The change in the chapel is striking. No, not just striking it is breathtaking. Let me explain. The Chapel of the Sacred Heart was constructed in 1894. It is part of what is now known as Richmond Hill. For the past seven years Richmond Hill has been a place of prayer for me. Moving to Richmond, Virginia in 1998 I quickly discovered this old 19th century converted convent which is now an ecumenical retreat center. Over these years I have said many prayers in this place. Prayers for healing, prayers for guidance, prayers for strength and courage. I’ve said prayers of confession, of thanksgiving, of intercession. This sacred space has heard many petitions of my heart and it is, by the way, the place where Joe and I met.
Recently I was back at Richmond Hill for an overnight retreat and was amazed at all the changes that have taken place. We gave to the Capital Campaign so I knew the renovations were happening but this was my first time to actually see the transformations. Walking into the chapel I could not believe my eyes. The once small enclosed chapel now revealed a second story complete with eight original stained glass windows, a beautiful 33 ft. barrel-vaulted ceiling and intricate hand-stenciled gold-leaf borders. All this had been completely concealed by a dropped ceiling and vinyl wall covering that were put up by the Sisters of the Visitation in 1975. All the beauty that was above the fake ceiling had been there all along but had been concealed. No one knew of these treasures because they were completely blocked from sight. In time more would be revealed and was revealed when the dropped ceiling and vinyl wall covering were removed.
Which brings me to my theme for the new year…”more will be revealed.” It is amazing to me how little we really know of the future. Oh, we can presume to believe that we will go on living just as we have, that no surprises will come our way, and that life will go on in 2006 just as it has in 2005. We can assume broken relationships will remain broken, that hurts will not go away, that limitations will always be limitations. But I hope this is not true. I hope that for all of us and for St. James Church more will be revealed in 2006. That somehow the temporary ceiling of our life and church will be removed and more will be revealed. More of God’s purpose for us, more of God’s love for us, more of our care and concern for one another, more of who we are called to be as the people of God. Yes, it is my hope that more will be revealed in 2006 and when we see what has been hidden, it will literally take our breath away. I hope we are so amazed and grateful for God’s goodness and mercy that we will stand in awe of God’s love and respond in ways we have never done before.
The way I see it changes will surely occur in 2006. Good changes. Surprising changes. And through them more will be revealed. May we remain faithful to the task of looking for new horizons, new challenges, and new opportunities to serve God. Happy New Year!
The Wise Men see a baby. One day in the future more will be revealed. Beyond the cradle there will be a cross and an empty tomb.