March 26th, 2021

The first time I flew into the bowl that is the Jackson Hole airport, I stepped off the plane, took in the magnanimous mountains, and just started laughing! It reminded me of the Monty Python chapel scene – the chaplain intoning “Let us praise God…. Oh, Lord, you are so big, so absolutely huge! Gosh, we’re all really impressed down here, I can tell you.”

In fact, I was really impressed down here I can tell you. It is such a liberating gift to be reminded that you are not the center of it all. To be relieved of one’s presumed self-importance is the work of the Holy Spirit. It’s not about you.

And yet, the crazy thing is that God loves you so tenderly, so individually. Jesus says, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:30-31)

“O God, who hast made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and didst send thy blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after thee and find thee; bring the nations into thy fold; pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of thy Kingdom; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (Collect for Mission – BCP p. 58)