Embassy Reception

On Monday evening, I experienced something that I still find hard to believe really happened.  I was at a reception at the residence of teh British ambassador to Mexico, H.E. Judith MacGregor.  I never in my life expected that I would ever be at such an event.  Nor would I have ever expected it would be in my honor.  This was the British expatriate community's welcome to the new rector of the Anglican parish.  I am their new priest and pastor. 

What would a preacher do at an embassy reception?  Speak, of course.  After introducing me, the ambassador asked if I would like to say a few words.  What was I supposed to do?  Say 'No thank you?"  Hardly! 

I remembered the observation of Henri Nouwen, who in his book Gracias, which I believe is subtitled A Latin American Journal,  made the connection between 'gracias' which means 'thank you' and 'gracia' which means 'grace.'  I expressed my thanks to the ambassador, to the expatriate community, and acknowledged that what I had received was grace -- a purely unmerited and undeserved gift from God, who in goodness had given to me the gracious gift of such friends, and such an opportunity. 

Later, one of the members of my parish who was present told me that my words were 'spot on.'  Here are some of the assembled guests, listening as I spoke. 

You can barely make out through the picture windows in the background the truly stunning setting.  The main reception room is enormous -- with floor to ceiling windows overlooking a sort of canyon -- lush and verdant with trees, shrubbery, and tropical flowers.  Drinks (everything from whiskey and gin to red and white wine, juice and soda) were served from trays.  Uniformed butlers served hors d'oevres -- lamb meatballs in yoghurt sauce, sushi, chicken satay in peanut sauce, etc.  The invitation made it very clear that the reception was from 6 until 8.  At 6:45 the ambassador introduced me, and by 7:30 the butlers were serving tiny desserts -- chocolate cream puffs, and miniature custard tarts.  Shortly thereafter, the butlers ceased to pass any food or drink.  At 7:45, the ambassador thanked me for coming, and excused herself as she had work to do in preparation for the G-20 summit.  (The same one at which happened the scandal with the US secret service agents.)

It was an unforgettable evening.  Not only to be honored and cordially welcomed in such a way -- but also to know that so many people have such high hopes and such high expectations of me.  May the God of grace grant me the wisdom, the courage, and the love to do my work of being an ambassador for Christ. 

Guests at the reception -- members of Christ Church -- both vestry and spouses.

The rector and the ambassador.