When we had our worship associates meeting on “Vulnerability,” we came to the conclusion that all of us in our own way are experts on this topic. Each of us knows in our way the experience of realizing that whether we prefer it or not, we are at all times open to the world as it is. Vulnerability is feeling in ourselves the reality (which is always real), that in our openness we don’t have full control about what comes into our experience, whether that reality is inside or outside us. Most of us, if we are adults, or even older teenagers, have developed strategies to defend or insulate ourselves from this overwhelming and disconcerting reality.

I used to think that it was important to soften or even at times do away with our defenses, so that we can be more open to life. I feel differently now. I recognize now that even with our defenses against the reality of vulnerability in full operation, we are still vulnerable, we are still open to the world. We may not feel it or know it, but it is still there, that vulnerability. It reminds me of my cat who when frightened hides his head underneath the blankets, with his tail dangling out in the open. Even if we feel safe and hidden, we are still open to the world, whether we know it or not.

Recognizing this openness or vulnerability does show us possibilities. It shows us possibilities for compassion. We all know from firsthand experience what it feels like to be nervous and afraid. We all know different ways of living in self protection. These experiences are not in the way of vulnerability, but can actually be in service to it. We know firsthand the many ways we resist acknowledging vulnerability, and that experience can help us offer compassion to others who experience the same resistance. We know there are probably good reasons for that resistance rooted in the past, and together we companion each other into the reality of the present.

One of the most important words in our mission statement at this church is “Wholeness.” I fundamentally believe we are here in this community to support each other in recognizing our wholeness as people, defenses and all. We show through our behavior that recognizing vulnerability is a gateway to recognizing our wholeness, and discovering more freedom from our past. We do this together. And the beautiful thing is we do it without even talking about it. By simply showing up together, we play our part in this process of recognizing our wholeness.

So please show up to one or more of our weekly gatherings with each other. The Spring Equinox is soon upon us. And with Spring, comes flowers in bloom, and good friends to be made.

In Faith, Rev. Joseph