2023 Lenten Devotional

Holy Week & Easter Worship

NEW THIS YEAR!

These daily devotions are also available on St. David’s new podcast, Cross Connections . Find us in your favorite podcast app or at stdavidschurch.org/crossconnections.

Devotional Editor: Betsy Aikens

Booklet layout and graphic design: Natalee Hill

Cover Image: Icon detail art from icon written by Benjamin Powley

Dear People of St. David’s,

The season of Lent is upon us – forty days of paying particular attention to the quality of our lives with God and with one another. It is a season when we seek to turn our lives over to God more and more. It is a season when we take time to feed our faith. It is a season when we make conscious choices to spend time in prayer and worship, study and Bible reading, quiet and stillness as the means for opening our lives to the presence of God who is already there.

The promise of the season of Lent is that our physical activities directed toward God will open the way for spiritual experiences of God who will reshape our souls and our hearts with God’s grace.

So, as you and I give up those things that keep us from experiencing God and commit to a life more open to God, God will enter our lives more and more. Jesus promises that when we make room for God, God will come in and make God’s home in our hearts.

We have put together this Lenten book of meditations and the accompanying podcast recordings of these meditations as a means for all of us to make room. Our own parishioners and staff have written devotions for each day from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday as an aid to your daily Bible reading and prayer. We hope you will also join us in community activities on Sundays and through the week that will enable you to fill up your life with more of God’s grace, love, and presence. Thanks to all the writers and especially to our editor, Betsy Aikens.

Join us in keeping a holy Lent this year. I assure you that the time you spend will be meaningful and life giving and that we will all grow in grace.

Grace and Peace,

The

Reverend W. Frank Allen Rector

“And whenever you pray . . .” – Matthew 6:5

READ

Psalm 103 or Psalm 103:8-14; Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 or Isaiah 58:1-12; 2 Corinthians 5:2b6:10; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

REFLECT

We begin Lent with the imposition of ashes which is the concrete ritual that marks us and the beginning of Lent and brings us to communion with one another. The ashes are an outward sign that represents forgiveness and sorrow for sins that have been committed. During this Lent, my hope for you all is that you will renew your spiritual practices of attending worship services and praying, and being in communion with one another more frequently. Connections with others through worship, companionship, friendship, volunteering, family, and daily life interactions are vital for spreading kindness, joy and love, and messages of hope. I encourage you to take this time for reflection within yourself to strengthen your faith so that you can live in sincerity and truth and allow you to exemplify God’s abounding love and compassion in all that you do and to all the people you encounter. Be kind to yourself and others. Show compassion and forgiveness to yourself and others. Breathe. Take this time to contemplate your faults and purify your hearts to align your thoughts, feelings, and actions as the love of God fills them. Know that you are loved abundantly.

PRAY

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; though Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Leslie Lewis has been a member of St. David’s since 2005. She is currently serving on the vestry and on the outreach and family ministries commissions. She is a dedicated volunteer at St. Gabriel’s in Philadelphia. Leslie is wife to Todd and mother to Hayden and Owen.

Psalm 1; Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Luke 9:18-25

REFLECT

The disciples didn’t get it! Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” and the disciples replied with a list of the great prophets of Israel and the responses are not far off the mark, but they don’t get it quite right. Then he asked them “Who do you say that I am?” and Peter gets it right! He says, “You are the Messiah!” But Jesus isn’t the Messiah that Peter had in mind. The title “Messiah” in Hebrew or “Christ” in Greek was associated in Jewish tradition with an anointed king, a royal figure from the line of David expected to come and free Israel and restore its glory. This is not what Jesus planned to do. He actually planned to do the opposite.

Jesus would undergo great suffering, and be killed, and after three days rise again. Peter didn’t understand the significance of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. He worked closely with him, seeing Jesus be the physical presence of God in the world, yet he didn’t understand. I don’t blame him; it is difficult work. However, following Jesus also gives us a wonderful gift, the gift of eternal life. Like Peter, we will stumble in our journeys with God. We will put ourselves first, and we will fall out of communication with God. Yet, God still loves us. If the disciples could struggle with their relationships with God, so can we. Jesus said, “take up your cross and follow him.”

PRAY

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally, by your mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Rev. Thomas Szczerba, Jr. is an associate rector at St. David’s, supporting fellowship and outreach. Thomas and his wife, Marissa are big Star Wars fans; they actually named their two dogs, Luke and Leia. May the force be with you!

Psalm 51:1-10; Isaiah 58:1-9a; Matthew 9:10-17

REFLECT

As I read the passages of Isaiah and Matthew, I found myself musing about the concept of fasting. Those of you who have seen me at any church meal know that I am not prone to fasting; I doubt I’d be very good at it. As it says in Matthew 6:16: “And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting.” I’m pretty sure my face would give away my unhappiness.

