Dear Family and Friends in Christ,
My heart breaks for humanity, for our world, and especially for the good people of Ukraine. As your priest, pastor and mother of two Navy men, my heart aches for the unrest in our world. I turn to Mary for strength and guidance during times like this.
You may ask as you watch the eerie images on the TV of children fleeing from their homes and parents sheltering in subway tunnels as bombs explode, what does it mean to be a Christian at this moment? When the world is in an uproar, it's good to remember that God loves us, and He desires peace for each one of His children.
During times of war, there is an opportunity for us all - no matter what our beliefs or background-to take up the armor of God against injustice. Our call is no less. So, as we enter this Lenten season, beginning this Ash Wednesday, let us unite and pray for peace, repent of our sins, and take up the Armor of God as a faithful people.
Ephesians 6:10-18
The Whole Armor of God
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.”
The call to prayer for us all has never been more urgent than it is today. In a world marked by war, injustice, and oppression- (both physical and psychological), we must stand against all forms of hate and oppression with firmness in order to bring peace into our communities and across the globe.
The book of the Prophet Isaiah says, "To grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified."
A faint spirit, the oil of mourning, the ashes of grief—God promises to deliver us from these. What a blessing it is to serve a God who turns the sorrow of despair into a time of praise!
This Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season. We recall the biblical custom of covering ourselves in ashes. By doing this, we mark ourselves in two ways: as those who are in mourning for our crucified Christ and as those who are filled with a heart of sorrow for our sins. We remember our mortality, “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return,” and we long for a resurrected life.
Lent is a time of reflection, a time when we focus on the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Many, traditionally, choose to participate in some fasting during this time—people have been known to fast from various foods as well as television and Internet usage. Others decide to study the Bible more closely or experience a time of solitude. Perhaps you will commit to attending services from now until the glory of Easter or dedicating a more significant portion of your day to a time of prayer, a time in the presence of our God.
Whatever your personal preference, Lent invites us to let go of old habits, desires, and ways of life and develop a more joyful, Christ-filled way of living and being.
I invite you and your family to join me as we prepare for a time of tremendous spiritual growth and renewal - as we focus on the Almighty, pray for peace in our world, and turn away from sin and distraction that interferes with our relationship with God.
In the coming weeks, let's keep each other in prayer and commit to growing closer to our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of all hope and healing, and we can find true joy and peace in Him even during times of sorrow and unrest.
May God bless you abundantly during this holy season!
Blessings,
Mo. Allison+
O gracious Master, infuse in our hearts the spotless light of Your Divine Wisdom and open the eyes of our mind that we may understand the teachings of Your Gospel. Instill in us also the fear of Your blessed commandments, so that having curbed all carnal desires, we may lead a spiritual life, both thinking and doing everything to please You. For You, O Christ, our God, are the enlightenment of our souls and bodies; and to You we render glory, together with Your eternal Father, and with Your all holy, life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and forever.