Singing the Lord's Song in a Strange Land

The bishops in the Episcopal Church are gathered for their annual spring meeting at Camp Allen in the Diocese of Texas. The Office of Public Affairs sent out an update of their work together today -- including this summary of the reflection presented by one of my own bishops -- Mary Douglas Glasspool.

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The theme for the spring meeting of the Episcopal Church House of Bishops is "How Shall We Sing The Lord’s Song in a Strange Land?"

The day began with Morning Prayer, with a reflection presented by Bishop Mary Glasspool of Los Angeles followed by silent reflection and meditation. She shared her experience of moving from the East Coast to the “foreign land” of Southern California.

Using the familiar Emmaus road story, she built up to talking about Christ’s presence in the Holy Eucharist saying, “And what we are to recognize here, in the Eucharist – in the breaking of the bread and the sharing of the wine at table – is Christ’s Presence as the stranger becomes Companion. And what we are to see, as well, is that the action doesn’t stop at the table. That, for us, is Emmaus. We are called to go back to Jerusalem – to go out into the world – in joyful witness to Christ’s love. To feed the hungry; heal the sick; clothe the naked; free the oppressed; shelter the homeless; confront evil, sin and injustice and manifest, to the glory of God the power of the love that has overcome death.”

She concluded her spirited charge to bishops: “I suggest that, if you find that the strange land is where you live, you might consider rediscovering yourself so that you can be all of who you are. Offer hospitality and create space for the other…. And, above all, remember it’s the LORD’s song – so don’t forget to sing it.”

This gave the bishops plenty to pray about for the rest of the morning.

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And let the people say: AMEN!