I see fasting as related to the concept of doing without something for Lent. To me, this is a mechanism that causes us to think more often about God than we might normally. When we can’t grab that piece of chocolate, or can’t pour that drink, etc. we instead think about why we can’t, muse about our choices, and maybe say a prayer for strength. In that moment perhaps we pull a little closer to God.

So, while you’re doing your Lenten equivalent of fasting, try to keep your face properly un-disfigured and take some momentary joy in the meaning of the gesture.

PRAY

Support us, O Lord, with your gracious favor through the fast we have begun; that as we observe it by bodily self-denial, so we may fulfill it with inner sincerity of heart; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Jeff Rohrbeck is a long-time member of St. David’s and currently serves on the vestry.

READ

Psalm 86:1-11; Isaiah 58:9b-14; Luke 5:27-32

REFLECT

Today’s readings include the calling of Levi as told by Luke.

Levi heard two words, “Follow me” then he immediately gave up everything and followed Jesus.

I wonder if, Jesus’ invitation was unexpected and astonishing to Levi.

Or, perhaps, Levi had been praying for a big change to his life and Jesus’ invitation was the answer to his prayers. Either way, Matthew knew instantly and committed his life to Jesus.

It’s likely, Luke included this story to encourage us to reflect and pray about our own commitment to Jesus.

For Levi, who became Matthew, to give up everything he must have been changed in a big way. Matthew probably continued to change as he spent more time with Jesus. Am I changed? Am I continuing to change?

As one of the twelve, did Matthew wake up every morning expecting to see Jesus do something amazing? As a follower of Jesus do I have any expectations? Do I recognize and give thanks for God’s grace? Shouldn’t I wake up every morning and see the holiness of God’s creation all around me?

Lent is a time of prayer. A time for us to think about the good God has done and is doing in our lives. Today, I will pray remembering the grace I have received and how I can better commit myself to Jesus.

PRAY

Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth your right hand to help and defend us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Jay Baldwin and his wife Theresa live in Berwyn and have been members at St. David’s since 2000. Jay serves on the vestry. He is a verger, serves on several commissions, and is a regular participant in Friday morning men’s Bible study.

READ

Psalm 32; Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11

REFLECT

We all know it is wrong to sin, but sometimes we do it anyway. In the readings for today Eve knew it was wrong to take the fruit but did it anyway. Adam and Eve knew they would be punished, and they were, but they were also forgiven.

Why is it so easy to sin, to make an error, but it is so hard to forgive? Children make mistakes or even sin and we do our best to correct them and help them move on from their mistakes. A child on a playground might kick or hit another child, and when this happens an adult will come and teach them that this behavior is wrong and perhaps give a punishment. The child then apologizes and learns from their mistake. The next time the child goes to the playground they will be reminded of correct behavior and told to go play. The parent can forgive the child’s behavior and help them move on from this.

As adults we still make mistakes, and our peers help us to correct them, but we can’t always move on. What makes it so hard for adults to forgive someone’s error (sometimes it is even our own) and move on and grow from that experience? Why is it so hard for us as adults to forgive ourselves and move forward?

I give you the challenge this Lent to forgive yourself for past wrongdoings. Move forward from this place and go play on the playground.

PRAY

Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan; Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Sarah Schoettle serves on the vestry and has served on outreach, pastoral care, and family ministries. She and her family are active members at the 11:30 service and in Sunday school.

READ

Psalm 19:7-14; Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18; Matthew 25:31-46

REFLECT

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. Yet we have all fallen short of it; we all break his law. If only we could trust Him, could trust that His law is perfect, and revives the soul.

God has put guardrails in place that keep us safe, like the guardrails on the mountain road that keep you from driving over a cliff. Oh, but how much like Adam I am! I am concerned that just on the other side of the guardrail is: I don’t know, riches? A party where all the fabulous people are having a good time? “I could trust you, God, and follow you in this,” I say, “but I’m afraid I might lose something I have, or I might not get something I want. Better let me handle it!”

No matter how many times God keeps faith with me (and believe me, this sinner has been carried through by God’s grace alone more times than I can count!), I find it tough to trust in Him this time. So, I rely on my own best judgment, and I sin and fall short. I go to peek over the guardrail again, and - predictably - fall off the cliff again.

Yet God, in His great love for me - for us - keeps coming back and finding me; He keeps picking me up, brushing me off, keeps holding me until my bruises don’t hurt quite as badly. And little by little, I find myself trusting in Him more. That’s the great mystery, I think. I just - can’t - trust Him on my own; only by His grace do I trust Him. In myself I am nothing, but with God who is with me now, I can do all kinds of good.

