February 8, 2024

Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Epiphany, the season of Theophany, light, and revelation, is drawing to a close, and Lent is near upon us. The transition from Epiphany to Lent reminds us that, in this world, light casts shadows. The revelation of God in the face of the Son brings brightness into the world and in so doing, reveals that not all is light. The light brings joy and hope, and also shines into the hidden and secret places in the world and in our own hearts. And in our joy we turn to Lent, not to wallow in the darkness, but in the hope that we can spread the Epiphany of Christ until one day, all will be light. 

I hope this Lent we will find the hope to venture fearlessly into the dark corners and hidden places to shine light on things we would rather not see. For those who would look into the world’s darkness, Lauri will be leading a discussion of the book, “Homelessness is a Housing Problem” and discussing the practical and political causes of homelessness. Those called to illumine their own interior shadows are invited to join in a time of shared lectio divina on Wednesdays from noon until 12:30 beginning on Feb. 21. 

“I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word…” and by carrying light into the darkness.

The Rites of Spring 

This Lent the 8:00 and 10:30 services will be swapping liturgies (except for music). At 8:00 we will be using Rite II, Eucharistic Prayer C and at 10:30 we will use Rite I, Eucharistic Prayer I. I hope that the change will open our eyes to the ancient mysteries we have forgotten and to the new revelations that we have never experienced. 

Rite I can be shocking in its heavier use of masculine language and so ss part of the experience, this Sunday February 11 following the 10:30 service we will have some discussion around gender inclusivity in worship. We’ll take some time to look at the theological issues and implications, the liturgical norms and outer bounds, and a few principles we might apply ourselves and in our shared worship.