YOUR Love Changes Everything

Since my arrival in October, I have offered “The Burning Man Benediction” at the end of every service. For those who are unfamiliar with Burning Man, it is an annual gathering in the Black Rock Desert about 100 miles north of Reno, Nevada. I have never attended but there is something about its model that has sparked my imagination. Unlike most festivals, Burning Man has no headlining musical acts or well-known speakers to draw the crowds. Instead, the draw is simply the desire to gather in community to share ideas, engage in artistic expressions, and learn from one another. 

Like many things that grow to a larger scale than originally intended, some aspects of Burning Man have become commercialized. Nevertheless, each year there is an Episcopal priest named Brian Baker who is present for the whole week to offer himself as the unofficial chaplain. Brian describes himself as a father, husband, veteran, West Point graduate, speaker and justice advocate, trying to join Jesus in loving the world into wholeness. 

I LOVE that statement – “to join Jesus in loving the world into wholeness”.

At Burning Man, he offers Communion services, baptizes those who are seeking, and offers an enormous amount of pastoral care. I am inspired by his desire to reach out to the places where faith has seemingly lost its power… then reclaim and share the story of Jesus’ life and ministry. As a priest, that is my call as well.

Several of you have reached out for me to send you the blessing so I wanted to share it here with all of you. The Burning Man Benediction goes as follows:

 

The world now

is too dangerous

and too beautiful

for anything but love.

I bless your eyes be so you see God in everyone.

I bless your ears, so you hear the cry of the poor.

I bless your lips so you speak nothing but the truth with love.

I bless your hands so that everything you give

and everything you receive,

is a sacrament,

I bless your feet so you run to those who need you.

And may your heart be so opened,

so set on fire

that your love,

YOUR LOVE,

changes . . .

everything.

In this first month together, I have been inspired by your love for one another, for the world, and for Jesus. I have watched your love “change everything”.  My invitation is for us to keep going because I believe God will meet us there and our hearts will be set on fire.

Love and Light,

Emily +

The Rev. Emily E. Given