I am heading off to Easter Vigil at a RCC in Lisa's neighborhood. 60 folks are to be baptized this evening so I expect to be home very, very late! A blessed Easter everyone.
The vigil was awesome. 50 of the 60 folks who were baptized were children. More than one said, "I want to become a RC because my family is." I couldn't figure out why they were not previously baptized. beyond me.
The priest invited all young children to come to the altar and sit on the floor so they would have a "first row seat." I thought that is really neat! Then before each person was baptized, a reader would read a statement by the person telling "why I want to be baptised." Some wanted to know Jesus better, some the Spirit. Members who were confirmed included from the Pentecostal, Lutheran, Methodist and Episcopalian Christian faith communities. Three persons became RC because they were engaged to RC. One a soldier on leave and returning to Iraq. I pray he will return for his planned fall wedding.
This morning I attended with my daughter Lisa a Sonrise service at St Stephens parish located about a mile away. I had never attended two Easter liturgies and never attended a RCC sunrise service. We gathered at 7 AM before dawn with the 3/4 moon still bright in the sky. By half-way through the liturgy we saw the sun peaking through trees and the early morning fog. We watched as it quickly hit the tree line as it rose into a glorious Easter gold!
Early afternoon we headed to the beach to take JC parasailing for the first time. His mother Lisa had parasailed probably when she was about the same age. If you are on FaceBook, friend me, and you can see the album with the photos.
It was a picture perfect sailing day and JC enjoyed it. 1200 feet of tether and I would say about a 15 minute "ride in the sky." It is so cool how you land, grab a bar above you and you are standing up on the platform of the boat. A perfect way JC chose to celebrate turning 13, the first of my grandchildren to do so. We ate our picnic lunch: sandwiches, chips and salsa and Faygo pop on the boardwalk as Jonathan pondered if he will sail next year when he becomes 13. As the cashier said, "Memories are the very best gift to give." JC had chosen this activity when I asked him what he wanted for his birthday in January. May JC's heart, mind, thoughts and actions soar far into the future and a life of happiness and success.
I felt so blessed to be able to be with my family this Easter. The wonder of the God of Evolution who created us to live in families. After 14 billion years here we are all over the earth in families of all different sizes, shapes, colors, faiths, cultures, languages. A diversity of human life all Sacred, all Blessed.
I have dedicated my priesthood to the knowledge that we are all from one Source who created humanity in Love to bring the universe to consciousness. We are called to live lives of Compassion for that is what we are created to do. From Self to family to community to nation to all of the world larger and larger are the ripples of compassion until all the universe is encircled in love. and we call this "God's Embrace."
Blessings everyone during this Easter Season of new life.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
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