By Alice Huth-Derrah
The Spanish-American poet, philosopher, novelist, and essayist George Santayana was known for many famous quotes. One that seems especially apropos, certainly in the final months and weeks leading up to the U.S. presidential election, begins “The world is not respectable; it is mortal, tormented, confused, deluded forever…,” a less than optimistic description of the human condition. During these chaotic times and when unwelcome news and disagreement seem to be the watch words, it’s our faith and hope that can take a beating. They are strengthened by on-going prayer, attending Mass, and from beautiful community services. Just such a service was offered on November 4 at the Sun City Christian Church, located just across the street from St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, hosted by the Regional Minister and President Rev. Dr. Jay Hartley.
The prayer vigil was open to all faiths and presented by clergy members from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the United Methodist Church, United Church of Christ, Grand Canyon and de Cristo Presbyteries, Evangelical Lutheran Church, Episcopal Diocese of Arizona, and St. Elizabeth Seton’s own Parochial Administrator Father Williams Abba. Worshipers joined together in singing uplifting hymns and prayed for peace in our Nation, on earth, and to remember to “Love your Neighbor.”
This coming together of worshipers from different denominations in communal prayer is a powerful force that can sustain and strengthen our faith, and by extension, build hope. There is very little that one individual can do to end wars, poverty, and conflict caused by different political ideologies. But we can keep hope for a better world alive in our hearts through our faith and actively living out God’s second greatest commandment to “Love your neighbor.” Santayana’s quote ends “but it is shot through with beauty, with love, with glints of courage and laughter; and in these, the spirit blooms timidly, and struggles to the light amid the thorns.” Faith and hope are an unbeatable duo, and this lovely service reminded those present of this unshakable truth.