I write at the close of our recent House of Bishops meeting. On the way from the airport to the meeting, we saw a few wildflowers, of one or two varieties. They stood out from the grass, just beginning to turn to the green lushness of spring. During the week we met in Texas, the trees went from mere hints of green in the topmost branches to having leaves unfolding on all their branches. And on the way back to the airport a week later, the riot of wildflowers was astounding. The new life of resurrection can be just as surreptitious -- we look and things seem quite dead, we look away, and when our focus returns, we discover that God has been at work making all things new. Anyone who has grieved the death of a loved one will recognize the pattern. Those who experience the loss involved in moving away from a beloved community will know it as well. As this Lent draws to a close, take a careful look at your life. Where has God been at work during this fast? What new life can you discern?We welcomed 34 new members into our congregation this morning; 11 at 8:00 and 23 at 10:30. I used an adaptation of the welcome for baptized members found in the Book of Occasional Services. This was the culmination of a ten week "Welcome to the Episcopal Church" class.
This is a sign of new life. With all the bad press we've been getting lately, I thought maybe some good news would be refreshing.
As you look around your world, your church, your neighborhood, your family, your soul, what signs of new life do you see?
J.
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