Psalm 63: 1-8 (9-11), 98, 103; Amos 9:11-15; John 5:30-47; 2 Thess 2:1-3, 13-17
The strength in who I am runs deep and fast to my childhood. I find the anchor values that have being.
It’s been woven into my being through a decision I never made, a decision that was made for me. Who I am as an adult person of faith has everything to do with the decision of who my parents chose to trust to love me. The people who first wove the word of God around and in my being.
Specifically, my parents’ decision to raise me in a community of faith. entrusting my vulnerable developing self to the love and care of our Church. Sunday school teachers, confirmation mentors, acolyte master, choir members, pew sitters, prayer sayers, communion givers. every day regular folk trying to make a living, raise their families, pay their bills. Imperfect people just like all people who also had one very important thing in common; they loved Jesus and believed that Church made a difference in their lives and the lives of others. This perfect weave of imperfection God blessed, and who I (and many) became of it is pure delight and grace.
I didn’t make the decision; my parents did. That decision has made all the difference in the world.
Generous God,
We give thanks to you for your word of Love and Grace, and for those who share and offer it.
Amen.
The Very Rev. Anthony R. Pompa, ’91
Dean and Rector
THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY
Listen to the Tony read his meditation and prayer:
Tony Pompa serves as Dean and Rector of the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem Pennsylvania. He is a grateful and proud to be graduate of the Seminary of the Southwest. (1991) His greatest love in life is his family. His greatest privilege to love and serve this Church.
Advent Meditations is a gift to our seminary community and made possible through gifts to our Annual Fund. Seminary of the Southwest appreciates the support of its friends, alumni and the communities around the world that its graduates serve for the glory of God. This support ensures that Southwest, as an institution made of individuals dedicated to service to God and their fellow members of the body of Christ, can continue doing its part to build the Body of Christ.
