View From the Corner Office
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"Beware of the Ides of March, Caesar."
Whether that warning was actually given or some other we will never know for sure but the fact remains Caesar was assassinated on or about that date. Shakespeare made the whole affair common knowledge. In years past the Latin Club of the University of Michigan has paid for a memorial ad in the Ann Arbor News in Julius' memory. Whether they will continue the tradition remains to be seen. |
Having brought Julius' untimely end to your attention let us move on to the observance of LENT. Each year as I seek to bring you an understanding of the solemnity of these days I find it would be all too easy to simply repeat myself and quote from earlier years and "VIEWS". To pique your curiosity I opened with ancient history!
In today's world with its awe inspiring pace of communication primarily via the "social media" and when we consider that distances between cities have not changed only the means of getting a message from one to another. The thought of our Lord's message being brought to people is mind boggling. Of course we can say, the Roman road construction and with the establishment of guard posts together with the ability to travel great distances by sea is the answer.
However think about the task of St Paul, St Peter and other Evangelists who traveled from town to town bringing the message of Jesus to the people. These messengers traveled primarily by foot staying not at the nearest Holiday Inn but seeking to find lodging from strangers initially but eventually to be taken in by members of the local church.
Now with that in mind consider your own situation, how different the times are and the ease with which we can hear the gospel preached and learn the story of Jesus and His message of hope, love and forbearance in relating to others. Within seconds our electronic media joins us together, within minutes we are enabled to reach the assembly we know as the Church and within hours (not days or weeks) we can jet anywhere in the world bringing Jesus' message to our brothers and sisters.
The fact is we have little by way of an excuse to miss the opportunity which LENT provides to renew our commitment and once again renew our Baptismal Vows or, as the 1928 Prayer Book answers the question of "What is my bounden duty" with "To worship God in His Church every Sunday".
OK, so now I've answered my own thought/question regarding LENT 2017, it is a renewal of that pledge to rouse myself to the need to worship each week and actually not only during LENT but throughout the year.
As during ADVENT, in LENT we are looking forward to the wonder of Christ, His message of care for others as much as we care for ourselves. EASTER is drawing near, the sacrifice of the cross is more evident and we seek the blessing of God on our country and all people. In keeping a Holy LENT we prepare in some small measure for EASTER'S reassurance of God's blessings on His children.
PAX,
Fr Jerry
In today's world with its awe inspiring pace of communication primarily via the "social media" and when we consider that distances between cities have not changed only the means of getting a message from one to another. The thought of our Lord's message being brought to people is mind boggling. Of course we can say, the Roman road construction and with the establishment of guard posts together with the ability to travel great distances by sea is the answer.
However think about the task of St Paul, St Peter and other Evangelists who traveled from town to town bringing the message of Jesus to the people. These messengers traveled primarily by foot staying not at the nearest Holiday Inn but seeking to find lodging from strangers initially but eventually to be taken in by members of the local church.
Now with that in mind consider your own situation, how different the times are and the ease with which we can hear the gospel preached and learn the story of Jesus and His message of hope, love and forbearance in relating to others. Within seconds our electronic media joins us together, within minutes we are enabled to reach the assembly we know as the Church and within hours (not days or weeks) we can jet anywhere in the world bringing Jesus' message to our brothers and sisters.
The fact is we have little by way of an excuse to miss the opportunity which LENT provides to renew our commitment and once again renew our Baptismal Vows or, as the 1928 Prayer Book answers the question of "What is my bounden duty" with "To worship God in His Church every Sunday".
OK, so now I've answered my own thought/question regarding LENT 2017, it is a renewal of that pledge to rouse myself to the need to worship each week and actually not only during LENT but throughout the year.
As during ADVENT, in LENT we are looking forward to the wonder of Christ, His message of care for others as much as we care for ourselves. EASTER is drawing near, the sacrifice of the cross is more evident and we seek the blessing of God on our country and all people. In keeping a Holy LENT we prepare in some small measure for EASTER'S reassurance of God's blessings on His children.
PAX,
Fr Jerry
A True Friend
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A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths; feels your fears but fortifies your faith; sees your anxieties but frees your spirit; recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities.
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