The New Year has come in with a vengeance. Cold, ice, and snow seem to be the norm. I had hoped to get Oscar out for a few more duck and goose hunts, but the water has been far too cold for my furry friend. Princess has been in her stall far more than she likes, and the chickens tend to stay on their roost most of the day, just a few inches from the brooder lamp I have installed for them. We are in the grip of winter!
But inside, things have already begun to thaw. Herbs and lettuces are sprouted in the seed propagation trays, and within a month will be ready for transplanting into the greenhouse. By the time Lent begins, their places under the bright lights will have been taken by tomatoes and pepper plants. Even in the depths of winter, the new life of spring, and the hope of Easter, are just around the corner. The days get longer every week now, and before long the chirp of replacement chicks and ducklings will bring cheer to the barn.
Sometimes, events in the world around us can seem like a long winter with no end in sight, but yesterday I ran across a video which brought me great hope in the immediate wake of the tragic terrorist strikes in Paris. Anglican TV interviewed a Christian Priest who has been working in Northern Iraq, and he had very encouraging things to say about what is happening in the broader world of evangelism and Christian understanding. His approach was very refreshing in an era where so many people seem to adopt hardened positions and live their lives in fear, or dominated by a need to control everyone around them. The entire interview can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk-kGHYizEQ, and I commend it to you. I can't vouch for the absolute accuracy of everything which is said, but I can certainly appreciate the spirit of a ministry which shows respect for those who differ, which honestly seeks to evaluate and understand the complexity of the situation, and which holds to the received Christian teachings about the importance of evangelism and the unique work of Jesus in history.
All of this brings me to the beginning of Lent. Our disciplines for the season will begin with the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday, February 18th, at Noon and 7PM. I would urge you to abstain at least from red meat, sweets, and alcohol on that day, and come to one of the services to offer yourself to God in a time of preparation. On Sunday the 22nd we will pray the Great Litany in both services, and that day at 4 the St. John's Choir will offer Solemn Choral Evensong. Services of Holy Communion throughout Lent will be Wednesdays at Noon and Sundays at 8 and 10:30. Special Lenten Educational and Devotional Programs with simple meals provided will be held Each Sunday at 5PM. I encourage everyone to consider abstaining from red meat, sweets, and alcohol on Wednesdays and Fridays during Lent. Shorten or eliminate your lunch meal on those days and spend the time you gain in prayer for your own reformation and for needs in the world around you. Take any money you save by your disciplines and give it to support some work of mercy done in the Name of Jesus Christ. As we participate in these historic disciplines of the Church, God will meet us and draw us ever closer to himself, and he will work through us to transform the world in which we live.
May our Lord grant to us all a blessed Lent, and fill our hearts with joyous anticipation of a wondrous Easter. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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