. I will need to step aside and let your future clergy be your pastor and priest. I will miss you and it will be hard for me to not be in touch with you anymore. However, transition etiquette asks that I clear out my contacts and my FB friends.
I will not come back for weddings, baptisms, or funerals. If you really want me to preside over those type of ceremonies, please ask your new priest to reach out to me with an invitation. And then I will consider the invitation to come, but only as your former pastor and priest or to assist your current priest.
I also have some hopes for your future. I pray that you will be open & receptive to the knowledge and gifts of your next priest. I hope, as well, that you will be kind to them. This last year & a half have been tough on all of us personally, emotionally, spiritually, psychologically, and professionally. Be kind to yourself. Be kind to one another. Be kind to your next priest.
Times of transition can be full of anxiety and uncertainty. As Trinity~St. Paul’s enter this time of transition and discernment, I hope that you will remember the words on the cross behind the Altar. “The Lord shall provide.” God is faithful and God’s love endures for ever.
Finally, transitions can also be a time of growth and rebirth. While I understand the desire to return to “normal,” to what is familiar and comfortable, “normal” is an ever-changing reality. We cannot wave magic wand and return to what we consider a better time.
Instead, it is better to consider the following questions as Trinity moves forward:
1) What do we value most about our life together? What do we treasure and want to make sure we carry forward with us?
2) What customs, traditions, and ways of being were not life-giving? How can we let go of those so that we can experience new growth and new opportunities?
3) What is God doing in our midst? What new opportunities is God calling us to pursue?
The God of lavish abundance, who turned a few biscuits and sardines into meal for thousands, will be with you. The God incarnate who walked across the waters to His companions will be with you. My heartfelt prayers, my sincerest best wishes, and my deepest love with be with you as well.