Last Sunday's sermon was without a doubt one of the most difficult for me to prepare and preach. While writing it, I had to stop several times in order to compose myself, as I was overcome with emotion.   You see, I was using some of the printed material provided by the local paper and along with the story of this tragedy were pictures of many of the children; those angelic faces, so young and innocent...dear Lord, bless the children.

Saying "No," unfortunately, is not an option for some, namely those who suffer from mental illness and depression. These poor souls are, at times, powerless to their infirmities. Medication and therapy help. Yet, as is the case with any illness, what helps one person may not always help another. And in this "perfect storm" when medications are not taken and weapons are so readily accessible, we as a nation, sadly and horrifically all become victims.

When Mary, the Blessed Mother of Lord first said YES to what God had requested of her, she ultimately said YES to the world that needed a vessel for which to bear our Savior. Mary's YES was our YES. Her acceptance of such a noble and divine command brought us the most loving and precious gift from our Creator; His Son, Jesus Christ, our Most Holy Redeemer.

YES: it can be as difficult for some as NO is for others. However, what I witnessed last Sunday after our 10 a.m. Liturgy was a church filled with people living out their YES. A beehive of blessed activity; coffee was being poured, the floors were being washed and windows were being cleaned. Others hustled beautifully blooming poinsettia plants to and fro from the hall into the church. Ladders were being climbed making sure all the angels being placed upon our Christmas tree were 'just right;' heavenly entities seemingly floating and flying, finally resting comfortably upon our yule time evergreen.   Banners were unfolded and hung in place; electrical lights were untangled and lovingly strung on small, decorative trees. A violin was being played, preparing and practicing for the Christmas Eve Liturgy.   The sweet sounds of those strings gave us all music to work by. And all the while, smiles stretched from ear to ear across each face because we all knew what was happening was truly a demonstration of dedicated love for this place we call St. Nicholas and all for the greater glory of our Lord and King, Jesus the Christ. It is truly our YES being lived out.

My dear sisters and brothers, my prayers and hopes are that as we come to the end of 2012 and are about to enter into 2013, all of us discover the true meaning of YES and we all reap the benefits of what sharing our gifts ultimately and blessedly provides us: and that would be FAITH...HOPE...JOY...PEACE, deepened, enriched and emboldened. Rejoice and give thanks. Jesus Christ, our loving brother, who said YES so that we could live, continues to bless and grace us.   Let us all resoundingly and repeatedly say YES, YES and YES again. And let's say YES from our hearts, lovingly and without reservation.  

Happy New Year, one and all. Let's make it a grand year of YES: for the greater glory of God and the continued renewing and rebuilding of this our home and our community of St. Nicholas.

manny@stnicholasepiscopal.org 

Bishop James Allan, our Nancy Allan's relation: he has taken a turn for the worse and his health is in rapid decline; pray for his peace and comfort and strength and acceptance for his family. 

Shirley Martinez, a friend of our Scott Cummings: she is battling cancer; pray for her health and well being.   

Vivian, sister to our Thelma Malacek, who is battling ovarian cancer: for successful surgery and a full and complete recovery.  Also, Vivian's friend, Peggy, who has been diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer: for strength and peace for Peggy and family. 

Linda Buzard, choral director of St. John the Divine in Urbana and a friend of Bob DeHaven, is battling breast cancer: pray for full recovery and sound health.

Marcia Kizior, sister of Bob DeHaven, who is in poor health.

Pamela Joy DeHaven, in thanksgiving for recovery and continued remission.   

Hope Smith, whose cancer has reappeared: for strength, peace and guidance.

For those in transition: those searching for work, those who are moving and those encountering changes in life.

 
Click here for the readings appointed for Saturday, December 29 / Sunday, Dec. 30

Isaiah 61:10-62:3
Galatians 3:23-25;4:4-7
John 1:1-18
Psalm 147 or 147:13-21