St M's was crowded with friends and family.
Three years ago I was so nervous that I could barely speak until I found myself on the chancel steps where the President stands and heard a woman's voice saying clearly "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and ...."
Three years ago I realised that in offering absolution to God's people I felt myself more fully absolved than ever before
Three years ago I suddenly understood the reality that we do most truly "grasp the heel of heaven" during the Eucharist, as I became aware of my own personal cloud of witnesses, parents, teachers, writers, musicians who had been part of my journey to the point at which I could pray the Great Thanksgiving with and on behalf of them all.
Three years ago I presided at the Eucharist for the first time, a new priest, less than 24 hours old in my Orders, and realised what I am for.
How amazing and mysterious that something which is now the non negotiable core of my being is something that was new, that happened for the first time, just three years ago.
Thanks be to God!
Remembering the day and the "view" from far away. May God continue to bless your ministry, K, and you.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that God called you into ordained ministry.
ReplyDeleteHappy ordainniversary. I wish hallmark made a card for this special occasion!
The Church is so much the better for it, I say.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
What we are for. Oh yes indeed! (Sponges and all, I suppose)
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversay and thanks for sharing the memories!
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful. Congratulations. I pray I might feel this way when (God willing) that time comes for me too.
ReplyDeleteAmen! May God continue to bless your ministry--and you.
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! May you continue to feed the sheep for many more years to come!
ReplyDelete