A Blog Update and an Ordination Lectionary

Dear friends,

It's been about three years since I last posted on this Watch the Shepherd blog, although I have posted on some of my other blogs! If you follow me on Facebook or in person, you know a lot has happened since summer 2019! (The big thing is that I graduated from Asbury Seminary with my MA in Ministry.) You can read last year's update here: Virginia's Summer 2021 Update. 

  

My dear friend and mentor Patricia, who was instrumental in me even going to seminary, was ordained as an Episcopal priest this past Sunday at the big Cathedral of St. Luke in downtown Orlando. I'll write more about that later since I sense a poem coming, but for now, I will just say that I had the honor of being one of her lectionary readers during the ordination service. It was an amazing experience that I will always treasure. I have linked the video below so that it starts with my reading. I am sure you will sense my exuberance, especially at the end!

What makes me think of this blog, though, is the text of that reading, 1 Peter 5:1-11. This is a perfect passage that she selected for me to read. It is at the heart of what I try to communicate, even after a long absence, on this blog.

Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it—not for sordid gain but eagerly. 

 

Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away. 

 

In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for ‘God opposes the proud,  but gives grace to the humble.’

 

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves; keep alert. 

 

Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. 

 

And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

 

The Word of the Lord.

(Thanks be to God!)

You may also wish to read this poem I wrote two months ago about Patricia's Advent sermon at the cathedral: Echo of the Sacred Story. I find it amusing that the word echo is in the title since when I did my soundcheck on Sunday, they reminded me to speak slowly and clearly since there is an echo in such a large sanctuary. They also advised me to project my voice, aiming for the choir loft way far in front of me. I appreciated the encouragement to lift my voice. It seemed symbolic for me as a woman. (For my thoughts on that topic, see The Power of a Christian Woman's Voice.)