Do you remember a time when you came into the presence of something true, something beautiful, something good, or for that matter, something difficult, and you just were unable to take it in? Caitlin Trussell is a pastor and blogger, and she recalls learning to dance ballet as a child. In many ways, she said, it helped her survive some of the chaos in her family. But when she was nearly thirteen, he dance instructor began to talk about “point shoes”. Even if you know little about ballet, you’ve likely seen the pictures of the dancer moving around solely on their toes. It is a classic image of ballet dancing. But being able to dance like that requires a great deal of preparation and strengthening. It is an aspect of dance that indicates a readiness…an ability to, in effect, be on one’s toes.
In Jesus’ last night with his disciples, he said to them, “I still have many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them.” In the immediate sense, they were still in denial about the depth of the danger Jesus faced, and the reality of his absence from them. In a larger sense, being a disciple means that we become part of a community of faith where truth finds a home, and where the Holy Spirit helps us, and we help each other, embrace the things that are difficult to bear.
We’ll talk about this in the sermon on Sunday, which is titled, “When We Come to It: A Trinity Sunday Reflection on the True”, arising from John 16: 12-15. The sermon title comes from a poem by Maya Angelou, titled, “A Brave and Startling Truth.” The Chancel Choir, accompanied by Matthew Wachtman, will lead us in Music. We’ll sing hymns, have a moment for children, pray, and celebrate Holy Communion.
If you have been part of the St. Mark’s community for a long time, a short time, or will be joining us for the first time, we look forward to connecting with those of you here in-person or joining on the livestream. To join online, visit www.smumc.church at 10:30 AM, and click on the Live Stream banner.