Last summer at the Episcopal Church’s General Convention, an expansion of the saints whom we commemorate on various days of the year was passed. Available on line and in print, Holy Women, Holy Men helps us all to recall the many ways God works through the lives of real flesh and blood people. Some are well known for their bravery and faithfulness, such as Oscar Romero (March 24). But others like Christina Rossetti (April 27), a poet, are recalled simply for their desire to witness to the reality of God. The stories of all these women and men help to make our faith real and show in a very concrete way how God is incarnate in all of us.
Those of us at the Cathedral will have the opportunity to not only tell our own stories but listen to each others stories as well in the Spiritual Autobiography Class, beginning September 29th and continuing for five weeks. Beginning with a simple supper at 6:00pm in the Guild Room, members of the clergy staff will share their spiritual autobiographies. After that, participants shall meet in small groups where each person will share her or his spiritual autobiography.
It has been several years since we have had this class, but I can tell you from participating in past years that even the simplest story in the mind of the story teller can have a profound effect on those listening. We learn to see God in new ways and validate how the Holy Spirit moves in our lives individually and as a community. I have also found that as I have told my own story over the years, what seems trivial one year, takes on great importance anther year. The telling and sharing of our spiritual autobiographies, especially over time, proves how dynamic a life of faith is.
I hope you will join us for this wonderful life and faith affirming class. You will come to see how each one of us is a holy woman and holy man with a story to tell.
The Rev Canon Allisyn Thomas
