Good afternoon, Beloved,
I hope the day finds you well, safe, and at peace in the loving hands of God. A prayer that may not seem so easily filled today with all of the conflicts, troubles, and wars of the world. Troubles which seem to never end. No respite or vacation from one anxiety of the world before another becomes a deluge of pain and suffering on our hearts. I noticed this onslaught of issues a couple years ago. However, a simple example is that we have not even been able to celebrate the end of Covid before now facing war in the Ukraine. And a growing fear amongst people that this will become something far worse. The world almost seems like a never-ending diet of bad news with no time to recover in between cataclysmic events.
However, this path is that of humankind. It is not the Way of God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and you, beloved. Our Way, the Way of God is one which remembers we must have a vacation from time to time. God reminds us there are times in our day where She is calling us to … breathe. Times of the year when He invites us to…reflect. Times in life where They welcome us to be…at peace. Lent is one of those times. One of those times where we are called to recover from the world’s problems and simply focus on our personal spirituality. Focus on the Way we love God with our whole heart and care for ourselves spiritually.
Yes, it is also a time where we are invited to repent and recall our own mortal nature. But this invitation is really a spiritual gift for us. For, it is a chance for each of us to let go of the anxieties we are struggling with, the concerns weighing us down, the burdens which make it hard to love our neighbor. This practice is a gift which we are invited to explore before our lives end and there is no time left in this world. For, we are made from dust and to dust we shall return. We recall these words tonight not to inspire fear; but to remember that there is no time like right now for us to care for ourselves. No time like today to forgive and seek forgiveness. No moment like right now to heal our relationships and be at peace. So, we may be refreshed and prepared to continue the loving ministry which Christ calls us to do every day: love God, Love your Neighbor as YOURSELF.
May each of you nurture the spiritual side of yourself throughout this Lent and find the peace, safety, and wellness of God in this season of reflection.
Your pastor and teacher, Brian
Please consider the ways you care for your own spirituality and faith throughout Lent. If you would like, you may text, call, or email me always to talk and discover ideas to help you refresh your soul. As I am here to support you and your relationship with God wherever you are on the journey. My number is (207-350-9561) if you need anything or simply want to talk. Next week, my pastoral care hours are Mon. 9-4, Tues. 12-5, Wed. 9-4, Thurs. 10-2 to provide some time for visiting. Many blessings and Love to you all.