Although Julian of Norwich lived in a time of great turmoil – sound familiar? – her theology was optimistic, speaking of God’s love in terms of joy and compassion as opposed to law and duty.

I hope each of us is inspired by these young people, our first Julians, who – by their own obedience – challenge us to make our own faith real and to bring a message of compassion and mercy into the lives of those around us.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Today I think of the many people from so many different walks of life who, together, comprise the Episcopal Charities family – donors, volunteers, clients, staff members.  We all are running the same race, all striving for the same prize – the crown of righteousness.  But, as opposed to the Stanley Cup – where there is only one winner – there are many crowns for each of us. 

There are crowns for the homeless men, women, and children who experience the life-transforming love of God when they come to Shelter Care Ministries or Cathedral Shelter for emergency housing.  There are crowns for those who compassionately serve them. 

There will be crowns for those who show mercy to the mentally ill when they come to Cathedral Counseling Center. 

There will be crowns for those who pray and sacrificially give in support of this ministry.   There will be crowns for young volunteers who pack groceries at Ravenswood Community Services. 

And, there will be crowns for those whose hearts are broken for people who struggle to survive on the margins of our society.

Maybe the greatest encouragement to me from Paul’s letter is not that we will get a prize but that this eternal prize – unlike the Stanley Cup that only goes to one winner – is available to all those who labor with us in this important work. 

Again, “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”