Come with Open Palms

As part of my seminary training, I had to complete a field education placement. Field Education was an “on the ground” training to experience new things, reflect, learn, and begin shaping my own way of embodying this call to public ministry.  

This was the first time that I stood with families as water splashed on their children’s foreheads as God claimed them in baptism. And the first time that I stood at the side of hospital beds as families sought healing and hope. And it was the first time that I stood in sacred space with families as they grieved the deep loss of loved ones.  

One particular day, my supervisor and I were talking with a family with two young girls who were grieving the loss of their grandma. The family asked the all-too-human question: why?  

And I’ll never forget what my supervisor did next. He resisted easy answers but invited the family, and especially the granddaughters, to the Eucharist. He took a piece of bread and wine and reminded them that the meal we take together is the foretaste of the feast to come. That in the mystery of God, this meal connects us with all the saints – including their grandma.   

He invited them to envision the communion rail extending beyond our walls into the heavens, that as we knelt to be nourished with the gifts of God at the altar, so too are we partaking in the feast that our loved ones are now enjoying.  

After my dad’s death, this image of the heaven communion rail was a gift. I could close my eyes and picture him there with me.  

So, I pray this All Saints’, as you come with your grief, with your loss, with your deep ache for the ones you miss, come with open palms. Receive the gift of God in bread and wine. And as you partake, know that the heavenly realm is feasting with you.  

God's Love,   

Danielle