Reflection from Fr. Paul

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Well… it looks like most of us will be social distancing for a while longer. No quick solutions, lots of confusion and an ever larger selection of face masks to chose from. In the midst of this some of us find ourselves discovering new and unexpectedly pleasant surprises.

When many of us first began to use Zoom it felt like an awkward substitute for the real thing. However over time it is revealing new dimensions. Do you remember how tiresome it was to drive to All Saints for services and meetings when traffic was bad on the 101? Now, attending is much easier (once you master getting on line).

When we started doing Compline on line people kept flickering on and off as electronic complications arose. There were moments of silence since many folks did not know each other. Now it is often a fast moving exchange with people checking in with each other. People who would only greet each other at coffee hour now have gotten to know each other much better. People from far away routinely join us. (New Zealand, South America, and the East Coast so far).

I have even learned that Compline is an English word derived from an ancient Latin word meaning completion, to finish, the day is over and we are done. St. Benedict first used this word around 530 AD to send his monks to sleep after these night time prayers. So we are doing a very old custom in a very new way.

Our Parish is rich in Zoom offerings. Please try out one or more of these meetings and explore this new way of being part of our community. I think you will be glad you did!

Peace,
Fr. Paul