On My Ordination
On December 18, I will be ordained as a priest in the Anglican church. That may mean nothing to you, or sound like unfamiliar religious language. Or it might be offensive! One thing I love about my large “circle” of friends is that so many different views, perspectives, and experiences are represented in my life. I have some friends who don’t believe in God. Others who do, and whose own views are more conservative or liberal than mine. So I can’t hope to write one note about my ordination that will speak to every person that might be reading this. That said, there is one thing I would like to say to everybody I know: I can’t imagine a better or more beautiful path in life than one of service to Jesus Christ.
This path is not actually about ordination, per se, but it is where my particular journey of following Jesus has led me. As a child, I never imagined being a pastor. Even as a young adult, it was not an option in my mind. (Fun, ironic side note: I did often think that my “worst fear” in life would be to be a pastor’s wife, but alas I have not escaped that either.) The point I’m trying to make is that in saying “yes” to Jesus, I’ve followed him down a road I did not and could not have imagined for myself. So it has been a surprise, but not a disappointment. In fact, it has been so much better than what I could have dreamed up.
This past Sunday I read the gospel in church and it was an excerpt from Jesus’ conversation with Peter in John 21. “Do you love me?” Jesus asked. “Then feed my lambs.” The part that really struck me was when Jesus reminded Peter that obedience to Jesus—the path of discipleship— would be a surprising one. “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”
Peter began his journey as something of a flip-flopper. An opportunist who wanted to follow Jesus, but who was fully prepared to deny him if the situation seemed appropriate. And yet, because of Jesus, somehow Peter would end up being faithful. Somehow, because of Jesus, this opportunist would die a martyr’s death. I don’t presume to be following in Peter’s footsteps, but I do understand how this Jesus can so captivate a person that the least likely or least attractive option in life can become a privilege-- an opportunity to serve, to follow, to respond to the God who has poured out His love. And I do really, truly believe that the Life Jesus has to offer is so much better than the life we can imagine for ourselves. “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” Matt. 13:44
I don’t know what you think about priests, or Anglicanism, or women’s ordination. And though I would be happy to have a conversation with you about any of those things, it is also OK with me if you disagree. But I do care what you think about Jesus Christ. I do pray that you will give yourself permission to engage Him and to wrestle with your questions, thoughts, fears, and doubts about Him. I pray that if you ever encounter me or see me in my funny collar, you will be reminded of Him. The life He is calling you to live may seem absurd to you. It might seem like the last thing you would ever choose. It might seem like a cross. But it might also be better and more beautiful than you could ever imagine.