I think much of religion over the centuries has been too rooted in the "Thou shalt not" rather than the positive actions of its members. I know this is why so many say they are against "organized" religion. I truly think that this is one of the reasons I found a home in St John's. We don't seem overly bound by dogma but more about praying with our feet, as Anne has so often reminded us.

When I look back I see one constant woven through my life. The thread of God’s love and mercy. When I think of a hope for the future I hold tight to the same thread. It’s God’s gift. The gift that we all have to hold on to as we navigate the inevitable transitions in life.

For over 20 years i divided my season of Lent between the latter and with a Jewish Family at their Seder table while enjoying traditional food and singing centuries old songs.

Are we listening?

Taken out of context, this is a perplexing passage. Within the Gospel context, Jesus follows these words with examples that reveal what “fulfilling the law” would mean. It’s not just outward obedience to the law. It’s an inward transformation of the heart from anger and hatred and self-seeking to a heart filled with love and forgiveness and generosity.

Don’t Worry. Pray. Be Grateful

I need this reminder. So often, I think I know exactly the right solution to some puzzle in my life. However, almost never has what I had in mind been the best option. And maybe the real problem is that I stay within my assumptions. I dream too small.

We have a sign in our kitchen which reminds me “Life is fragile ~ Handle with prayer!”

The people who end up leading, sharing their stories, and holding space for their peers are the rejected stones. They are the stones who were once thrown away for chips, cracks, perceived imperfections, or even stones that were shattered beyond obvious use.

But most importantly, as the Psalm tells me: My times are in Your hand

Those times will pass, as times do. I take great comfort in that thought.

The Gospel reading in Matthew 23:1-12 provided me with a lot to think about. And while processing those thoughts, I kept coming back to the notion of following God’s will as I strive to be who I am.

For me, Lent has become an invitation to a time of introspection and intention. I humbly pray that each day provides an opportunity to grow in my relationship with God and to better hear God and to understand how I can try to do his will here on Earth.

Our hearts will point us to just and right relationship with others if we trust that humans are made for good, and learn the discernment skills to act justly. Humans know truth and justice in their deepest, truest depths. Fear and anxiety impede our deepest knowing.

In the 1980s, when Susan and I met, she was asked by our St. John’s friend, Father Warren Deane, how it was working out. She replied positively, with the caveat that I was still something of a “secular humanist.” “Give him a chance,” Warren suggested, “Some of my best friends are secular humanists!”

Looking back, I can recall instance after instance in which my personal hopes and prayers went mercifully unanswered – thus changing how I responded to a challenge and, in the process, teaching me that I could trust more and control less.

Now is the time to light my own candle and not “… to hide it under a bushel”.I love Anne’s expression to “pray with your feet” and provide an example through actions, showing my gratitude by working with and for others. If I can do this in a humble manner, I hope to be an example of what being a Christian means to me.

When I think of Lent, I think of spiritual renewal and transformation. I had one of my most powerful experiences of spiritual renewal and transformation that day at St. John’s. Thank you.

“Say to all the congregations of the people of Israel, You shall be Holy, for I the Lord your God am Holy.” We are to be Holy? That is daunting! Holy? What does Holy mean?