“Dear Lord Jesus, I come to you in thankful remembrance of my time as the white Interim Rector of an African American Parish. I recall on my first Sundays, looking out at congregations that seemed no more than a mass of colored faces. I was very nervous, for I had spent little time with people of any color but white. How would I remember all their names?

Yet, dear Lord, you were there. In truth, you brought this parish and I together, when we both needed each other. The parish had been through years of deep conflict with their previous rector, and I was at a low point in my years as a priest.

But, Lord, never had I been loved as freely and deeply as I was at St. Philip. And I came to love them in a more sincere sense than all other churches I had served.

Jesus, I shall never forget our last Sunday. The farewell reception and gifts were beyond what I had known in churches I served far longer. I felt your deep and real love like never before.

I also will always remember the words of Jim, a Vestry Member, who had been a professional basketball player. “Father, when I look at you I don’t see color!”

Tears fill my eyes, Lord, as I recall the meaning of Jim’s words. What he said made me realize I had stopped seeing parishioner’s different colors; “dark, brown, light-skinned.” Thanks to you, Jesus, I saw each person as unique and special and very lovable.

Since that time, dear Lord, I think of others, not so much by the color of their skin, but as your special creations. And when I slip back to thinking otherwise, Lord, I ask your help in remembering that most fulfilling ministry in my life. Thank you dear Lord Jesus, thank you. Amen.