Mom: I love you so much too.
Zander: I happy at you.
Mom. I happy at you too.
My the year old checks in with me often. Sometimes because he is joyful and wants me to share his joy. Sometimes he misses me and wants my attention. Sometimes I've scolded him and he is seeking reconciliation.
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
If you grew up in a liturgical church (or perhaps a big starwars fan), this rolls off without even thinking. It is beyond habitual. It is automatic.
This phrase comes into our liturgy as words of Christ spoken to the disciples. Often he would say it as a greeting or a farewell. It seems to have been part of his intimate ritual with his closest friends and followers.
As we speak the words in church, we invite Christ to come and bring peace. We step into that intimate back and forth, call and response that reminds us we are known. We are loved. We are forgiven.
I love you so much.
I love you so much too.
The more we say it the deeper it carves truth into our souls. We are known. We are loved. We are forgiven.
And on days that are dark. Or we feel lost. Or angry. Or rebellious. When faith fails and we feel far from God. We can rely on those deeply carved words to find out way back.
I happy at you.
I happy at you too.
His little voice pierces and convicts me. Melts me and turns me towards him. I can only embrace him and respond to his little gleaming face. I can only hope he'll keep this liturgy as he grows. Coming back again and again to check in.
Peace be with you.
And....
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