The Way the World Could Be - September 1

Today’s Readings - Psalm 25; 2 Chron. 6:32-7:7; James 2:1-13; Mark 14:53-65

This past weekend Saint Stephens. Holy Apostle’s, Hoover and Christ Church, Tuscaloosa came together for a combined parish retreat at Camp McDowell. One last hoorah to commiserate the end of summer. Some of my favorite time at camp includes porch sitting, telling stories, and getting to know people I might not ever have gotten to know in any other setting. We laughed until my sides hurt, and we debated the merits of pranks that while hilarious may be at the other person’s expense. I was definitely in the minority. In this debate. You’d think after over 30 years of my husband’s pranks I would have learned to appreciate them or at least found a way to get even but he always outdoes me.

My other favorite time at camp is the pasture party. On the last night we all gather in the softball field, unfold our chairs, spread blankets and enjoy conversation as we watch the pickup games begin, discuss the merits of our favorite football team, watch the children chasing fireflies, while balancing a plate loaded with a camp burger or hotdog, chips and all the sides.

On Sunday morning we gathered in St. Francis Chapel for Eucharist. In John’s homily he highlighted the pick-up kick ball game from the night before. Players ranged in age from 5 to 50 and all took a turn at kicking the ball, running the bases and scoring, no matter how talented, or not they each were given the space to have fun with abandon – no judgement if the ball went two feet or fifty.

The message from today’s epistle is similar to that of the one from yesterday’s gospel. Of all the honors and riches, we can possess that of love for one another, respect for all and humility rank the greatest of all. The value of allowing one another to have space enough to be themselves, to feel welcome and comfortable just as they are can never be underestimated. To demonstrate genuine humility, to allow time and space for those who may be different, who may not possess the stature or economic status, the intellect or advantages that we have been granted. We find real treasure when we see these traits, not seeking the better seat at the table or rubbing elbows with the ones with fine clothes or wealth.

As I stood behind the altar Sunday morning, sharing the space with fellow clergy and looking out at the many faces I love, I was reminded of all the reasons I love Camp McDowell, of special people I’ve met and the memories I will always cherish. I was filled to overflowing with gratitude. It was hard to imagine a space or time that could be more perfect than those precious moments that morning.

Bishop Kee once said that Special Session is the way he anticipates heaven will be – a place where all are respected, loved and can be comfortable just being who they were created to be. That was the way the weekend felt. If you’ve never attended the parish retreat, I encourage you to put it on your calendar, Labor Day weekend 2026. Come be a part of the way the world could be.

Faithfully,

Sally+

Questions for Reflection - When was the last time you considered stepping to the rear of the line, or encouraged someone struggling to achieve something seemingly insignificant but important to them? What would it cost you to be less important in order to allow someone else to have their special moment?