In his book Falling Upward, Richard Rohr posits that our lives are divided into two halves with very different purposes. In the first half we have the opportunity to create a container for our life that answers questions of identity, security and relationship. The second half of life is a journey toward learning “what the container is meant to hold and deliver.” He offers that churches are often set up to assist people with those first half of life tasks, and fail at even informing people that the second half of life tasks exist.
Over the last few weeks, the church building in Albany Park has been beginning to take shape. New floors have been added in some places. New cabinets are being installed in the kitchen. The ceiling in the gathering space has been replaced. Through all of this, my eye continues to be caught by the stained-glass window designed by Ralph Weber, a member at the United Methodist Church of Albany Park as well as at Berry.
This Sunday we will remember the saints who have gone before us. We will share names and offer prayers. In the Bible saints are not canonized or perfect. They are instead followers of Jesus Christ. When we remember those who have gone before us, we also remember what their lives held and delivered. In doing so we honor them while seeking to live lives of our own that are filled with meaning and grace.
Peace,
Matthew