An article from the Cathedral Times
by Canon Wallace Marsh
August 17, 2014
Some of my classmates had just been ordained, others had been accepted to impressive doctoral programs, and we all were a few days away from graduation. We had read volumes of books, written many papers, and taken numerous exams, and Yale Divinity School was about to bestow upon us an impressive degree: Master of Divinity.
Yet, at an early morning Eucharist during graduation week, our professor delivered a sermon that I will always remember. He walked out into the congregation and said, “Do not think that after three years of seminary you have mastered divinity. You have not mastered divinity. You will never master divinity because your spiritual journey and theological formation continue for the rest of your life.”
I think about those words on Homecoming Sunday as I walk into Child Hall for the Ministry Fair. The room is full of tables and booths representing different parish groups and classes. It is also overflowing with energy and excitement as people learn about all that goes on at The Cathedral of St. Philip. Homecoming Sunday and the Ministry Fair are reminders that we are a Christian community that believes in lifelong spiritual and theological formation!
The point my professor was trying to make in that sermon is that every Christian is called to grow in his faith. Perhaps St. Anselm of Canterbury describes this best when he writes the Christian life is a journey of “faith seeking understanding.” I have always loved Anselm’s words, and have found them to be true here at the Cathedral.
The Cathedral of St. Philip offers many classes and small groups that gather in faith in order to deepen their understanding of the Christian life. It is what makes being a priest at this parish such a wonderful blessing. Whether it is working with children around a Godly Play circle, teaching youth or adult classes, or partying with one of the ECW Guilds, you can always find a group of people growing together in their journey of faith.
I believe these classes and small groups are at the heart of our parish. I tell visitors and new members that these places are where you connect with people, where you grow, and where you realize that St. Philip’s is a beloved community.
As Canon for Worship and Parish Life, it is a great joy to be involved in many of St. Philip’s classes and small groups. As a Christian, my faith has deepened by participating in the life of this parish, causing me to remember that sermon—“You have not mastered divinity … it is a lifelong journey.”
I look forward to seeing you on Homecoming Sunday and at 10:10 a.m. in Child Hall for the Ministry Fair. My prayer is that you will be a part of a class or small group that helps you grow in faith, because it is a lifelong journey!