Distracted from the big picture - Rector's Rambling for September 15, 2019

In my first year in seminary we had a transition in leadership; a new Dean was appointed.  With him came some changes, some for the better and others based on his own predilections.  Two faculty members objected to how things were to be done, but had different reactions.

One faculty member asked us all to write letters to the trustees and complain, distributing to us a mailing address list.  Several of us, uncomfortable with this suggestion, went to the other faculty member to ask his counsel.  A holy priest, his eyes twinkled as he advised, “Let us go the chapel and sing a Te Deum Laudamus in thanksgiving to Almighty God”.

We were a bit befuddled by this response.  After a pause he cleared up our confusion.  “We should give thanks to God because this kind of thing is proof the devil hates this place and wants to sow discord and disunity to stop us from holiness!  We must be doing something right so he is trying to distract us.”

I don’t want us to become obsessed with looking for the devil and his distractions, but we do need to be aware of him and them.  Anytime we as a church, or individuals, find ourselves getting worked up we should pause to ask ourselves is this the devil trying to distract me from the good that God is doing, and trying to do in me and through me?

Many times in my own life I have had to pause and take a deep breath to evaluate just such situations.  It is easy to get distracted and lose sight of the bigger good that God is accomplishing.  Instead of looking up and seeing all that is working so well, or planning forward, I want to dwell on the minutia, grovel in mine and others real or perceived failings, which then takes away my joy and enthusiasm.

St. John’s is at a remarkable point in her 160-year history.  Our Lord is doing great things here, and we are about to start a new chapter with our completed ministry center and undercroft.  We are poised for improved ministry to our members, future members, and neighbors in the community, without scheduling around construction crews and almost completed aspects of the construction.  Let us focus on looking forward with hope and gratitude for all that God is doing, and will be doing, through this place!