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Embracing Hope and Love in Times of Grief
Dear Friends and Family of St. Mary's,
As your Rector and fellow pilgrim on this journey of faith, I write to you in a spirit of vulnerability and shared humanity. The dawn of this new year brought with it a personal loss that has deeply affected my family and me. We lost three incredible individuals who were embodiments of pure love. This grief, arriving at the threshold of a new year and coinciding with the Feast of the Epiphany, has led me to profound personal reflection on the journey of the Magi as narrated in Matthew 2:1-12.
The Magi, guided by a star, embarked on a journey filled with uncertainty, yet driven by faith and a deep yearning for understanding. Their journey resonates with me now more than ever. In my grief, I find myself on a similar path, seeking light in a time of darkness, understanding in a period of confusion, and hope in moments of despair.
The star that guided the Magi to the Christ child reminds me that even in the darkest nights of our souls, there is a light that guides us. This light for me has been the love and memories shared with those I have lost, the enduring love of God, and the compassionate support of this community. In our grief, we are not abandoned; we are guided, just as the Magi were, towards a divine presence that comforts and consoles.
The gifts of the Magi – gold, frankincense, and myrrh – hold special significance in my journey of healing. Gold, a symbol of our unending love; frankincense, representing our prayers and the memories that rise like sweet incense; and myrrh, a reminder of the inevitable mortality that we all share. These gifts, in their sacred symbolism, help me honor the legacy of those I have lost and find gratitude in the midst of sorrow.
Matthew's account of the Epiphany speaks to the revelation of Christ to the world. In my reflections, I find that grief too reveals much to us. It uncovers the depths of our love, the strength of our faith, and the resilience of our spirit. This season of Epiphany, thus, becomes a personal epiphany, revealing to me that in the heart of loss lies the potential for profound spiritual growth and a deeper realization of God's presence in our lives.
As we move forward into this new year, I am reminded of the promise of hope and renewal. Grief is a journey, not a destination. It is a path that we walk with God, who shares in our sorrows and offers comfort. In this journey, I am not alone. We are not alone. Together, in our shared faith and love, we support each other, finding hope in the promise of Christ's light that shines even in our darkest moments.
May this year be one where we embrace the full spectrum of our human experience — joy and sorrow, loss and discovery, grief and hope. Let us walk together, guided by the star of God's love, towards healing and renewal.
With heartfelt gratitude for your support and prayers,
Mo. Allison+
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