Never Alone

Dear Parish of Saint Barbara,

Thank you to all who helped with the Sacred Saunter last Saturday, and with the interfaith gathering on Sunday, commemorating the 1925 earthquake. So many people stepped up with simple presence and, before and after, with hands and hearts and minds for planning, then setting up and taking down. For me, these events were timely, and enjoyable too. They were also learning experiences which stretched me (mind and body!), while expanding my vistas and my hope.   

For the Saunter out by the lagoon at UCSB we had a guide, Andy, who pointed out how the area requires special care and how the terrain – the earth, grassland, and the flow of water – have been shaped over many years. What a blessing to walk the labyrinth, too. The sound of the birds and the nearby surf soothed my restless thoughts. The circular path marked out with stones is an invitation to move slowly to the center and then out again. I felt lighter. I wasn’t walking alone.

And speaking of which, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” sung by John Vale, was the final song for Sunday’s earthquake memorial. John’s beautiful voice capped off a series of reflections and remembrances offered by civic leaders, our poet laureate, and faith leaders representing a full gamut of Santa Barbara spiritual and theological traditions. The theme, “Standing Together in Times of Crisis,” signaled for all of us the challenge of standing together before and after the crises, as well, whatever they may be.

This weekend, we’ll hear Jesus sending out his disciples “in pairs” – never alone! Isaiah will point us to a new creation in which our hearts will “rejoice” and our bodies “flourish like the grass.” Thanks to you, I’m ready, and in the midst of many challenges, I’m grateful.

With love,

Father Dan ofm