Listening
Dear Friends,
During my sabbatical, I had the opportunity to worship at various churches, not just here in Richmond, but also in the San Francisco Bay Area; West Los Angeles; Alexandria, VA; Harpswell, Maine; and even London's Westminster Abbey (the real deal for us Episcopalians)! At first, it felt odd to be sitting in the pews, simply listening (or sometimes not) to the sermons, waiting for the usher during communion, stretching out my hands for the bread and wine, and flipping through the bulletin when my mind wandered. What a luxury to sit back, close my eyes, and let the music, silence, and nearness of others cover me like a warm blanket—without any responsibility for making sure the service moved along! Sometimes, I left feeling deeply moved and nourished; other times, well, not so much.
One Sunday, it struck me that in the past 13 years, I’ve preached at least 750 Sundays, along with 13 Christmases and Easters, nearly 60 funerals, and close to 75 weddings. I’ve been through the lectionary cycle over four times. You’d think I’d have it down by now—and yet, every time I prepare a sermon, it feels like the first time. I’m always quaking in my boots. Watching a young priest step into the pulpit that day, I wondered what he was thinking and feeling. I paid attention to when and where his message resonated and how the Spirit moved through his words. I asked myself: Is this how all of you at St. John’s feel when I climb that tricky staircase to the pulpit? My prayer has always been that you will hear a word from the Holy Spirit each week, given through me and not just from me.
In this week’s reading from James, we are cautioned: “Not many of you should become teachers… for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For all of us make many mistakes.” James urges us to bridle our tongues, lest we do more harm than good. Similarly, the wisdom of Proverbs reminds us of the importance of humility and restraint: “Lest we eat the fruit of our own way, sated by our own devices.” (And I love that in the Hebrew Bible, wisdom is personified as a woman).
As I reflect on these teachings, I’m reminded that part of showing restraint, as both James and Proverbs suggest, is learning to listen before we speak. As I prepare to reunite with you this Homecoming Sunday, I realize that listening deeply is perhaps the most important part of my ministry as a preacher—more important than reading, researching, crafting sentences, or practicing delivery. If I haven’t been on the “listening end,” how can I truly understand what you all are hearing and searching for?
So, this Sunday, I will start by listening. During the sermon time, members from each of our parish ministries will share how our worship, outreach, justice, fellowship, property, pastoral care, music, and children’s and young adult ministries embody Christ’s love and how you can be part of that. I can’t think of a better way to hear a word from the Holy Spirit, not from me, but through all of you.
In Christ,
Amelie+
