Chalice Lightings
Libbie D. StoddardWe gather together: familiar words to many of us.
"We gather together": familiar words to many of us."We" -- called here not by name, not by special invitation -- but we who are here, who, walking by the door, come in; who come anonymously, burdened and borne by our visions, yearnings, despairs, solitudes.
"Gather" -- called here not by law, not by outer compulsion, but by inward necessity do we come, alone or with others, casual, yet intent; drawing in, drawing toward, drawing near.
"Together" -- this is the hardest, the most difficult thing -- for within and without this building and this room we irk, frustrate and anger each other at least as often as we lend or give support.
"Together" is a place; "together" is a way; "together" is a focus: an acknowledgment that we who gather are seekers and are equal in our seeking.
Source: 1997 UUMA Worship Materials Collection; adapted CLW
Copyright: The author has given Unitarian Universalist Association member congregations permission to reprint this piece for use in public worship. Any reprints must acknowledge the name of the author.
Last updated on Friday, April 18, 2008.
