Cathedrals have been traditionally built on a hill. There are several reasons for this and if you ask different people today, you’ll likely get many different answers. I like to think that those builders thought that building on a hill would put these monuments to God closer to God.
Another thought is that of sanctuary and protection. A fortress to God on top of the hill is easier to protect. Those around the cathedral could come inside and be protected by those who would storm the city. The cathedral would offer protection.
I like to think that the builders also thought about being a light to those around it. A monument to God reminding those around it that God is important and should be in our thoughts and prayers daily. Cathedrals became an important part of the life of a city. People came for their prayers, to see people they didn’t often see, and to do business.
A couple of days ago, Suzanne and I were talking about the floods in Spain. The problem of the weather and climate change came up and we reflected on the last week of gale force winds and rains we just had. While Oak Harbor didn’t have floods, thanks be to God, we mused that St. Stephen’s was built on the east side hill. We were safe from flooding.
This brought up the thought for me about cathedrals. While St. Stephen’s is not a cathedral like St. Mark’s or the National Cathedral, we are, in essence, a monument to God. We are a place of worship where people gather for prayer and fellowship. We gather to break bread and to hear teachings from the wisdom of the apostles, or people who are knowledgeable about God, God’s people, and God’s creation.
Perhaps St. Stephen’s is a light to the world. Maybe not the world, but to the people around us.
Right now, more than ever—and I muse about how often that is said or written—we need a light in the world. It seems that darkness surrounds us, and we need a place of safety where we can be protected.
I’d like to see St. Stephen’s become that place for us, its congregation, and for others who have yet to discover our beloved community of God. I want people to know that St. Stephen’s is a safe place to be. A safe place to be whatever your background, your age, color, race, sex, or sexual orientation.
There was a conversation at the staff meeting last week. One of the staff asked another about the candle he had in his window. As I remember, it was said that each fall he puts the candle out so that during the darkest time of the year, a candle would shine in the darkness reminding others that the darkness had no power over them.
I think that’s an incredible symbol. I urge all of you to think about doing that. Put a candle, an LED candle, in your window. When someone asks about it, tell them that God’s light will always shine in the darkness. And if they want to know more about that light, tell them about St. Stephen’s and invite them to come on a Sunday.