Today is Saturday, February 10th, and at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New Yorkers from across our Diocese gathered this morning for the Commemoration of Blessed Absalom Jones.

A festive reception in Synod Hall followed on the service, with performances and tables reflecting the work of our Diocese. Many people stopped by the Reparations Committee table to pick up a “Why Lament?” button, our program of activities for the Year of Lamentation, or to check out the books recommended by the Anti-Racism Committee (with whom we shared our table).

The Committee is bringing to each of its events a special book in which we invite people to write their reflections following the event. Today, we asked the good people of the Diocese to share with us their answers to the following question: “How might Blessed Absalom Jones be calling us to lament?” Here are their reflections:

“Why Lamentations? Because it liberates the soul! Lamentations –> Legacy! St. Augustine’s is important to me and so is the legacy of Rev Absalom Jones!” ~ Olivette Taylor Wills, St. Augustine’s, NYC

“Lamentation with Love! Bless Ruby Sales and her prophetic witness!” ~ +Andrew Dietsche

“Grief is unbearable sometimes we need to cry.”

“God acts on behalf of the oppressed…”

“The Psalmist tells us God collects every tear in a bottle – how many tears shed across the centuries – Dr. Sales, Dr. M.L.K. Jr. and our Lord calls us to share our tears for bringing in the Kingdom of God and to dig deeper in lives of prayer and actions for healing  justice-making for each and every one of us.” ~ Rev Dr. Victoria Jeanne Rollins

Thank you to each contributor for sharing their thoughts with us.