In our first reading this weekend the widow shares with the prophet from her want. It is not an impressive amount or the glamour of what she offers, but the offer itself.
     
     I don’t think there is a more lovingly prepared parish bazaar in Worcester County than was held here at St. Peter’s last weekend! While there were indeed some very impressive items on the several raffle tables, this experience seems to me to be one of genuine community. People return to be with us each year because of that spirit, for the chance to peruse all items on offer, and for the chance to enjoy a lunch worth many more times the price! Walking the length and breadth of the hall that day was truly rewarding and inspiring!
     
     The other “walk” that stays with me from last weekend was that taken by parishioners and other invited guests at the 11:00am Mass of Remembrance. As the names of those who had died during the last year were read, a person or, in some cases, an entire family took the walk from where they were sitting in church to come forward and receive a beautiful red rose in memory of their loved one. For some, the loss and their grief are more recent. The giving and receiving a rose wouldn’t arouse much acclaim or curiosity in many circles. In this moment last week, however, it signified our commitment to continue to hold in prayer those who have fallen asleep in death. It is our proclamation that while we were gathered together because our loved ones died, we do so precisely because Christ lives, raised in glory to be the Firstborn among them called to new life. And those who made that walk forward trusted us with their grief and shared with us their faith.
     
     I wish to express my gratitude to everyone who brought these grace-filled occasions to life! Given the nature of the week and the events of the weekend, there was a lot of setting up and taking down to accommodate our needs as a parish! Thank you to everyone who sacrificed much for the sake of all at St. Peter’s.