Abaslom Jones Feast Day Celebration

Feb 13, 2024 | #Stories

Story and photos by the Rev. Cn. Debbie Low-Skinner

Above are photos from the Saturday, Feb 10 Absalom Jones Holy Eucharist, held at St. Aidan’s in San Francisco. This service was sponsored by the Vivian Traylor/Northern California Chapter of the United Black Episcopalians (UBE) and our DioCal Afro Anglican Commission. Participants included UBE/AAC members the Rev. Dr. Mauricio Wilson (UBE Western Regional Director), the Very Rev. Eric Metoyer, Jeri Robinson, Brenda Paulin, and Bishop Marc Andrus as Celebrant and Preacher. Assisting him were the Ven. Nina Lynette Pickerrell and the Rev. Dcn. Margaret Dyer-Chamberlain.

Bishop Marc’s homily explored the importance of names, and, specifically, why was Absalom Jones named after Absalom, King David’s third son? The answer is complicated, as the Hebrew Scriptures story about Absalom has led most to consider him to be a traitor and murderer, who died as he led a failed rebellion against his father. And yet King David forgave and had compassion on his son, who had been initially motivated by the violence his sister Tamar experienced at the hands of King David’s first son. Ultimately, we remember the “sword” Jesus talked about as wielding was the spiritual weapons of truth, forgiveness, and compassion which together with love build up the Beloved Community.
—————

After the service, Rev. Mauricio and Rev. Eric presented Bishop Marc with a special plaque and a kente cloth bishop’s shirt, in recognition of his 18 years of support of the goals of the UBE/AAC and building the Beloved Community in our Diocese.  Bishop Marc was very moved and touched by the gifts and expressions of appreciation.

 

Ellie Simpson
Author: Ellie Simpson

Comments:

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *