My wife just left me a very sweet card on the computer - today is the 20th anniversary of my ordination. I can't believe that it has been so long. Many things to look back on in those years and plead for God's mercy and forgiveness. Many thanks to God that the ministry depends not upon the holiness or character of those who hold the office. Many thanks to God that He delights to work also through broken vessels.
A secret? I still struggle with preaching. To teach is something that I absolutely delight in - and I love the "back and forth" of discussion, but to stand in the pulpit makes me more than a tad nervous. Who am I to stand as the emissary of the Lord? How can I get myself out of the way to serve up the good things the Lord has for His people? And what absolutely drives me bonkers? Seeing a question cross someone's face in a sermon and NOT be able to stop and say: "What are you thinking?"
For the unspeakable privilege, though, of standing in the pulpit to proclaim the best news that anyone will ever hear; for the unspeakable privilege of pouring water in the divine name and knowing that a new birth has been bestowed; for the unspeakable privilege of laying hands upon penitents and imparting a forgiveness as certain on earth as it is in heaven; for the unspeakable privilege of consecrating and distributing our Lord's body and blood - holding the divine life in my hands and putting that life into the mouths of those I love; for the unspeakable privilege of ministering at the bedside of the sick and the dying; for the unspeakable joy of instructing children in all that God has given them; for all these blessings and so many, many more:
Gloria tibi, Christe!
Why not stop and ask someone what they're thinking or what their question is? You're "teaching" just as much from the pulpit as you are from some other lesser lectern! Do it once! It might just make everyone sit up and really listen AND it might make for one of the most spiritually grabbing church services of someone's life! Of course, it might blow some people away, too! And yes, it'll cut into the flow of what you've rehearsed, but so what!
ReplyDeleteOh, yeah! and BTW -- Happy Anniversary! We'll hope for 20+ more -- right at home at St. Paul's!
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary, Pastor. 20 years is quite a long time to keep any job. :)
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't ask during the actual sermon/service, I'd maybe pull them aside afterward, or asked them whenever I had a better opportunity to do so. I've been refered to in a sermon like twice in my lifetime, and it was embarrassing both times (to be picked out like that, among the congregation).
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Pastor! Although you underestimate yourself, you're a wonderful teacher. I wish I had a chance to hear you more.
Pastor Weeedon!
ReplyDeleteYou have stolen my Heart away! I read in every sentence of yours a Psalm! Pathos of sheer Charity, Kindness and the pen of a ready writer! I am thrilled to have read this June 22nd installment of your web log! To God! To Life!
SalvaTore
Since your sermons are taped, I’ve been able to listen to most of them at least twice. God willing, here’s to another 20 years of sermons. Candy
ReplyDeleteReverend Father,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
May God grant you many years.
Thanks to all for the kind words and wishes! "We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that the surpassing greatness belongs to God and not to us." 2 Cor. 4:7
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your 20 years (and now one day) anniversary of your ordination. By answering all my emails of things liturgical, you've been a great help to me and I'm sure others. Glory be to God!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on viginti years of teaching and preaching the Word. Peace,
ReplyDeleteChris
You use to be a jar of clay. Now you're more like a cracked pot! But a loveabe one! Congrats on 20!
ReplyDelete