ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
May 21, 2025
Guest Writer: Rev. Dr. Terry Ewing from Phillips Theological Seminary
As I was sitting outside on a recent spring afternoon, I noticed a shadow gliding across the yard in front of me. Then, the shadow moved steadily across and over the place in which I was sitting. It was the shadow of red-tailed hawk and in graceful loops moved on past me.
I have heard others speak of a shadow across their lives, some dark and looming presence or prediction. Suggesting the idea that a life is stalked by misfortune, loss and disturbance, coasting without warning to inflict its curse upon a person. Perhaps you feel that way? That no matter what you do or plan that destructive darkness is present—somewhere—swooping in and across your life.
Take another look.
Within the Hebrew Bible, God’s caring and sheltering presence is compared to a cloak thrown across those in need.
I believe, when we least expect it, even out of sight, there is the shadow of a sheltering grace, a cosmic composure, gliding above us. The intangible stuff of mercy and compassion. A shadow often obscured and hampered by blinding greed and fear erected across every space on the planet. And yet sometimes, this shadow can break through bringing relief and freedom. And yet sometimes, that shadow is cast upon those of us who have received much and who become agents of the same mercy and compassion. Sharing that saving silhouette of salvation. Bearing and being born by a shadow gliding across—
Our lives.
