Monkeys On The Altar

2 Corinthians 5:7 – For we walk by faith, not by sight.

At an Easter service two years ago, several members in the congregation were rather distracted by two little souls, a brother and sister, who just couldn't sit still.

First they roamed over to the side, one plopped in the courtesy wheelchair and the other pushed. back and forth. Up and down the side aisle.

Next, they decided to play a new version of tag… a little more difficult as it was conducted under the pews.

Lastly, they decided to attempt the altar. One crept up from the left, the other from the right, threading her way through the choir, with attempts by a couple of members who tried in vain to restrain the little girl. The two met, on all fours at the front of the altar and very near the Rector's feet. Members in the congregation were shaking their heads back and forth. Some would give "the look" and some would exchange "looks". Many of us were visitors and were not familiar with the principles involved.

The Rector, however, was completely undaunted. He was glad to have the little souls there in whichever way they could come. My friend explained later, that the two children had multiple learning disabilities (or disorders) and that the only way their mother could come to church was to bring them with her, and that most of the congregation understood and accepted all of them graciously.

Easter is a time of Resurrection. New birth or re-birth. New life. New meaning, which comes from acceptance and understanding.

Prayer: Our Father in Heaven, grant us the wisdom to accept that which we see, but don't understand…just as you do with that which we understand, but do not have to see. This Easter, may we strive to find new meaning, new life or re-birth in our words, thoughts and deeds. Through Jesus we pray. Amen.