Iona Abbey Sacristan in Holy Week
Just now, Jesus, I am behind the scenes.
I facilitate the worship of others.
I stay behind, apart, aside:
To organise the space,
To find the props,
To explain to casual visitors,
To be on hand in case I am needed.
At other times, and in other places,
I am in front, a main player, a leader of the ritual.
At those times and those places I have received praise – and complaint.
Just now, behind the scenes, I receive a little of both.
More importantly I receive, in abundance, the deep satisfaction of a job well done,
The warmth that comes through serving others
And a strong sense of your peace.
Just now, Jesus, I am behind the scenes.
I facilitate the worship of others.
But in a strange and unexpected way,
I am closer to you,
More aware of your presence,
More giving in worship,
Than if I had been with the crowd.
Jacqui Horton 2006