Other Readings : “To be human is to be aware of our separation”

The confession of our separation is an act of humility; a willingness to admit that we are not as wise or as confident as we appear to be; that inside we sometimes feel lonely and confused. The act of confession is the first step in moving into a relationship.

To feel the presence of God we first stand at a distance, feeling our separation; then we turn and move into relationship, opening our hearts to other people, to the earth, to sounds of music. In turning we feel a mutual contact, the reciprocal meeting of the fullness of life between one active existence and another; we call this experience grace. In this experience of grace we rediscover God.

In the face of a child, in the hug of a friend, in the sounds of a choir, in the flowers of spring, the spirit of grace enters our bodies and renews our souls. Amen.