As I kissed the stole before putting it on Saturday evening I was filled with a flurry of memories connected to the times that I wore that chasuble in the past.
The memories lasted but a brief moment, and it seemed to be a timeless moment, as people and events came rushing back to me.
It was truly a bitter-sweet moment; sweet because of the joys associated with many of these memories, and bitter both because I did not have time then to prayerfully remember these people and events and because the recollection of the past is always somewhat bitter.
Later that evening I thought I might do a photo post of some of the times I have worn this chasuble (I don't have pictures from each of the Masses).
At the Easter Vigil two years ago when I had the pleasure of receiving a woman into the Church:
With one of the first communicants two years ago:
Chatting with one of my students who guessed - rightly - that I was being transferred before the Mass when I made the announcement:
Delivering the news of my first pastorate:
At the Easter Vigil last year in Virden:
I thought, too, of a generous couple - whom I have yet to meet in person - who contributed toward the cost of the chasuble.
Even as I am filled with gratitude for the people, places and celebrations now associated with this chasuble, I cannot help but wonder who and what else will come to be associated with it.
That moment as I kissed the stole was a clear and moving reminder of how we are all bound together in the Lord, especially when gathered around his altar, no matter how great the physical distances that separate us.
Beautiful - the reflection and the chasuble. Thanks for sharing.
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