Rev. Andrew's Adventures

We have made it!!  We have finally reached the end of the wilderness and are now ready to return to life again after forty-plus long days and nights.  I hope that this Lenten journey has been fulfilling, challenging, and inspiring all in the same breath.  I know I can say that it has been one of the most fulfilling journeys I have taken, adding spiritual practices, fasting/modified Daniel Fast (was not perfect, but experienced God's grace), and adding inspirational readings.  But even outside, the starkness of the wilderness and gloom of winter is now giving way to the warmth and bright colors of Spring.  Resurrection is happening all around us. And tomorrow, we will celebrate our risen Lord, as Jesus conquered death and conquered the grave.  It is a new day for each of us, as by taking the wilderness road to the cross and grave, we too have died to our old ways and are basking in the glow of the resurrection, as we arise to new life in Jesus Christ.  Sure, there has been some gr

Once again, the news presents us with the vicious cycle of violence and hate in our world, as we have been witnesses once again yesterday morning with news of the airport bombing in Brussels.  It is a helpless feeling knowing that what's done cannot be undone, yet when will this come to an end?  When will the extreme hatred and anger cease?  When will our world ever see peace?  All I feel like saying these days is Kyrie Eleison, or Lord, Have Mercy. Lord, have mercy for each victim...      Lord, have mercy on each family and friend affected...            Lord, have mercy on the rescue workers and those providing aid... Kyrie Eleison, Christe Eleison...

Looking at my calendar and at the date of my last post, I am realizing it has been nearly a month since my last post.  As the saying goes, "time flies when you're having fun," although not so sure I can consider it all fun.  This Lenten journey has no doubt been challenging, thought-provoking, but also fulfilling and even renewing.  Like Jesus wandered through the wilderness following his baptism (see Luke 4: 1-13), he was sent by the Spirit into the wilderness where he was tested and tempted by the devil.  Although Jesus is able to stick to his faith, rejecting the devil each time.  It was also highly challenging, as Jesus had nothing to eat the whole forty days and it shows, as he is famished at the end.  Lent is a time of opportunity for going into our own wildernesses, taking a long look at ourselves in the mirror and examining where we fall short with God.  But, Lent is also an opportunity to grow closer to God, giving up some of our earthly pleasures and relying on