Going Deeper
Anthony de Mello’s book Wellsprings contains a
meditation titled “The Offer,” which reads in part as follows:
I call to mind the times
when Jesus Christ said, “Come!”
to people in the gospel.
I imagine that I hear that word
addressed to me today
and I respond to it.
As I reflect on de Mello’s words, I think of my personal experience at All
Saints’. In my short time as your rector, I have witnessed people in this
community of faith responding again and again to Jesus’ call of
discipleship: reaching out in love to others in this community, and beyond,
during times of need and loss; sharing the Good News of Christ with
children, youth and people outside the four walls of this church; providing
a hot meal and warm smile with neighbors, friends and with those who are
homeless, friendless and needy; offering time, talent and treasure to All
Saints’ to insure that the transformative message of faith, hope and love
lightens the path that we travel together; responding in gratitude to the
many blessings God has given us. Throughout, we have been God’s people
gathered together for worship, prayer, outreach, sharing and learning. Thank
you for your faithful and continuing response to Jesus’ call.
Once again, we are now called by God to go deeper. Guided by the Holy Spirit
and focused on needs that exist within and outside our faith community,
together we are called to enrich, enhance and expand our liturgical life; to
expand the reach of existing programs and to develop new and innovative
efforts so that the barriers of indifference and apathy may be broken; in
tangible and measurable ways, to expand our grateful response to God through
gifts of time, treasure and talent; to strengthen and grow the bonds of
affection that make us instruments of transformation in Tupelo and the
broader community. This is a tall order and one that will require the
concerted efforts of all who call All Saints’ home but it is exciting and
rewarding work. Join us as together we go deeper!
Shalom, Paul+
