October 2007

A Trajectory From 30 Years Ago

Dear Friends,

I have always been intrigued by the word “trajectory,” defined, in part, as the path of a projectile, such as a bullet might make on entering another object. The trajectories of bullets, knives, and heavy objects are often the subject of crime scenes, frequently marked by yellow plastic tape with the words “do not cross…crime scene” which we see all-too-often on the evening news.

A trajectory can be something much less ominous as well. Recently I began studying, at first casually and then more seriously, back issues of the Cathedral’s newsletters. While I have hardly examined everything from the 1920’s onward, I can say that my studies have cut a trajectory through much of the Cathedral’s history during the 20th century. I have read about the comings and goings of deans and staff members, the elections and consecrations of bishops, the almost constant appeals for money, the growth and decline of certain organizations and the birth of new ministries, as well as the occasional controversy, often minor and passing, but occasionally major and disruptive.

In early 1975, Dean Lemoine wrote, in something of a high dudgeon, about a rumor going around the Village that the Cathedral was on its last legs and further that both he and Bishop Sherman would be resigning and retiring forthwith. The Dean was indignant that anyone would pay any attention to such foolishness. He then went on to recite the many positive accomplishments in Cathedral life during 1974. I will confess that I laughed aloud (and with appreciation) because I encountered similar rumors and fears on the part of some about the Cathedral and its future when I arrived here two years ago. I am grateful, in retrospect, that the prophets of doom and gloom were as wrong in 2005 as they were in 1975.

While there are negative trajectories all about us in daily life, there is also the positive trajectory of how Jesus Christ works in the lives of individual Christians, some with whom we rub shoulders and cross paths every day. A great many people who worship among us live holy lives. By “holy” I do not mean perfect, orderly, or always confident about all matters of the faith. “Holiness” to me means “faithful”: those who “work, pray, and give for the spread of the kingdom of God.” (BCP, p. 856) For most of us, even for the best of us, being faithful to Jesus is a life-long commitment. And sometimes that commitment takes serious effort on our part, but no more so than when we encounter the inevitable painful challenges which life hands each one of us.

You might be surprised how much your own attitude influences other people. To be hopeful, helpful, and holy is a choice we make much of the time. Your love for the Lord, your constancy at worship, your generosity in giving, and your decision to be positive about your life no matter how you find it in the moment are trajectories through our common life together. Others depend on you and on me to see Jesus and to know his healing presence. Be a positive force in our worshipping community, in your family, and where you live. It’s a choice for good only you can make.

In Christ and in Prayer,

(The Venerable Canon) Theodore W. Bean, Jr.