Martin Smith, one of my favorite Episcopal authors, some 20 years ago wrote a wonderful book called "A Season For the Spirit" to be read during the weeks of Lent. I read it every year because it helps to remind me to clear out all that clutters my insides and to give up control. Only when we do this do we have room for the Spirit to enter. Rather than try to agonize over "giving up" something or "taking on something" he states we are called to surrender control and with that making room for the truth to enter. He says," Truth happens to us when the coverings of illusion are stripped away and what is real emerges into the open."
I have given up various things for Lent, or taken on a new challenge, and am a better person for what I learned and did. But this year I am trying to let go and let God and I am beginning to think it is working for me.
Showing posts with label St. Martin's church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label St. Martin's church. Show all posts
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Monday, May 4, 2009
We can't run
A MESSAGE FROM FATHER GEHLSEN:
As we journey through the Easter Season, we await the Ascension of Jesus. He is in preparation for leaving the earth and turning his ministry over to his apostles and disciple. For these followers this was a very scary set of circumstances.
They had already experienced Jesus leaving them through his death. They ran as most of us would when someone dear to us is dead. We are sorrowful and sad, so you can imagine what they felt when they saw him after the resurrection. Now they have go through it again, only to have Jesus physically leave and no longer be in their presence
What they had difficulty with was knowing that Jesus wasn't leaving them. He gave them the tools, authority and power to carry on. Their minuscule faith lead them to believe they were again alone.
Doesn't this sound familiar, even to the point of running away from our call to ministry. We may say, "We are to busy;" Let someone else more qualified do it;" "I really don't want any part of it!" We really can't run. We have to face the call and act on it as Jesus is with us in risen form to give us the tools and means to bring his death and resurrection event to all those we come in contact with.
God bless you!
Fr. Tom
As we journey through the Easter Season, we await the Ascension of Jesus. He is in preparation for leaving the earth and turning his ministry over to his apostles and disciple. For these followers this was a very scary set of circumstances.
They had already experienced Jesus leaving them through his death. They ran as most of us would when someone dear to us is dead. We are sorrowful and sad, so you can imagine what they felt when they saw him after the resurrection. Now they have go through it again, only to have Jesus physically leave and no longer be in their presence
What they had difficulty with was knowing that Jesus wasn't leaving them. He gave them the tools, authority and power to carry on. Their minuscule faith lead them to believe they were again alone.
Doesn't this sound familiar, even to the point of running away from our call to ministry. We may say, "We are to busy;" Let someone else more qualified do it;" "I really don't want any part of it!" We really can't run. We have to face the call and act on it as Jesus is with us in risen form to give us the tools and means to bring his death and resurrection event to all those we come in contact with.
God bless you!
Fr. Tom
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