Using your ‘indulgences’
When her niece, Marlene, was to be baptized on April 18, Anna Velasco requested inclusion of a particular hymn in the service. Not to worry, said I, you and husband Eric have accumulated a storehouse of “indulgences,” so “name that tune!” This they did: “I Danced in the Morning,” was sung following the sermon and as a prelude to 3-year-old Marlene’s baptism.
I mention this because many of you, like the Velascos, have
racked up enormous
inventories of indulgences and I’d like to see you put them to good
use.
What’s an indulgence? In the medieval church indulgences were “sold” to raise money for a large variety of projects, including construction of the massive St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome (capacity, 60,000 worshippers). Sinners with resources could purchase forgiveness – an indulgence – sometimes even in advance of the sin! The sale of indulgences raised vast sums of money for the Church but abuses of this practice ultimately led to the Protestant Reformation.
From time to time I have jokingly suggested to Session that we should revive this practice for our stewardship drives. This will never happen, of course, so I have taken the liberty of bestowing “indulgences” on members and friends of the congregation who generously contribute their time and talent. When Eric prepared our Seder Meal during Holy Week, he received many, many imaginary “indulgences.” Anna, serving on Session and leading our Nurture ministry unit, also has a bulging account. Both had more than enough “indulgences” to warrant request of a special hymn.
You may not be aware of it but you have your own bulging account of “indulgences,” granted by a grateful pastor for your faithful participation in our worship, our classes, and our fellowship; for your service in our ministries; for your regular gifts of tithes and offerings; for your patience when things go awry; for your devotion to prayer and Bible study; and, for all deeds of goodness and mercy you perform, day in and day out, seen and unseen. For all of the above and more, your “cup runneth over” with indulgences.
So, “cash” them in! Request a hymn or an anthem. Request a visit – I love to make house calls. Request a class on a topic of interest to you. No “holy wars,” please, but do let your wishes be known.
Shalom!
Sid