To be seen and heard

There are many different ministries that serve this broken world we call home. And lately, I've been thinking about one in particular: the ministry of presence.

When my youngest daughter entered seventh grade, she had a new teacher for religion, a class that her older sister adored. The original teacher passed away unexpectedly during the first week of school, hence the arrival of the new teacher. “How do you like her?” I asked at dinner one night. “Well, I like her a lot,” said Elizabeth. “But she says the same thing every day at the end of class: ‘Girls, your presence is gift to me.’ That is so weird!”

“Actually, that's wonderful,” I replied. “Importance and humor. Not bad for a teacher right out of seminary.”

That young teacher is now the head of the religious studies department. She modeled the principle of presence to her students. Presence is witness, and witness is powerful: I see you. I hear you. I witness you.

What happens to us when we are seen? And heard? And what happens to us when we are not?

Presence can be a powerful, affirming ministry. There are both aspects of giving and receiving going on in this dynamic. Seeing and listening are both examples of the gift of engagement.

Early in Matthew’s gospel, just as Jesus is embarking on His journey of public ministry, the writer tells of God’s reaction to the scene by the river Jordan. The heavens opened, the dove descended, the Voice was heard — “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

Wow. What affirmation! He hadn’t done anything yet, but what a powerful way to start your day!

Last fall, we began working with the Vocare School here at Richmond Hill. Fifteen students from many walks of life are seeking out what comes next in their particular journey. They’ve been equipped with lots of tools for this task, but perhaps the main one is their small group discussion.

In those small group circles, souls emerge in answer to questions asked. We witness one another in ways very different from polite, perfunctory, casual encounters of the normal day to day.

We are looking for signs of the presence of God’s Holy Spirit, pointing to the emerging of the authentic in the life before us.

Look, listen, behold. And be held in the mysterious wonder of the gift of presence.

Richard Rumble
May 2014