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MEDITATION

by Dr. Roger Coleman

A photograph from the 25th Anniversary of the former Pilgrim Lutheran Church for the Deaf shows a colorful banner hanging in the chapel. The banner's message is "Be Open." For those who could not hear, these words must have been especially challenging, both physically and emotionally.

This theme of openness continues through the symbol of Pilgrim Chapel's doors. Be open to the small voice; be open to the unknown; and be open to the journey.

A priest writes of visiting a tattoo shop in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa. Nervous at entering such a strange place, he reached for the door and sought to retreat. Just then the shop owner appeared and asked if he wanted a tattoo. "I was only curious," the priest replied. "Then are you a pilgrim or merely a tourist?" said the owner.

There are those who journey through life struggling for understanding, forgiveness and significant relationships. Others merely collect souvenirs and observe the rituals. For each pilgrim, however, there is a promise. It is the promise, found in the Gospel of Matthew, that if you ask, it will be given; if you seek, you will find; and if you knock, the door will open. Be open to the promise.