Today's Scripture Reflection
Edyta Cousens, Communications Assistant
Editors Note: This week's Daily Moments honor the history, people, and stories of our parish through the years.
CORRECTION: Yesterday's piece described Teddy Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt as brothers. They were not - rather, distant cousins. Fr. Matthew made this mistake in editing. Don't blame Edyta!
Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously;
let this be made known in all the earth.
Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,
for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 12:5-6

The story of All Saints began in 1897, when Rev. Childs met with others from St. John’s Norwood in a small school to organize the new Mission Church. Sadly, that house across the street no longer exists. But a promise was made to build a new Zion, a worthy dwelling for the Lord of hosts. 100 years later, our All Saints building, and its people are thriving – sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously!

Sometimes it is tempting to romanticize the past while forgetting hardships. For example, the thrilling streetcars brought a lifeline to Chevy Chase at the turn of the 20th century. They were fitted with luxuries of velvet and mahogany, and the rail route from DC passed splendid attractions such as Glen Echo, Rock Creek Park, and Chevy Chase Lake Amusement Park, with its roaring 20s dances and concerts. But the fare, plus health and safety issues, added to the marginalization of God’s children – all created equal – who could not enjoy the ride.

One thing is certain, wealth and privilege do not protect anyone from suffering. During the 1922 blizzard, a roof of the Knickerbocker Theater caved in under snow, killing 98 people. In 1923, a massive tornado landed in Rock Creek Park, causing injuries, and destroying homes. Back in 1869 a note in the Sandy Spring Annals reports: "The Locusts were first noticed ascending the trees at night in great numbers on the 30th of May. … Their empty shells or jackets are left sticking to the bark and limbs of the trees. The chickens and hogs fattened on them. They are not poisonous to beast or human." Sound familiar? It is the perplexing seventeen-year cicadas.

History repeats itself, but it never happens the same twice. The hope is to always learn, to better deal with the present and any catastrophe that may befall on us. When God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, He warned them to never forget the slavery they left behind; in case they turn their backs and return to the old ways. Memory is important. Most crucially, remembering that we need God in our lives.

Saint Paul was in prison when he wrote the beautiful prayer shared below. Of course, nobody wants to be stuck in a prison of the past. Rather, honoring and learning from it, we are able to go out and enjoy a nice summers day. I hope you do just that this coming Sunday. Have a happy Anniversary All Saints!

God bless you,
Edyta

References
Diocese of Washington, History of Chevy Chase Parish, Published 1905
Annals of Sandy Spring: history of a rural community in Maryland by Farquhar, William Henry; Moore, Eliza Needles Bentley, Mrs., 1843-; Miller, Rebecca Thomas, 1864-1938; Publisher Baltimore, Cushings & Bailey.
Chevy Chase Historical Society Lectures:
Steve Roberts Full Presentation: https://youtu.be/3naeaGHE0Sw
John DeFerrari Lecture: Streetcar Suburbs: How a 10-Cent Ride Changed Washington: https://youtu.be/H-oH3pKQ8KA
An Image to Inspire
Let Us Pray
From Ephesians 3:14, 16-19
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Something More
2. 1. Hymn of Praise All men, all things, Felix...

Figueres 03-05-2013, Escolania de Montserrat

Read more
www.youtube.com
We are here for you. If you need help,
please call (301) 654-2488.
Looking for more?