I love the Lenten season because it reminds me both that I am absolutely hopeless without God’s grace, and that I am absolutely loved by Him. The mark of the ashes on Ash Wednesday: The ashes remind me that I am dust; the shape of the ashes reminds me of what God did out of His great love for me and reminds me that I am His.

PRAY

Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully increase in us your gifts of holy discipline, in almsgiving, prayer, and fasting; that our lives may be directed to the fulfilling of your most gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Chase White has been at St. David’s since 2009. He is the devoted husband of Lizzy, and father to Chase Jr. and Collsen.

READ

Psalm 34:15-22; Isaiah 55:6-11; Matthew 6:7-15

REFLECT

“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” — Isaiah 55:6 [NIV]

The Lord is all around us, always there, even before we know we need him. To me, the three readings reflect on trusting God and his guidance in our lives, even when we have doubt, fear, or face temptation. If we trust and have faith, He will be there to protect and guide us, always.

Living in the way of the Lord can be a challenge. But, when we seek refuge in God, acknowledge His ways as the example of how to live our lives, speak His words, forgive others as He forgives us, we become the new life Christ gives us…like the rain that waters the earth for the bud to flourish into the seed, that becomes the bread of life.

“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11 [NIV])

Our example, our words, when we follow in Christ’s ways, are the vehicles to spread His word and change the world.

PRAY

Grant to your people, Lord, grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil, and with pure hearts and minds to follow you, the only true God; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Amanda Spencer has been a member of St. David’s for over 12 years. She, her husband, Charlie, and their two children, Abby and Sam, can be seen at church on Sundays, in the gift shop, at the Fair, or helping with the feeding ministries. Amanda feels blessed to have found St. David’s when she returned to the Philadelphia area, to have been married in the Church, have had both children baptized at St. David’s, and is grateful to hear the choir sing on Sundays.

Psalm 51:11-18; Jonah 3:1-10; Luke 11:29-32

REFLECT

Jonah goes to the city of Nineveh to warn the people there. He’s hopeful the violence among people there will cease. “Let every one… turn from the violence that is in his hands,” this passage reads. This reminds me of the urgent need to address the destructive force of guns in America today. More than 45,000 Americans died at the hands of a gun last year.

Luke says the men of Nineveh did repent. This word is important. Its literal translation is simply “to think again.” When Villanova professor Carey Walsh spoke to us in October, she talked about this. These Old Testament passages speak to the despair people can be under, maybe that is substance abuse, maybe that is anger and desperation. What I think she said was that we perhaps weren’t and aren’t seeking to shame and blame one another when we say “repent!” These teachings might be just ways for humans to try to understand the world and each other, ways for us to think in new ways or with a different perspective. We can open our minds to other possibilities and other ways to get along. The church and our study of the Bible can be a way to open our minds, not close them.

I like this. I like to think we are given the grace to open our minds, to think again, to think differently, and to seek peace and calm, within ourselves and among one another. I pray we as Americans find a way to repent of our responsibility to keep each other safe from gun violence.

PRAY

Bless us, O God, in this holy season, in which our hearts seek your help and healing; and so purify us by your discipline that we may grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Gale Morrison has been a member of St David’s since 2010 when she and her family moved to Wayne. But long ago her ancestors worshipped at St. David’s; nine generations of them are buried in the churchyard.

READ

Psalm 138; Esther 4:1-6, 12-14; Matthew 7:7-12

REFLECT

The very first thing that hit me as I read the passages was gratefulness. Having now reread them multiple times, I keep coming back to the same theme: I am so thankful for all that I have been given. I know that if I simply give of myself and trust in the Lord, He will provide. “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.” (Matthew 7:7) Mighty powerful words—no wonder there’s a hymn using this passage!!

PRAY

Strengthen us, O Lord, by your grace, that in your might we may overcome all spiritual enemies, and with pure hearts serve you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Molly Connell Zonino has been a member of St. David’s for 22 years. She’s been married to husband Pete for two years, has three kids who were raised at St. David’s, and three step kids. She serves on the vestry as part of three commissions: finance, fellowship, and SDEDS and sings in the choir. Besides St. David’s, Molly loves everything sports and everything theater.

Psalm 130; Ezekiel 18:21-28; Matthew 5:20-26

REFLECT

The Kingdom of Heaven was a central theme of Jesus’ preaching ministry. According to Google it mentions it at least 100 times. Oftentimes, we have a tendency to focus on ‘heaven’ (easy to do), yet the messages of today’s Gospel, like many of those other 99 + instances, tell us that God wants us to be focused on the here and now.

Jesus actually offers us structure for a good and righteous life, even when we make mistakes and are in ‘danger of fiery hell’.

