Metamelomai
Friends,
This past Sunday morning, many hands made light work at 9 AM bagging for AFAC. What a joy to witness people of all ages – from the youngest to the eldest – picking up apple after apple, placing it with care into bags ready to be delivered to people in Arlington who need good, healthy food. How much easier would it been to say we care about our neighbors than to wake up early and stand shoulder to shoulder, (some standing on milk crates to reach the box of apples) to pack apples for an hour.
Cory Michael+ picked up on such seemingly small acts of faithfulness in his sermon on the parable of the two sons — one who told his father no and went to the vineyard anyway, the other who said yes and never showed up. Cory Michael+ pointed us to a little-used Greek word in the story, metamelomai: not the full reorientation of metanoia (think repentance), but a smaller shift – a change of heart. The son who (eventually) did his father’s will experienced an internal change in his affections, enough to move his feet in the direction of faithful action.
I wonder how often my own faith looks more like that second son's — quick with the yes, slow with the following through. And I wonder how much of what makes this parish faithful is found in little turns: the hand that reaches for one more apple, the person who decides to show up on Sunday morning after all, or the one who lends a helping hand when life is already full. God rejoices in any act of faithfulness. It’s never too late. As Cory Michael+ reminds us, “God will build a kingdom from the subtle changes and small acts in our daily living.”
This coming Sunday we express our faithful response to God’s invitation with the blessing of the animals – prickly, furry, scaly, and feathered friends alike. If the weather is dry, we’ll be outside on the back lawn – bring your outdoor chairs. If it’s raining, carry your pets in your heart at 10:15 a.m. and return with them in person at 4:00 p.m. for a blessing in the Narthex. We’ll give you a heads up by Saturday when pets are welcome: 10:15 a.m. or 4:00 p.m.
Either way, bring a bag or two of dog and cat treats to donate to the Animal Welfare League of Arlington.
Whatever your yes looks like this week, plan for it to include Saint Peter’s. There’s much afoot here!
Grace and peace,
Jenifer+
