Behold What You Are

Behold what you are; become what you see, the priest intones over the eucharistic feast. It's a typical Sunday morning at Holy Faith Episcopal church (or Santa Fe in español) of Inglewood.

Most weeks, the most diverse group of church goers I have ever seen gathers to celebrate our common faith in our God. Nigerians, Carribeans, Indians, African-Americans, gays, agnostics, lawyers, children, and grandparents (I suppose there are a few of us Anglos here too) go through a fairly typical Anglican liturgy.

A typical service includes (not a complete list):

1. Readings - passages are read aloud by laypersons from a Psalm, somewhere else in the Hebrew Scriptures, New Testament Epistles, and one of the gospels


2. the Peace - when everyone wishes Christ's peace on each other and hugs (my favorite part)
   
3. Sermon - usually this is more of a spiritual conversation themed by the gospel reading than a rigorous exposition of a text


4. Eucharistic Prayer - this part goes on and on the first time you hear it, but the priest prays to remind God and the congregation of how God is working to redeem all people throughout history by means of Christ's sacrifice


5. Eucharist - communion with real wine and fake crackers received while kneeling at the altar in front of the church

Personally, I find it exhilarating to be among a group of people who are generally concerned about how to show the gospel to Inglewood by gathering supplies for food pantries, by sharing their space with us interns, by getting involved in the resettlement of refugees, providing exercise opportunities in our space, and raising funds for nonprofits in the area.

Holy Faith is far from perfect. We're struggling to pay the bills, and we can't stop shrinking. Several members are overcommitted and unsure of how to attract more people. We gossip and quarrel, and the various groups tend not to mix.

However, this church thinks the way I do about the Christian witness—we're not here to convince people of certain facts or interpretations of Romans. We're here to love as Christ loved so that all people might know him and worthily magnify His holy name. And to that I say Amen!