The following vigil report was written by Dan Homan, an attender at Unity meeting, who has been a regular participant of the vigils:
April 23, 2000
Easter SundayI'd had a busy few days, and when I got to the prayer vigil, I was relieved to be able just to stand quietly with friends and not have to rush off somewhere. The quiet companionship of our fellow peace-seekers was a welcome respite from a somewhat hectic schedule (and a guilty conscience from the realization that there's no one other than me who is anywhere near as responsible as I am for my schedule).
Watching the foot and vehicle traffic while meditating somewhat distractedly on our purposes for being there, I was occasionally amused by the reactions of passers-by. There seems to be a growing interest and connection with the many different types of people stopping for photographs and/or information.
There were several traditionally dressed Hassidic Jewish families passing by. One large group stopped for information and talked a while before moving on. It drew my mind to the circumstances that this weekend commemorates for Christians and how much more we have in common with each other than not. It also reminded me that when I first asked Christ into my heart, almost thirty years ago, it was with a group of Messianic Jews through whom, I believe, Jesus saved me from a mental breakdown.
Occasionally, I looked up to see if I could spot the Red-Tailed Hawk that we saw rather regularly for a while. Someone mentioned to me that they'd seen it last week, but I hadn't. It was in the news, recently that the hawk was nesting in a parking garage nearby. It later occurred to me that if the hawk was nesting, then there must be another hawk!. About ten or fifteen minutes before five, this afternoon, I saw them both together. They flew out from behind the First Union building to the northeast of where we stand, being chased by some pigeons. I saw some others of us looking up at them, and I thought how ironic it was for a group of what some would call "doves" watching a pair of hawks being chased by pigeons (Rock Doves). As I write this, I am struck by the apparent coincidence (?) and am drawn to the following passage:
PS 148:7 Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, PS 148:8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, PS 148:9 you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, PS 148:10 wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, PS 148:11 kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, PS 148:12 young men and maidens, old men and childrenAlthough there were no mountains or lightning or cattle or any kinds of sea creatures, I did see the flying birds, and the young men and maidens and the old men and children. Although it's from another season, God bless us everyone!
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE
Independence Mall Vigil for PeacePlease join us at our weekly prayer vigils for peace in the world, held in front of the Liberty Bell on Market St. between 5th and 6th, every Sunday from 4 to 5 PM. For more information, contact cityquake@aol.com.
In our reports, participants share their experiences of the prayer vigils and explore beliefs related to their participation. Reports reflect the experience of each author and do not necessarily represent the beliefs or practice of all vigil participants. We welcome your responses, which are forwarded to the individual authors (when possible). We sometimes include part of a response in a future report, unless you ask us not to.
It is meaningful to us that you share in the vigils by reading these reports and in other ways, such as joining us in prayer.
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:18 AM