Homily by © Rev. Susan Karlson
Memories can be so precious. They are reminders of how fully we live. Even the sad times or the passing of people we love can remind us to live this present moment as children do so naturally.
The Greek philosopher, Socrates taught that “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Reviewing the year can inspire us to make positive changes. A virtual box of memories reinforces what we treasure and what we would prefer to leave behind as part of last year’s archives. Consider the memories that stand out for you from 2010—they may be events or occasions you prefer to leave behind in the year just passing or carry with you.
Reviewing the year about to end is an exercise in reflection and taking stock of where we have been so we can be more conscious but do we really need to be prodded at the start of a new calendar year to let go of our shortcomings, the wrongs done to us or the wrongs we have done to others? Do we need new years’ resolutions to anticipate a change of heart or motivate greater care of the soul or heightened sensitivity and compassion to the needs of one another? Probably not, but humans have devised rituals and made meaning out of their experiences as far back as artifacts exist.
Birth: As 2011 approaches, we celebrate the promise of those born this year. They remind us of the wonder of birth.
Marriage and Commitment: There are others united in marriage or commitment ceremonies. We celebrate their love.
Deaths: We lost loved ones this year—as we remember their names, we cherish what is eternal--love and the relationships forged over time. Though life is impermanent, our memories sustain the transformation they forged in our lives.
Church Membership: And this year, a number of people joined this church and we rejoice in their presence among us.
Our lives are filled with milestones, great occasions and exquisite loveliness. Let us cherish these memories, this treasure box of the old year receding as we welcome in the new.
No comments:
Post a Comment