Epect the Unexpected

Holy Eucharist Rite II and Sermon was held in Epiphany Chapel this morning at ten o'clock with Rev. Fr. James M. Tamba the Chaplain celebrant. "Expect the unexpected", he told the congregation. He advised to set aside personal expectation and allow opportunity to witness the Resurrection. His message resonates with me as I enter a world of great unknown to me. There is no way for me to imagine what lies ahead in this journey, but I know it will be rich and that my life will be transformed by The Holy Spirit. We travel on the road to Emmaus.
"They said to each other, were not our hearts burning within us while he was walking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?" (Luke 26:32)

As I approached the altar, I realized the infinite length and breadth of The Lord's Table. I thought of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, St. James where I have worshipped, and St. George's Cathedral in Jerusalem where I served as sacristan. I felt the connection with all who will gather at churches and cathedrals around the world today--The Body of Christ, The Cup of Salvation.

While walking home, several families followed the same path. Small children perhaps three and four years old ran along behind me. "Hello white man, hello white man", they called. I turned and their smiles turned to tumbling down laughter. "Are you a white man?" one asked. "My skin is very, very light isn't it?" I replied. "Otherwise, we're just the same." I realized that I yearned for sameness. I wanted to fit in, and be accepted. They seemed very satisfied with the response, a reply that surprised me. They smiled and waved as they went on.