“Gather” | Reflection by Geri Mauhs

Matthew 18:20: "For where two or three are gathered together because they are mine, I will be right there among them."

I gather my thoughts everyday, and move forward. These days I spend more time gathering coping strategies as I sift through the continued injustices in the world, systemic racism, our lack of care for Mother Earth, the list goes on. Bearing witness to what is happening in Ukraine is overwhelmingly sad. Have we learned nothing? Most recently members of Friends of the Green New Haven gathered their efforts, and painted rocks for Chapel on the Green & the Children, Youth & Family Ministry program. The combined efforts brought me solace and peace in times of distress. I am grateful to Jan, Leigh, Heidi, and Charlotte for their willingness to participate. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful community to gather inside of our church, outside, online or in spirit.

As a young girl my Mom and her family lived in East Haven, and moved to Hamden in the early 1940's. They left East Haven because while walking to school a group of kids would gather and call my Mother a Nazi & throw rocks at her. In the 1950s my parents were married. My Father's Mother did not favor my Mother simply because she was Irish. My family moved again. My parents are long gone, but their stories live on. To see similar things happen in our society daily, 50-70 years later... have we learned nothing? Today, March 17th is the day Irish people (and we always say, everyone's Irish on Saint Patrick's Day) celebrate, and I will celebrate my Irish heritage and gather with my "Irish" friends. 

During Lent a common practice is sacrifice. This Lent I choose to gather things instead. I will gather an item everyday such as clothing, blankets, furniture, toiletries, to share with those in need. However you gather, and whatever you gather, may it bring you peace and joy!

An Irish Blessing for Today:

May your troubles be less

and your blessings be more

And nothing but happiness 

come through your door