Today is the fifth anniversary of my ordination as a presbyter. Of course, I’m celebrating appropriately–writing sermons for a funeral on Saturday and for Pentecost on Sunday.

Rather than reflect on all that I have been a part of over the last five years, I am instead struck by this picture. It dawned on me that many of these friends and colleagues in ministry are now spread out all over the country, serving in new calls and in retirement. That ours is a ministry, not of stasis and static service only to one community, but as fellow travelers and followers of Christ who is always journeying, always seeking out those most in need.

And to all my friends who I have had the pleasure of serving as both Christian brother and as presbyter, I hope that I have, and continue to be, a source of guidance, support, and most especially love. And to those friends I have yet to meet, may the love of Christ be within you and may that love show through you.