Thursday, February 9, 2012

Dear God,

As I entered the monastery chapel my eyes were drawn to the shadow of the cross on the back wall behind the altar.  Even as I walked to my seat I fixed my focus on the shadow.

For nearly a quarter of a century now I have engaged in worship with monastic communities of faith.  Without exception I have observed men and women, monks and sisters, wearing the shadow of Christ's cross.  I have been wooed by faith to those whose search for Christ is a daily pilgrimage.  I couldn't help but wonder if others saw the shadow of the cross on me.

Do I wear a visible sign of faith, dear God?  Are others interrupted for even a moment in their daily activities when I pass because I carry the shadow of the cross of Christ on me?  Oh, please, dear Lord, do not get me wrong; I am not lifting myself up.  I am not pointing to my own person.  Rather my important question is this:  Do I point others to you by carrying the shadow of the cross of Christ?  Do persons around me see even a glimmer of your face?

If the faith journey is one where we walk the walk and talk the talk of faith because we willingly carrying the shadow of the cross upon us, then it seems an authentic relationship with you could be noticed by those around us.  My life has been touched, warmed, challenged, discipled, and graced by many who have carried the shadow of the cross.  They have all helped give shape to who I am in faith.

My grandmother was the first to carry the shadow, at least the first one of whom I was aware when I was a child. Through the years my travels have led me to churches in persecution in the Soviet Union.  I saw them glowing in faith.  In Africa, the Ghanaians radiated with a divine joy.  The prayer warriors at Calvary have worn the shadow, Edith, Florence, Grace, Aldith, Frances and others.  I can just think of them and I see your son.

That shadow of your cross on the wall at the monastery is a powerful symbol of your living presence in the world and I can't begin to thank you for all those who willing carry the shadow as a sign of of faith today.  For without them who knows, perhaps I would be a 65-year-old woman without faith.

You are
the hope
of the world,
God of Mercy,
God of Grace.
Let your light
shine brightly
on all
who carry
the shadow
of the cross
of your son.
Let me be
to others
as those
radiating your light
have been
to me,
I pray.

Love, Andrea