Let us build a house where love can dwell and all can safely live,
a place where saints and children tell how hearts learn to forgive.
Built of hopes and dreams and visions, rock of faith and vault of grace;
here the love of Christ shall end divisions.
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.
I love the quote, “When words fail, music speaks.” This applies to all music, but I especially think it is relevant in regards to worship music. “All Are Welcome” describes experiences and values that people look for in a place of worship or a home: love, safety, forgiveness, hope, inclusion, among many others. The message found in this hymn embodies the spirit in the people I have encountered in Wexford.
For the last five weeks, I, along with Clare, Andrew, and Kelly Anne, have constantly been introduced to new people. They always say two phrases. The first, “You are very welcome.” Not just welcome. Very welcome. They want us to feel at home in this new country, despite the fact that we are thousands of miles away from everything and everyone we have ever known. The second is some variation of, “Are you settled?” Even if it is someone we see every other day, they still have the caring spirit to inquire about our well being and make sure we feel comfortable.
Strangely enough, I felt very settled as soon as we arrived in Ireland. Sure, it took a while to learn how to use the washing machine and the dishwasher and I only know how to get to Redmond Square, the church, and Lidl. But I have felt very welcome and settled. Maybe it has to do with my previous abroad experiences, or a sort of return from a diaspora. Maybe it’s the adventurous part of being a Sagittarius, or if I am thinking a bit more scientifically, being a type 4 enneagram, I feel valued and therefore I feel good about being in this situation. Or maybe it was orientation and anticipation building up inside me before finally coming to Ireland. For whatever reason, getting settled has come naturally.
Another thing I have discovered has been the overwhelming generosity found in this country. From people giving us lifts home so we can avoid walking home later at night or completely getting drenched when it is raining, to Father Denis taking us places throughout the county so we can learn about Irish history and culture. A major example of this culture of generosity occurred last night. The four of us went to the home of a couple in the vigil choir for dinner where they fed us an Indian feast. There was salad, chicken, a yogurt salad, chips, a pork dish, some sort of naan/tortilla hybrid delicousness, chicken fried rice, ice cream, and a variety of beverage options. The food was amazing! Surprisingly, at least to us, Brown and Diana served us instead of eating with us. While I was enjoying the food immensely, all I could think about was their kindness, generosity, and selflessness.
The welcoming spirit and overwhelming generosity that I have experienced from the people in Wexford reflects the essence of God’s feelings towards His people. God is welcoming and generous to a point where it is so immense that we can be overcome with emotion, possibly during taizé, adoration, or individual prayer. We are God’s children and He wants us to be cared for and feel supported. But God doesn’t want to force His love on us. Even though God is so powerful that we could be forced to worship Him, he wants us to come to Him freely. One of my favorite images of God is the sacred heart, particularly the wound. When Jesus rose from the dead, he could of healed his heart, making it whole again. However the wound is still present. In my mind it represents how we as human beings have the free will to enter God’s love. We are not confined in Jesus heart. We have the ability to think, question, reflect, and come to freely and intentionally love God.
In these five short weeks, “All Are Welcome” describes my experience perfectly. Each one of the House of Brigid members is named and has a place in this community. We share and respect each others’ ideas and we love each other. There have been plenty of tears and tons of laughter. We pray together, sing together, and show each other grace when things don’t go exactly how we imagined they would. Despite divisions and because of love, all are welcome.
Let us build a house where all are named, their songs and visions heard
and loved and treasured, taught and claimed as words within the Word.
Built of tears and cries and laughter, prayers of faith and songs of grace,
let this house proclaim from floor to rafter.
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.
