Clouds and mountains
Today is Transfiguration Sunday.
Today is also the first Sunday since the tragic, multi-victim shooting in Tumbler Ridge, BC. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) Synod of BC issued a call to prayer. They wrote:
Our hearts are broken by the horrible tragedy in Tumbler Ridge. Words can hardly express the depth of pain and sorrow we feel for all affected. We hold in our prayers those who mourn the death of dear loved ones; those injured and those fighting for their lives; those waiting for news; and all who have been traumatized by the events of the day including all residents of Tumbler Ridge.
Please hold them in your prayers over the coming days as well, as details about the shootings continue to unfold. Pray for comfort to those who have lost loved ones, healing for those injured, and peace for the whole community after this tragic event.
I have included the audio and the video of that part of the service below, including the prayer, in two separate files.
This year, I was struck by the use of clouds and mountains in our texts. This got me to think about both of these things. Both of them can be good and bad. Clouds are pretty, they bring rain, they even provide shade now and then, but they also accompany tornadoes, blizzards, and hail. Mountains are magnificent to look at but they can be very difficult to get through or around, and anyone who has driven through any range of mountains will have tales of hair-raising moments or even worse.
The sermon talks about the metaphors of cloud and mountain, including “mountain top” experiences. I hope some part of what I had to say resonates with you. As always, let me know as you are able and inclined.
Blessings,
