The fog became more and more dense as I drove into Chicago this morning. The gloom of the morning grew as the trip wore on. Then for one brief moment at a stop light I glimpsed to my side and saw the top of the Willis tower gleaming through the dense pillows of fog. No sooner did the light change and the beauty of the moment was gone. As I moved on with traffic and my perspective changed, the view became more mundane and soon I was in the office.
This summer has been a bit of a fog for me. Being one who is not too fond of summer weather, compounded by a very busy work load, most of the past few months have been kind of a blur. There have been some high points – moments of beauty. I was honored to witness several weddings this summer. These are always great sources of joy for me – fun celebrations, opportunities to meet the couples’ families and friends from all over the country. They are truly blessed events and perhaps more new friends from these events will come to join us in Wood Dale for Eucharist.
Eucharist can easily be a moment ‘emerging from the fog.’ It is a short period of time we take to look up in the midst of our commute through life. It is a moment of celebration during the heat of daily rounds. It is hope for a better future and a reminder to continue looking for a clearing in the fog.
We have fiddled with our schedule all summer long. Now we hope to get back to our predictable routine of meeting on the first and third Saturdays of each month. This Saturday (9/24) should be our last “off schedule” gathering. If you can, please consider joining us as we all emerge from the fog and gaze at the glory of God!
Sep 20, 2011 @ 23:30:05
Dear Venerable Brother,
As I read your post I was reminded of a daily meditation, from a book of such things, entitled “Celtic Daily Prayer.” It was a clip from “Hinds Feet on High Places” by Hannah Hurnard
“When you continue your journey there may be much mist and cloud. Perhaps it may even seem as though everything you have seen here of the High Places was just a dream, or the work of your own imagination. But you have seen reality and the mist which seems to swallow it up is the illusion. Believe steadfastly in what you have seen. Even if the way up to the High Places appears to be obscured and you are led to doubt whether you are following the right path, remember the promise, ‘Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand and when ye turn to the left.’ Always go forward along the path of obedience as far as you know until I intervene, even if it seems to be leading you where you fear I could never mean you to go.”
How simple it is for us to lose sight of reality and that which really matters! What a wonderful gift we have been given in the Holy Eucharist which can clear away all the mists and illusions of our life! Not unlike the sun burning away the fog and the mist, so the Son of God, through the Eucharist, shines His light in our lives burning away the darkness and confusion that often obscures our sight.
Blessings upon you and yours and all whom you serve!
Pax et Amor,
+Brian