On Renewing Vows
O Lord my God, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; yet you have called your servant to stand in your house, and to serve at your altar. To you and to your service I devote myself, body, soul, and spirit. Fill my memory with the record of your mighty works; enlighten my understanding with the light of your Holy Spirit; and may all the desires of my heart and will center in what you would have me do. Make me an instrument of your salvation for the people entrusted to my care, and grant that I may faithfully administer your holy Sacraments, and by my life and teaching set forth your true and living Word. All this I ask for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
It is Tuesday afternoon in Holy Week as I write this newsletter article. Earlier this morning I joined with the rostered leaders from the Episcopal and Lutheran Churches in San Diego County for the Reaffirmation of Ordination Vows. The prayer at the top of this page was prayed by your pastors, rectors, deacons, canons and bishops. And we prayed for you!
This service is especially meaningful to me as it is usually very close to the actual anniversary of my ordination (April 27). Every time I put on my stole, I first hold it to my lips and say a prayer of thanksgiving…thanksgiving for the gift of ordination; thanksgiving for this wonderful congregation that called me over 16 years ago; and thanksgiving for each one of you. As I slip the stole over my shoulders I remember those ordination vows and promises and ask God to help me be a faithful servant.
This Easter season, until Pentecost Sunday at the beginning of June, is filled with the Good News of love. Sunday by Sunday we will hear readings from the Gospel of John and can answer the questions of the Easter season: How do we know God? Embodied love…that is Jesus. How can we be sure God is still with us after the resurrection and before Christ comes again? God sends the Spirit. Because God loved us, we also can love.
Listen for the word of love that is everywhere. Look for love that is made new this spring, this Easter season.
Love,
Pastor Karen Marohn