Giving Our Hearts to Christ - April 27
Today’s Readings - Psalm 84 Exodus 3:1-6 Revelation 21:1-4 Matthew 6:19-23
Every once in a while the Church recognizes a person who is not considered a saint or a person of biblical regard. Today Christina Georgiana Rossetti is remembered by the Church of England for her writing and pious lifestyle. At first glance she may not seem especially remarkable, even though she was considered by many to be one of the more important poets of the nineteenth century. But perhaps that is what does make her so beautifully remarkable.
She began writing at the age of twelve years and continued throughout her lifetime. In addition to several beloved poems, and hymnody, which included "In the Bleak Midwinter," she also wrote over 500 devotional poems. Born in London to Italian parents she lived from 1830-1894. At one time she was said to have had a depressive episode but despite that Rossetti, a devout Anglo-Catholic Anglican, regularly went to confession, took communion twice a week, faithfully attended church services, and observed morning and evening prayer. Throughout her life she suffered from health issues, causing her to live a more cloistered life. She spent much of her later life volunteering with various charities. In many ways Rossetti’s quiet pious lifestyle and creative genius could describe any number of people I know – people who are passionate about their craft and their Lord. People who use their talents to widen the eyes and gladden the hearts of others. People who give their most valuable asset - their time – away freely to others in need.
The gospel reading for her day today is from Matthew and speaks to those treasures of our lives that we cannot store in a box under the bed or in a display cabinet to collect dust. Rather her treasure was the kind that at the end of a hard day of work warmed her heart, knowing her time had been spent serving her Lord. Never marrying even though asked three times, Rossetti gave her heart to Christ and gave her life to glorifying Christ and helping others.
Maybe it’s her creative side that attracts me or possibly it’s because she never seemed to lose focus on what was most important to her. Despite ongoing health issues, she continued to serve. She saw life as an endless opportunity to create, to praise, to serve and in return her life was filled with a light that could never be extinguished.
We sing a song on All Saint’s Day that reminds us that “the saints of God are just folk like me.” The collect for today ends with this: “Help us to follow her (Christina’s) example in giving our hearts to Christ, who is love. . .” Perhaps at first glance her amazing gifts to the world are not all that apparent. However, as the hymn says, saints are just folks like us. Rosseti was incredibly talented and she shared that talent with the world. She lived a life of dedication and humility, freely offering self-sacrifice to her Lord. The value of these gifts will never be diminished or lost. If we really took that to heart how might our lives be different? Would we help ease the drive for perfection that our youth we are told are burdened by and instead, encourage them to find joy in what they do? Using their gifts to the glory of God without need to be perfect? Would we try harder to find joy ourselves, using our time and talents to glorify God?
Faithfully,
Sally+
Questions for Reflection and Challenge - How might we give our hearts to Christ in love? What are a few simple ways you could focus your talents or time on shining the light of Christ into the world?