Dance Of Gratitude
Stories
Lectionary Tales For The Pulpit
Series II Cycle B
Anna dances. Ever since she was cured of a childhood disease, she has danced. She dances out of gratitude. Her motions are a song of thanksgiving.
Her body moves to the music, making liturgy come alive. Tiny feet arch and point. Long legs carry her across the floor as she arches and twirls. Her torso twists and bends effortlessly. Her arms extend elegantly. Even her long hair has a rhythm all its own. She makes the words and music one with her body.
Anna dances in church. She praises God and rejoices with beautiful moves, setting the words to music. Many have heard the words before, but set to dance they seem to take on new meaning.
Her body crouches low, slowly rising. Her hands reach upward as she looks up. The music continues and Anna sways gracefully. Her legs bend and lift her. Her arms fold tightly around herself. Anna looks upward as if crying out. Anguish fills her face.
Anna spins slowly and moves about faster, twirling and bending. "Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever." She pauses and arches ever so slowly, then points to heaven.
Quietly, she bows. Quietly, our hearts are touched. Anna praises God with her body, and we rejoice.
Her body moves to the music, making liturgy come alive. Tiny feet arch and point. Long legs carry her across the floor as she arches and twirls. Her torso twists and bends effortlessly. Her arms extend elegantly. Even her long hair has a rhythm all its own. She makes the words and music one with her body.
Anna dances in church. She praises God and rejoices with beautiful moves, setting the words to music. Many have heard the words before, but set to dance they seem to take on new meaning.
Her body crouches low, slowly rising. Her hands reach upward as she looks up. The music continues and Anna sways gracefully. Her legs bend and lift her. Her arms fold tightly around herself. Anna looks upward as if crying out. Anguish fills her face.
Anna spins slowly and moves about faster, twirling and bending. "Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever." She pauses and arches ever so slowly, then points to heaven.
Quietly, she bows. Quietly, our hearts are touched. Anna praises God with her body, and we rejoice.
