Archdeacon Howard Stringfellow
Preached at Diocesan House on 30 September 2010 (transferred)
29 September 2010
Don’t we sound ridiculous when we say, “the devil made me do it”? We sound like we are copping out, and we sound as though we haven’t matured enough to take responsibility for what we’ve done or what we’ve left undone.
But how do we sound when we say, “the angel saved me from it”? Or when we say, “the angel sent me in another direction”?
I’m going to go out on a limb and tell you about an experience I had years ago when I was driving up the mountain, as we Tennesseans say, from Nashville to visit some friends and to see a play, Henry IV, Part I, at Sewanee.
The road was no more than two lanes, and there was considerable fog. I was distracted and missed one of the curves. My car veered into the other lane while I stared at something I thought was a bear off the road. Somehow I was redirected to the road very quickly and without any light or sound to get my attention. I saw where my car had veered and returned to my lane just before another car came round the bend in its proper lane. Our front ends had been within fifteen feet of each other. I cannot explain the event naturally, and I have no hesitation to explain the event supernaturally.
The angels, we prayed to God today, “help and defend us here on earth” (BCP, page 244). I believe that, and I need that, for I am not able to withstand all the things that can befall us. But I am able to take the help that God gives, and I try to be open to that help. And in being intentionally open to God’s help, I hear God saying, “Do something simple, and I will meet you there.” Wherever God is, is exactly the place I want most to be.
May St Michael and all the holy angels direct your footsteps in the paths of peace and goodwill.
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