I must admit that Monday’s Ordination Service is a bit of a blur. During most of those sacred gatherings in our life: weddings, funerals, baptism . . . the Spirit fills us with amazement, literally being, “Out of one’s self,” which tends to muddy the details, leaving us with lingering conviction rather than report of fact. No wonder the day of Pentecost was so strangely recorded. So, in keeping with our ancestors who penned the word, I write to you today as impressionist, not photographer.
As the processional of pomp and pageantry began, I felt like it was my wedding day all over again. I was in my finest attire, smiling at friends and family, waiting to say my vow to my beautiful bride. No wonder we have such powerful wedding imagery when God speaks of beloved Israel.
I sat in awe of Bishop Hutchinson’s sermon. As impressionist, I would not be honoring Bishop Hutchinson’s message with ill-remembered sound bites like, “Well, they first started with the salad,” and “I am a Universalist by hope,” and “God’s not going to stop the march of eternity for our unwillingness to keep up.” With truly anointed sermons, as Hutchinson’s tend to be, I felt as if he were speaking only to me. “Hi, my name is Bill, and I’ll be taking care of you tonight.” Funny how I felt the message was just for me with hundreds of other people in the room. No wonder the Gospels record Jesus to have met so many individuals.
Then knelt for the laying of hands. What an honor to have so many saints, by the power of the Spirit, place their hands upon me, yoking me with a mantle of graceful servant leadership, standing in support of the mission to which God appoints me. As I knelt, I wept. I’m not really sure why, but I guess if I must put it into words, I wept because I felt GRACE. I felt the Prevenient Grace of God saying, “I’ve been moving toward this moment before you knew how to move.” I felt the forgiveness of Justifying Grace acknowledging my failures and loving me anyway. I felt the strength of Sanctifying Grace of God saying, “This is a beginning, and I’ll be with you on this journey as you shepherd my people.” So, I wept. What else was I to do? No wonder she washed Jesus’ feet with her tears. Kneeling at the feet of Christ can be overwhelming.
As I walked back to my seat, I didn’t want anyone to look at me. I was a mess. I don’t cry pretty. As the recessional began, I felt my tears turn into a smile as I felt my soul cry out, “Hi, I’m Matt and I’ll be taking care of you tonight. What can I get you? Now, I might not provide the selection you want, but I can provide a seat at the table for a banquet with the one who supplies the only meal we need.”
Thank you for joining me on this fantastic adventure. I must confess that these last three years of resident ministry have been a blur. Having two children in three years will do that, but as I said before the Annual Conference body Monday afternoon, “Thank you, Broadmoor, for giving me the space and the grace to fail, to learn, and to grow.” I can’t wait to discern how God is calling us to serve together in the Kingdom this next year. May you be a blessing to those whom you meet today. May the peace of Christ be with you.