Look up in Lent...

I have already shared a few stories about my Ash Wednesday morning at the Cary Metra Station. All in all, it was a beautiful day. It must have been a rather slow news day, because yours truly made the front page of the Daily Herald. I wouldn't mention this except it's not too often an Episcopal clergy person  shares the same news column as the Pope himself!

In spite of the bitter cold, truly, the Spirit comforted me, while the willingness and openness of the commuters only reinforced the importance of my being there that day. People wanted...people needed...people were expecting.  That thaws out the coldest of colds and warmed me through and through.

Of course, not everyone was so receptive. What I noticed was that as people came across the tracks and they saw me in my white alb, purple chasuble and hood, many, though not all, looked down at their feet, some focused their gaze on something else while others eagerly sipped from their coffee mugs in order to avoid direct eye contact with me. I guess it is akin to when we were in school and the teacher asked if anyone knew the answer to the question posed. Collectively, the class all looked down at their books in the hopes they would not be called upon. Bring back any memories?   

I can appreciate and understand the reservation and hesitation that some commuters demonstrated. Religion, specifically spirituality and beliefs, are very personal matters. For some, wearing one's faith on their sleeve is not a comforting proposition. There still exists an attitude that expressions of faith are best exercised in a place of worship.   Not everyone is comfortable expressing their faith openly and in public. Ash Wednesday certainly allows us the opportunity to show what we believe as we wear ashes on our forehead for all to see.

As I was standing out on that train platform, what I wanted to say to those whose eyes drifted downwards was, 'hey, look up, and see what I have for you.'   On a more practical note, it's always a good idea we look up when we're walking, so we see what's ahead; we focus on what is before us.

Lent is a very good time for all of us to 'look up.' We all need to better focus on what is ahead of us, where it is we are going on our spiritual journey.   For us Christians, we look forward to Easter, the great, high paschal feast. However, in order to get to Easter, we are afforded these six wonderful weeks of anticipation and preparation. To get to the wheat, we must first go through the chaff. To smell a rose, we maneuver about the thorns. For us to fully and truly glory in the promise of Paradise, we live our human lives as best we can, with Jesus serving as our inspiration and guide.

Speaking of "Looking up," I invite all to look at the changes in the Gathering Space: the Giving Tree has been moved closer to Holy Innocents Hall and is now front and center the first thing seen when entering into the building. New slips have been hung upon the tree, stating some of the material items needed at church. (Remember to include receipts of purchases for the parish so we can add to your contribution statement). The Welcoming Table has moved slightly to the left, closer to the middle of the space. The bulletin boards are now fully exposed and much easier to approach and read. And while we are there reading, consider signing up to share in one of the ministries of the church...baking bread that is used at our weekend Liturgies, brewing the coffee and setting up the cakes and cookies shared after our Sunday Liturgy, or pitching in to help clean the church.

"Look up" and see what is before us...a pathway laid by our God for us to travel, bringing us closer to our Lord and Savior. And let's look up together as we journey together.

• "Continuing a Conversation." February 24.  After the 10:00 a.m. liturgy, we are inviting the community to gather and discuss how we can better build and strengthen St. Nicholas Church.  A light luncheon will be provided.    

manny@stnicholasepiscopal.org 

Ken, the brother of our Mary Beth Jarvis who suffered a stroke on Christmas Eve.  Ken is currently in critical condition, having lost sight in his left eye and motion on his left side.  Pray for Ken, his recovery and his well being and pray for his family and friends for strength and support.

Linda Buzard, choral director of St. John the Divine in Urbana and a friend of Bob DeHaven, is battling breast cancer: pray for full recovery and sound health.

Marcia Kizior, sister of Bob DeHaven, who is in poor health.

Pamela Joy DeHaven, in thanksgiving for recovery and continued remission.   

Hope Smith, whose cancer has reappeared: for strength, peace and guidance.

For those in transition: those searching for work, those who are moving and those encountering changes in life.

 
Click here for the readings appointed for Saturday, February 23 / Sunday, February 24