Strengthen the Faithful

09Dec
I have hated the company of evildoers; 
I will not sit down with the wicked.

I will wash my hands in innocence, O Lord, 
that I may go in procession round your altar,

Singing aloud a song of thanksgiving 
and recounting all your wonderful deeds.

Lord, I love the house in which you dwell 
and the place where your glory abides.

Do not sweep me away with sinners, 
nor my life with those who thirst for blood,

Whose hands are full of evil plots, 
and their right hand full of bribes. 
-Psalm 26:5-10


As a girl who has grown up with Trinity as a constant factor, I have grown to love it like a home. The verse, “Lord, I love the house in which you dwell,” immediately reminds me of Trinity. I have been going to church here since I was a baby and also went to school here for ten years. There were many years of my life where I have been at Trinity in some way six days a week. 


Now, I go to a Catholic school and attend their Mass. I love the community of my school and everything about it, however, sometimes I miss the familiar hymns and prayers with which I was raised. God, as we are reminded in these verses, creates places to love him and praise him in thanksgiving. I have learned to not take for granted the familiarities of the Episcopal church in my life now that I am not there on a daily basis. I believe God can be found in every place. Sometimes we just need to find a place where we truly feel his presence. and these verses specifically encourage us to find joy and thanksgiving there. For some people this may be just one place or may be many. Trinity for me has always felt like family, maybe because when I am there, I am surrounded by my siblings, parents, and friends. 


I have had many moments with God in Trinity’s sanctuary that I will remember forever. Some moments may not have even been my best, but, when you are there so much, not all of them can be. I feel it is important for us to remember that in a space we call home not everything has to be perfect. There will be times that it feels hard, for example for the funeral of a loved one. In those times of darkness, we can remember that darkness won’t remain, and we can look forward to the next service or Sunday with joy and light radiating through our blessed Trinity. 


Musical Reflection - Come All Who are Weary - The Porter's Gate

 



Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


-BCP p.817

StrengthAdvent

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