Our prayer vigils held on October 22 and 29 were maintained, as in preceeding weeks, facing a long and coninually replenished row of SEPTA buses serving as El shuttles, their engines running constantly as they waited to be filled by passengers emerging from the 5th and Market Street station. We have thus been a visible presence to more Philadelphians than usual.
The following report for the vigil on October 29 was written by Bob Barnett, of Atlantic City Area Friends Meeting:
Some thoughts from a first-timer:
I have been to this spot for earlier vigils in conjunction with Yearly Meeting annual sessions, but 10/29/00 was the first time I've been to the weekly vigils for peace held by the Liberty Bell.
The day was chilly and I found myself humming and moving to some songs that were in me, so I wasn't extremely still during the vigil. One song was about being able to love one's enemies even while being under some attack. There was certainly no attack during the vigil, but I think when being in a small group that is making a witness, I feel a vulnerability.
I noticed that as folks passed by I would try to read whether they were going to be sympathetic, dismissive, or perhaps insulting. Mostly what I saw in the eyes was first uncertainty and then avoidance. As though I could hear their internal voices saying "I better stay away — they might be loonies," but I also think I saw "I don't want to think about that right now — I'm out on another purpose."
One time when a lot of younger guys came by dressed in a rebellious way, I thought there would be some rude remark but they just sort of took in the messages on our signs and moved on.
One young man approached me and said something about people never getting the message right unless they listen to what's in the Bible, but I'm not sure what exactly he had in mind — he was very brief. He left quickly without our getting into conversation.
Another small group came by and two women who seemed to know something of Quakers stopped and looked at the signs and the literature. Then two of them stood together facing us looking as though they might join us. After they walked away they stopped again and looked back very blissfully. Praying with us, I believe. I thought of whether we ought to invite them to stay a while but then decided that they would if led.
When I wasn't looking for and watching other's reactions I closed my eyes and prayed for peace, for God's love to be seen and acted on. Earlier in the day I had spoken in my own Meeting about God never really being not present, but that my own blindness created the feeling of God's absence. I prayed for help to see God all around more constantly. I tried to "Practice the Presence of God."
When I've most been able to follow God's leadings to service it was when I was more aware of looking for opportunities. At one point during the vigil, a woman was struggling to fold up her baby stroller, while holding her baby and parcels, before getting on the bus. Before I even thought to attend to the need, Marcelle was there, having put down her sign to go help. I think that that woman felt the love extended and looked back at our signs with a different set of eyes. The two ways of working for peace that were discussed in a recent e-mail message conversation (from the vigil report) were reinforcing each other immediately in this case.
I get the feeling that some of the time I put into looking at the reactions of passersby, and even assessing possible conflicts, got in the way of assessing possible opportunities. I have some growing to do here.
I hope I can attend more vigils in the future, but my life often keeps me down near Atlantic City. I'm certainly glad that it is a sustained activity and I can attend as I am able.
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