A profusion of colour. I just love how those words feel in my mouth. The vowels roll around and it feels and sounds rich and full and beautiful – just like the wonder that greets our eyes as we drive up and down the side roads and walk the pasture and trails. In this part of the world the earth is blessed with autumn splendour right now. Such beauty to be seen in the flashes of red and orange and yellow and rust as the season turns the green of the forests to a profusion of colour. There it is again – I love that phrase!
So much happened in September I didn’t even have time to write a blog but now, if you ask me what happened, I am hard pressed to remember what took up my time. I just know that the month whizzed by and here it is October. From where I sit, in the little stone house at the top of the hill, the field to the south is a carpet of gold. Well, I guess more accurately, orange rather than gold but it is a wondrous sight and every time I look out it makes my heart skip a beat. Such a magnificent display of productivity. Seeds went into the ground in June, vines sprouted then curled and wove their way around one another hiding beneath them the fruit that grew so big and round that, only in the last few weeks, has turned a brilliant orange. I am not sure how a person cannot believe in miracles when you watch creation at work. The earth opens up and produces food. It is a gift that we so often just take for granted.
And, while speaking of gifts, this morning was World Communion. We had 77 souls receive the gifts of bread and cup in the church where I serve. We did so knowing that we were joining with Christians around the world in that beautiful sacrament that reminds us of the ministry and faithfulness of Jesus and the ever present reality of the Christ. Whenever we have World Communion I can’t help but think of people in chapels and churches and cathedrals from Newfoundland to Haida Gwaii, and in countries and across continents around the world.
There is much that divides us in the world. There is conflict and differences. But it is always heartening on the first Sunday of October to gather at the table, bread bread, raise a cup and remember that we do this with disciples everywhere.
Hello October, I am glad you are here.
