2 minute read
A Message from Archangel Editor Steve Haal
It was both incredibly satisfying and horrifying at the same time. During the reception afterwards, one of the attendees, of the Women of Saint Michael's Interfaith Panel (cover photo), of the Muslim faith, made that statement to me, completely complimentary and clearly looking as if he had just experienced an anomaly.
As I head in to this Lenten season, the ramifications of what he said are the topics for me internally that spin questions about how we care for others. Do we—do I? I mean as a Christian it's automatica.... Nope.
Wiki says that the purpose of Lent is "the preparation of the believer for Easter through prayer, doing penance, repentance of sins, alms-giving, and self-denial." If that is the case (spoiler alert...it is) we have just entered the perfect period of time to ask these questions of ourselves. For some they're tough questions, perhaps for others not so much. For me? It's like a yearly game of whack-a-mole. The reality is that life is busy, and makes demands of us all. In the midst of that I can easily get sloppy and selfish.
Comedian Eddie Izzard has a bit about Easter and church that has made audiences nation-wide howl with laughter...because in many cases it's true. People focus on themselves. We go through the motions of worship—not because we don't care—but because we are so accustomed to it. It no longer really inspires or touches many in a way that gets our attention.
I am guilty of this.
On page 24 you'll find our official guide to our Lenten offerings, as well as that of Holy Week and Easter Day. You may find more than a few moments that are bursting with opportunity to renew that vibrant connection with our faith and practice, and the sacrifice of Christ to make it possible. I'm already putting them on my calendar! Practice, for me, is just that: the recurring effort to re-hone that which has gone awry. I'm thankful for the work of Saint Michael, especially for the grace of the cross of Christ, seen and felt in our ministries.
Along with the guide, there's plenty more: the ever-growing Saint Michael Pilgrimages (pgs. 7, 15, 16), tax and financial information from the SMAA Foundation (pg. 18), educational material to hone our personal knowledge of our faith (pgs. 28, 32, 41), opportunities to volunteer (we NEED you!) and a host of photos celebrating the awesome memories, ministries and celebrations that herald an increasingly vibrant parish life at Saint Michael.
So take a copy and have fun with it. Reflect on Lent and yourself, and look to Calvary with thanksgiving for the work He has done. This is our new chance.
-Steve
www.saintmichael.org
