From Deacon Ron Reno:
We have finished our four ancient “Gesima” Sundays this last weekend and we have done our best in preparation for Lent. We saw that change was coming and have celebrated Jesus’s birth, circumcision and more. We have discovered that Grace is not easily understood and Grace is probably undeserved. We know we are laborers seeking His reward and we worship Him best by living a godly Christian life. We do Him justice by gathering together by doing MP, doing music like “My God, I Love Thee” by Filbert, doing the the pre-sanctified gifts and the Eucharist when Father Andrews is among us. This mission church loves God!
O LORD, who hast taught us that all our doings without charity are nothing worth; Send thy Holy Ghost, and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of charity, the very bond of peace and of all the virtues, without which whosoever liveth is counted dead before thee. Grant this for thine only Son Jesus Christ sake. Amen “Collect for Quinquagesima’
During Holy Week, when the most brutal sufferings of Jesus are put forward to us in the liturgy; the Church really invites us to follow His blood stained footsteps and in a way to carry the cross with Him. We often associate Lent as a time to give up things, change bad behavior, give up alcohol and maybe get in better physical shape. Sacrifice is good and can help us grow in our relationship with the Lord; all of those things are important to consider doing. I think God would look at it a little differently than just giving up things; sure, He wants us to seek penance but I bet He would be pleased if we added things like reading more scripture, maybe doing the stations of the cross at Saint Mary’s Chapel and work on renewing our faith in Jesus. I think He would choose us to add time, talent and treasure for the good of others and seek virtue. Charity, virtue and penance can be our foundation for this Lent and that by itself will strengthen our faith. Embrace adding anything that will help you to spiritually grow: use your Lenten books given to you by Saint John’s to reflect on.
We will do our imposition of ashes this Saturday just before services. Did you know Ash Wednesday dates back to the 11th century for us but the tradition of marking ones forehead with ashes goes back to ancient Hebrew times? PENANCE, does that sound familiar?
Our services the following weekend will be on Sunday, February 25 at 11:15. Please take note of this change.
God willing and the weather permitting, Father Andrews and Anneliese are hopeful to be here March 2, God bless, Deacon