A Lenten journey.
Dear friends and members of St. Matt's,
The word "lent" refers to the 40 days of the season, the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness while he was tempted and before the start of his active ministry. They're an important 40 days for us, inviting us each to put down certain habits, behaviors, and ideas, while we take up our cross and journey toward Jerusalem. The purple we see (and that I wear) in Lent reminds us of a season of penitence, and also of the irony of the cross. Purple is a regal, royal color. And yet our King looks nothing like the kings and rulers of this world. He doesn't act in his own interest, he doesn't wage war, he doesn't even raise his fist when he is being tortured and persecuted. Our King, our Savior, would rather be wrapped in our prayers, for us to wrap our neighbors in our love, than to be wrapped in fine fabrics and wealth.
This journey of Lent calls us to much the same thing. To put down the things of this world, to walk away from the pressure, the anxieties, the expectations, and to shift our gaze to the cross. To the humility of Jesus' sacrifice. To the sacrifice to which Jesus calls each one of us. A few weeks ago, I said in a sermon that I think this whole year of coronatide has, in some ways, been a long journey through the season of Lent. When we are called to put the needs of others and the needs of the most vulnerable ahead of our own. When we are called not to engage in the pressures, anxieties, and battles of the world, but to shift our focus to the cross, to a place of joyful sacrifice.
All of us have made sacrifices in this season. Some willing sacrifices, some less so. But as we prepare for our training on Thursday night with the Dougy Center, I am keenly aware of the fact that we have all experienced grief and loss in this time. And we are all hopeful for what is coming. Hopeful that life will shift, giving us back some of the patterns, rhythms, and connections we have missed so much.
On that note, I'm delighted today to include a first opportunity for you to sign up to come spend some time in the sanctuary during this season of Lent. The Officers, Vestry, and I are glad to offer this safe and monitored way for you to be in the physical space again, something I know many of you are missing. Sign up here to come spend time in our beloved spiritual home for private prayer and meditation. To begin, we'll use a lottery system, so all you need to do is sign up and wait to hear from one of us about scheduling a slot in the Lenten season. These slots will be fairly short, in order to accommodate all who might want to participate. And there will be safety protocols in place and Vestry members there to guide you. You'll hear more about that in the communication you receive from us after signing up. You may come as an individual or with anyone else who lives with you and is a part of your household unit. Only one individual/household will be in the space at a time. I'm grateful to our lay leadership for their continued dedication to our life together and their willingness to be present and supportive of this effort. I know you will be grateful, too.
I expect that there will be more to share with you in the coming weeks and months. And for now, I hope that this will be a comfort in the midst of this season, a chance for connection that is different than the last year, a first step on the road to life as we once knew it. I hope it will help you shift your vision to the cross and continue on this journey having been renewed. If you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to be in touch with me.
Faithfully,
--Marissa +
Tags: Welcome from the Rector