Loading...Note: I wrote this article for one of our Epistles wayyyyyyy back in 2011. As the saying goes, “some things never change” and in this regard at St. James, I’m glad it’s true
The St. James “Force”
by Joe John, Junior Warden
Since coming to St. James, I continue to marvel at this congregation of great and caring people. Every Sunday I feel “the Force.” Oops. I can’t assume that everyone is a Star Wars fan. Well, even if you’re not into science fiction, the Star Wars episodes are truly a study in philosophy and theology, especially when the “Force” is discussed.
And that’s why, ever since my first mass here, and beginning to embrace the Episcopalian church, I think of the quote from Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Jedi Knight, who says "The Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It's an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds the galaxy
A quick definition of the “good side” of the Force is the facet aligned with compassion, selflessness, self-knowledge and enlightenment, healing, mercy and benevolence…wow, everything we strive for at St. James.
The great people who comprise the St. James congregation are the “Force”. YOU ARE the energy field. YOU are the force of everything good, compassionate, and caring.
Every Sunday, as we give each other the “sign of peace” during AND after Mass we are adding to the force.
I learned very quickly that the “sign of peace” was not a “ho hum” ritual in this church. It was not a ritual to shy away from. No, YOU, the congregation, actually believe in it, embrace it, and take the necessary time to add more energy to the “Force” that makes this church a strong and viable vessel for Jesus and all of His lessons about brother(sister)hood.
I’ll let Yoda summarize my feelings about the St. James’ Force…”Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we…You must feel the Force around you; here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere, yes.”
Yes, every day, everywhere, feel the force and make it grow!
