Make a Vow to the Lord and Keep It (Psalm 76:11)

On the left:  Br. Daniel-Chad Hoffman and Br. Daniel-Joseph Schroeder, Guardian of the Community of the Gospel during Reception of Full Members in the Community of the Gospel, All Saints Episcopal Church, Appleton, WI April 16, 2009

Today at Christ Church during Morning Prayers we recited Psalm 76.  As the reading went on, perforated by lengthy pauses, I was struck by verse 11:  "Make a vow to the Lord and keep it."   

In my life I have only made a few public vows that seemed at the time irrevocable.  I also broke these vows.  So my record in keeping what the Encarta Dictionary calls "solemn promises" is not good.

Yet, on April 16, '09, during the joy of Easter Week, there I was surrounded by the Guardian and members of the Community of the Gospel and a Priest of the Church making vows as a full member of the Community of the Gospel.

Those vows were:  "To live a life consistent with your Baptismal vows, continuing in the Apostles' teaching, proclaiming by word and example the Good News of the Gospel, seeking and serving Christ and striving for justice, peace and dignity of all persons."  And, as if this were not enough, there was more:  To "be diligent in prayer, study and personal service . . . submitting yourself to the love and guidance of the Holy Spirit as Christ submitted himself to the will of his heavenly Father"  . . . "to serve Christ as an active member of your parish, serving Him and the local community according to your talents and gifts in so far as your state in life permits" . . . to "accept the advice of the authority of the Guardians of this Community, the Council and your formation team."

To the right:  Br. Daniel-Chad and the Rev. Tyrone Fowlkes of Chicago who administered the vows.

Reciting the vows is  daunting. But it is easier than actually keeping the vows.  At Christ Church this morning the words kept echoing in my head "Make a vow and keep it . . . . make a vow and keep it . . . . . make a vow and keep it . . . . make a vow and keep it."

After the vows,  the hard work of the monastic life kicks in big time.  The only way to honor  the vows is to remember them often and to renew them.  This is why the congregation renews their baptismal vows at every baptism according to the Book of Common Prayer. 

But not so easy!  There are bills to pay, the groceries to buy, family  to relate to, activities everywhere . . . .American life is busy always.  In the bustle of daily life, I forget what I am about.

Hey, Br. Daniel-Chad, keep remembering those words:  Baptismal vows, word and example of Good News, justice, peace, dignity, prayer, study, service, submission, obedience, acceptance.  This is what it is all about  after April 16th.

Keep those vows.