Photo by Kay Collier-McLaughlin

In the beginning of Lent I invited us to enter the wilderness of uncharted territory - the unknown and unfamiliar. I suggested that along with stepping away from the world through prayer, bible study and worship, we are called to walk into the world of human life with all of its mystery.

I took my lead from the Lenten Sunday lessons, in which Jesus encounters the faithful struggles of Nicodemus and the woman at the well, he engages a family struggling with the lifetime disabilities of a son born blind; and he enters the grief of Lazarus' family. Following Jesus this Lent, I suggested, means engaging those around us who doubt, and wonder, and struggle and grieve. Be led to those places by the Spirit, just as Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.

Little did I realize I was predicting my own Lenten journey, not chosen by me, but chosen for me by family events. For almost two weeks Kaye and I have been in the intensive care unit of Penn Presbyterian Hospital, standing by our daughter Avery in her struggle to survive a traumatic heart event.

It continues to be a dangerous Lenten journey through uncharted territory of life and death. It is hard; it is frightening. We do not know its outcome. We do not know its meaning.

But we do know some places where we have encountered God and his ministering angels in this wilderness.

God has been with us:

• In doctors, nurses, technicians, social workers, and orderlies who have been highly skilled professionals as well as deeply compassionate human beings.
• In hospital chaplains and local Episcopal clergy offering prayers and strengthening presence
• In Todd and Peggy, a faithful couple who have opened a room in their home to us strangers for our nightly rest.
• In neighborhood walks where the languages of many cultures remind us of the broadness of God's world and the simple greetings remind us of God's ever present hospitality
• In new friends who stand by us.
• In your many emails and notes of concern.
• In the words of Jesus as we go through this wilderness, "Lo, I am with you always. Be not afraid".

This is not an easy Lenten journey. It is not one we would have chosen. But often our journeys choose us. God is with us on this wilderness road, as the prophet Isaiah promised (40:3). We are not soaring like eagles; we are not even running without growing weary; but with God's good presence we are walking step by step without fainting

May God walk with you on your Lenten way, wherever that way may lead.

- The Rt. Rev. Doug Hahn