And so it begins

Today is our last day at St.George’s College before we leave for a week in the wilderness. It appears that at least three nights involve tents though one supposedly has electric outlets.

This may be my last day of WiFi for a while, so I wanted to talk about room at the college which will be the place to which I return from the wilderness.

Each room is named for a place or event in Jesus’ life. Mine is called Tabgha. I have to admit that I did not recognize the place when I entered for the first time. With only a little research, I decided that I am in the perfect room for this pilgrimage.

See if you agree:

Matthew 14. 13-21, Mark 6. 30-44, Mark 8. 1-9, Luke 6. 17-19

This is one of the places my brother Richard and I will go on our pilgrimage after the pilgrimage.

Phos Hilaron–Jerusalem Style

At Evensong at the Cathedral last night we did a version of O Gracious Light that was new to me.

Since this evening song is dear to so many, I thought I’d share with you.

Hail, gladdening light, of his pure glory
poured
Who is the immortal Father, heavenly
blest
holiest of Holies, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Now we are come to the sun’s hour of
rest,
the lights of evening round us shine.
we hymn the Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit divine.

Worthy are you at all times to be sung with undefiled tongue,
Son of our God, Giver of Life, alone:
therefore in all the world your glories,
Lord, they own.

Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem

I’m here, and my course starts this evening. I’ve had two very good days of rest. All is very well.

I rejoiced with those who said to me,

“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

“May those who love you be secure.

May there be peace within your walls

and security within your citadels.”

For the sake of my family and friends,

I will say, “Peace be within you.”

For the sake of the house of the Lord our God.

from Psalm 122

When nothing else will do God will take care of you

During the Newark layover I had to work hard to find a plug to charge my phone. Waiting to board, I finally found one in the alcove next to the ladies room. Then I heard, “Funn Beff, please come to the podium. Funn Beff.” Deciding that might be me, I gathered up my too many belongings and found my way through the mass of people, shawls and cords trailing.

Was I willing to take a seat in Business First without audio?

Would I?

I was so excited everything fell out of my little travel purse.

Always a picture of grace.

Guess I didn’t need the Smashburger or the traveling snacks or the endless searching for a power outlet.

I guess being reminded at the beginning of the trip that God does go before and prepare the way is a lovely way to begin this Sabbath.

And it is the Sabbath. Shalom.