WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – May 31st – Fr. Thomas
A group of surveyors were sent to a remote mountain to design a new map of the terrain. Every day they would go up and over the rugged hills and every night return to their camp. Usually every night they were joined by an old shepherd who enjoyed the companionship of their fire at night. They would swap stories and tell of their daily adventures up on the mountain. One evening, the old shepherd insisted that he would accompany the surveyors the next day so they would not become lost. Feeling fairly sure of themselves after so many successful trips already, they asked why he felt that he needed to go along. The shepherd quietly repeated, “I must go with you.” Still puzzled, the surveyors again described their many hikes through the mountains and their familiarity with the area. Yet again, the shepherd insisted, “I must go with you for I know the mountains like the back of my hand. If I don’t go, you will become lost.” Somewhat aggravated, the surveyors replied, “We now have a map made of the area.” The shepherd quickly responded, “But there is no fog on your map.” Despite the shepherd’s claim, the two “experts” went up the mountain early the next morning by themselves. Soon a thick fog encircled them and led them astray. They were lost! They wandered literally all over that mountain growing increasingly exhausted. Suddenly out of the fog, the shepherd appeared beside them and led them home, through the fog.
How many of us can relate to this story today? We feel so sure of God’s presence when things are going our way, but when life throws us “curve balls” or we get lost in the fog, where do we look? Well, these days, many reading this are watching our weekly video mass, or reading daily meditations, and saying their prayers. Who is our shepherd? Jesus Christ our Lord, who leads us beside the still waters, through the “fogs” of life; and whose loving kindness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our life, now and forever more. Amen.
(Even though we cannot yet receive the sacrament in person, we can make a “spiritual” communion while at home. Here is a prayer for your use.)
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most holy sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.
NOTICES:
Plans Change – Bishop Peter has “extended the closure of our congregations, schools, and special ministries until at least 30 June. Live-streaming and recording of worship may continue….no other in-person activity is permitted. We continue to monitor the situation very closely, and we shall move into Season II only when we are clear that it is safe to do so. This continued period of closure is the perfect opportunity for making preparations and ensuring that all is in order for the time when it becomes possible and safe to re-enter and re-gather. St. David’s will not be re-opening June 7th.
Sandwiches for St. George’s Outreach Project Extended through June – Please continue to prepare sandwiches for St. George’s and bring them to St. David’s parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 am. This is a time change since we need to be at St. George’s by 10:30. Thank you for your continued support! Joyce Parker 561-312-2719
Please Pray – For the sick: Ann, Caswell, Richard, Carole, Patti, Sandy, Kim, Joe, Steve, Bob, Linda, Francine, Timone, Donna, Ashlyn. For birthday celebrations: Charles Sandell, Grace Hadicke, Victoria Wolliston. For those celebrating a wedding anniversary: Mark & Valerie Veckman. For our expectant mothers: Dani and Andrea.
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