December 31, 2010

Brothers and Sisters,

As we come to the end of another year and stand on the cusp of another chance to begin again, I was struck by one line in particular in today’s gospel: 

From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace,

because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth

came through Jesus Christ (John 1:16). 

The image this verse awakens in me is an image of a completely full pitcher of water pouring itself into other pitchers even to the point of overflowing; and yet, even as the pitchers of water overflow into other pitchers, the pitcher that is the source of this water never runs dry.  The gift of Jesus pouring into our world and into our lives, love overflowing and pouring over the love we have already received.

It reminds me of one of my favorite lines from the psalms as well: 

The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky proclaims its builder's craft.  One day to the next conveys that message; one night to the next imparts that knowledge.There is no word or sound; no voice is heard; yet their report goes forth through all the earth, their message, to the ends of the world. God has pitched there a tent for the sun; it comes forth like a bridegroom from his chamber, and like an athlete joyfully runs its course. (Psalm 19:2-6).

These verses remind me that somehow whatever happens in any given day can be a part of God’s pouring “grace upon grace” upon us.  This eternal outpouring of love offers me growth into a future of greater freedom and authenticity.  The Psalmist seems to say that “not a single voice is heard” that cannot call us more deeply into God’s care and message.  God has “pitched a tent” not just somewhere else for the sun, but here in our midst through the person of Jesus.

While I know that not every voice, nor even every day, feels like some joyful acclamation of God’s presence—and for sure the holidays, at times, feel the least like God’s Kingdom with all of their stress and potential for drama—these words remind me that even in the hardest word or the darkest moment there lies the potential for new life.  Opportunity upon opportunity is offered to you and me (grace upon grace) that we might take a step into the “new and more abundant life” that Love offers us.  As we stand on the edge of another year, it is my hope that today, tomorrow and this year, will find us (me!) open to that fresh out-pouring of grace, even when it comes in a package that I don’t recognize or in a form that I have difficulty appreciating.

                                                                        May you be at peace,

Fr. Jeff