Hang in there! The end is in sight!" - Rector's Rambling for February 28, 2016

“Hang in there!  The end is in sight.”  That was the advice given to me this past week by the construction crew working on the roadway and new sidewalk in front of St. John’s.  I had enquired in the hope that we will have the Service Drive open in time for Easter Day.  The workers, when asked, looked at each other, were obviously doing the math in their heads, and responded with a tentative, “maybe”.

It is only the 3rd Sunday in Lent, but already I am looking forward a few weeks.  Next week is Rose Sunday when we lighten up a bit.  The following week is Passion Sunday which brings with it the veiling of crosses and the liturgy made more austere.  Before you know it Palm Sunday and Holy Week are upon us with it’s full agenda of worship and devotions.

It is about this time of Lent that many of us come to the realization that Lent is hard, and lasts a long time.  It is supposed to be both those things.  Sin becomes entrenched in our habits, and sloth makes us want to take the easier, softer way to solve it.  But it will take both time to get out of the bad habit of sin, as well as effort to replace it with positive efforts that support virtue.

But it is hoped that by the long, arduous training that Lent should be, we will be well-prepared spiritually when the celebration of the Resurrection and it’s 40-day season is upon us!

If you haven’t gotten started with the discipline of Lent, NOW is as good a time as any, and if you are struggling, or perhaps failing at some in your resolutions, NOW is also a good time to be rededicated to the effort!  And if you find yourself still on the right path, but frustrated with a seeming lack of progress, remember that “time takes time”.  In other words, advances may be slow, but will come.

“Hang in there!  The end is in sight.”