August 13, 2021

Rereading Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, and was struck by this prayer prayed by Alyosha, the youngest brother K and the novel’s Christ figure. Alyosha’s family is a moral cesspool, yet he comes alongside of each person with unflinching, nonjudging love.

“God have mercy upon all of them, have all these unhappy and turbulent souls to Thy keeping, and set them in the right path. All ways are Thine. Save them according to Thy wisdom. Thou art love. Thou wilt send joy to all!”

Although Alyosha was deeply disturbed before his prayer, after he gave his burden to God, he crossed himself and quickly fell into a peaceful sleep. Reminds me of parts two and three of our Christ Church mission statement: “love people and trust God.”

“Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (For those we Love – BCP p. 831)