The Vindicator had an article in their Saturday Nov. 14th, 2020 edition that warmed my heart. (And no it wasn’t about the Tigers soon to be winning game that evening, though that was fantastic! Way to go Coach Guerriero and Tigers!) If you recall, a few weeks ago, I wrote about my favorite sacramental in our church, the ”Open Your Heart” bronze sculpture that graces our sanctuary. It was designed and sculpted by Timothy P. Schmaltz from Ontario, Canada and brought to us by Fr. Nick Shori, our pastor at the time. I remember the mixed responses from the congregation, some liking it and some not, while others needed time to reflect on it. The sculptor definitely made a piece that drew you in and made you think about the message he was intending to convey. The Vindicator article talked about 2 other sculptures that have been donated to churches in the city of Youngstown. They are based on the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 25 and part of a series of 6 sculptures. One is “When I Was Hungry and Thirsty” that sits out-side of First Presbyterian Church in Youngstown at the corner of Wick and Wood. The other is “When I Was Naked” and sits outside St. John Episcopal Church on Wick Ave. in Youngstown. As shown in the Gospels, Jesus definitely had a heart for the homeless, the poor, and the unwanted. These sculptures let people know “that all are welcome here and they can come here and be fed.” According to the article, when St. Columba Cathedral undergoes its renovation, another Matthew 25 sculpture “Homeless Jesus” will be part of the renovation. The statue will be paid for from “the will of a beloved priest that passed”. Other sculptures in the series are hoped to find homes in the Youngstown area. When Sculptor Schmaltz visits Youngstown to see his series set up, I hope he will also visit St. Pauls and see where our beloved statue blesses us, also! Indeed, All Are Welcome!
I also wanted to share a prayer with you that I saw on Facebook, that happens to be very appropriate for our times. As I write this week’s AAW column, we have been fervently asked, by our Governor and medical leaders, to mask up to help protect others and ourselves from the Covid virus that is plaguing our world. Whether you agree with the measures being taken or not, hopefully this prayer will make it a little easier for you to do what needs done. (This prayer is not meant to be a political statement of any kind.)
A Prayer for Putting on a Face Mask
Creator God, as I prepare to go into the world today, help me to see the sacramental nature of wearing this cloth. Let it be a tangible and visible way of living love for my neighbors, as I love myself.Christ Jesus, since my lips will be covered, uncover my heart, that people would see my smile in the crinkles around my eyes. Since my voice may be muffled, help me to speak clearly, not only with my words, but with my actions.Holy Spirit, as the elastic touches my ears, remind me to listen carefully and caringly to all those I meet. May this simple piece of cloth be shield and banner, and may each breath that it holds, be filled with Your love. In Your name and in that love, I pray. Amen (Fr. Richard Bott, Moderator of Presbyterian Church of Canada)Have a blessed, thankful week! Be safe