For the second Sunday since arriving in Tiberias, we attended St. Andrew’s Church, a part of the Church of Scotland in the Holy Land. Last week, Rev. Muriel Pearson preached a wonderful sermon based on the woman at the well in John’s Gospel. Fifteen or so, many visitors like us, were present to share in the worship and gather together around the table. Today, the Rev. Dr. Steward Gillan preached and presided over the table. Again, there may have been 15 of us in attendance.
What was special about today, is that Nancy, Sara and I were invited to share the Gospel reading. It came from John’s Gospel, the entire 9th chapter. It was the first time I participated in worship since retiring. Rev. Gillan reminded us that we don’t all see the same way — and that sometimes when we think we see, we are really blind (see the end of the story). I loved how he tied it all together. The theme is something that I struggle with because most people prefer certainty (particularly their own understanding of certainty) to living in the gray. The older I get, I have come to realize that none of us have it completely figured out. And asking the questions is not anathema to faith, but instead is honoring God.
It also brought into clearer focus the difference between pilgrims and tourists. Richard Rohr’s devotion the first week of March was all about pilgrimage. As I prayed through those devotions, I found myself wanting to be an even better guide to those who are here on a pilgrimage. Tourism is not a bad thing, and I will admit, that while in Israel I am often a tourist — but there is something powerful about seeking God in the moment that one finds oneself (and isn’t that what being a pilgrim is all about?) I am seeking to listen more and talk less. Hear where the spirit is moving in people’s lives and do my best to open them up to that opportunity.
I am thankful that Matt Landry opened me up to Richard Rohr years ago. Rohr’s understanding of the universal christ (finding the christ in every thing) has been life changing for me. It has helped me to be a better pilgrim for God’s love.
