Grace to calm our fears
My dear Friends,
My Brothers and I have been deeply touched by the messages of concern and hope that so many of you have expressed since we made the difficult decision to close not only the Guesthouse, but also the Monastery Chapel for public worship, during this time of tremendous anxiety.
Never before has a line from our Rule of Life seemed so appropriate. In the chapter on Worship we read that we Brothers offer our worship … on behalf of the entire world. At a time when so many Christians are cut off from physically gathering to worship and celebrate the Eucharist, our life of corporate worship continues. Even though others may not be able to be physically present, your presence is none the less felt. This is especially true at the daily Eucharist and Compline, when we have the opportunity to mention before God so many of you by name. We offer our worship on behalf of the entire world.
Last week we made a recording of Compline which is now online at www.SSJE.org. We invite you to join us, wherever you are, and uphold the entire world in your prayers.
Please know of our prayers for you during this anxious time.
Faithfully in the One who calms our fears,
James Koester SSJE
Superior
Thank you for your message on stabiiity..
Thank you! In this day of uncertainty we need every good connection.
Dear Brothers of SSJE,
Thank you for everything you continue to do for so many; thank you, Brother James, for your words. Your words about faith in the “One who calms our fears” really moved me to feel a sense of understanding from all of you.
I felt the strength of your faith and of your courage. I pray no one in your community becomes infected; the thought of that possibility hit me with utmost urgency last night in particular. I am grateful your community is being safe and careful.
I feel your courage in your ongoing focus on the well-being of humanity and from the strength of your faith. Your example and your prayers mean so very much to me right now. I am keeping all of you in my prayers daily.
With thanksgiving for you,
Paul
Thank you! It’s a wonderful way to stay connected! The calm, the peace, that settles over me when I listen to the sermon or services is what helps me through each day in peace an assurance that the one who loves me dearest continues beside me.