Verse 20 instructs us not to murder; most of us have never likely killed someone in ‘normal’ life. I can honestly say, I haven’t; however, there were times with my teenage daughter that I felt tempted. Matthew’s Gospel is here to remind us that indeed it’s not just in the doing but what’s in our hearts that is key.

Trying to understand what’s behind the anger that causes us to lash out, perhaps deliberately hurt others (including those we love the most), through words or in other (non-murderous) ways, can actually help ‘make things right’ here and now.

Fortunately, God forgives our sins no matter how serious; but we still have to take responsibility to do the same towards our neighbors, our friends and our families (especially our teenage kids), and ourselves. I have spent a lot of time trying to ‘make things right’ with my daughter; I don’t think I’ll stop even when I know that God has forgiven me and my daughter has too.

PRAY

Lord Christ, our eternal Redeemer, grant us such fellowship in your sufferings, that, filled with your Holy Spirit, we may subdue the flesh to the spirit, and the spirit to you, and at the last attain to the glory of your resurrection; who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Julia Urwin is a lifelong Anglican, originally a member of the Church of England in Australia. She and her family joined St. David’s over 20 years ago. St. David’s has been key to Julia’s Christian formation. Julia serves on the vestry where her focus is in worship and adult Christian formation.

Psalm 119:1-8; Deuteronomy 26:16-19; Matthew 5:43-48

REFLECT

Jesus said: “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” and while he was nailed to the cross, he showed us how, praying “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.” His words and actions are clear. I know what I must do, but I struggle to do it. My reaction to his command is a trip through the stages of grief.

Denial: I don’t know that I even have any enemies. Jesus cannot have meant that literally. It makes no sense.

Anger: It’s too much! What about people who have had their lives ruined by someone?!? They’ve suffered enough! It’s an outrage!

Bargaining: Okay, so maybe I skip ‘praying-for-my-persecutors,’ but I make up for it by being a super Samaritan.

Depression: I am a failure. I know I am being willfully disobedient, but I cannot make myself do this. Why am I so weak?

Acceptance: I am my own enemy.

My stubborn feelings of hurt, anger, and resentment; my lack of faith in Jesus’ wisdom; my arrogance that I know better; my doubt that God will answer my prayers – these are all my enemies because they separate me from God.

My only hope is to ask God to remove these feelings from my heart; help me to pray for people who hurt me; change their hearts so they do not hurt others; help me to not hurt others; help me trust and follow his commands; and to forgive me - for I know not what I do.

O God, by your Word you marvelously carry out the work of reconciliation: Grant that in our Lenten fast we may be devoted to you with all our hearts, and united with one another in prayer and holy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Hilary Dash loves being a member of St. David’s Church and community and has been honored to serve as co-chair/chair of the St. David’s Fair for the past two years. She enjoys being creative, learning, laughing and connecting with wonderful people – especially her husband of 23 years, Michael, and their two teenage daughters, Hayden and Addie.

READ

Psalm 121; Genesis 12:1-4a; Romans 4:1-5, 13-17; John 3:1-17

REFLECT

John 3:1-17. Nicodemus was a religious leader and teacher who was intrigued by the signs, or miracles, that he had heard of Jesus performing. He came to Jesus by night, but when he left, he was still “in the dark.”

Actually, they had a very strange conversation. Nicodemus was talking about understanding, intellectually, how God works, and Jesus was talking in metaphors about God and God’s action in our hearts and lives. The wind blowing where it will is metaphor for the Spirit of a creating God. Being born again is metaphor for God’s continual renewal and regeneration of our heart and inner spirits.

Jesus marveled that Nicodemus, a teacher of the Law, could not understand that you do not comprehend or find God with your understanding or your intellect. God can only be received in our hearts, in love. God continuously comes to us in love. . . what the Psalms repeatedly describe as unfailing love. . . and only asks for us to receive that love, love God in return, and learn to spread God’s love to others.

PRAY

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Lynne Powley is a fairly new member of St. David’s and feels that she is just starting to get involved. She is so impressed with all the activities and ministries provided here: Bible study, outreach ministries, Education for Ministry (EFM), strong worship with outstanding music! So many ways to grow spiritually. . . to grow in grace!

READ

Psalm 79:1-9; Daniel 9:3-10; Luke 6:27-38

REFLECT

The MESSAGE translates Luke 6:31, the Golden Rule, as: “Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them!” This is a big challenge to love radically. It takes effort, imagination, and compassion. It also takes a lot of prayer.

PRAY

Let your Spirit, O Lord, come into the midst of us to wash us with the pure water of repentance, and prepare us to be always a living sacrifice to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Benjamin Powley was raised in the Methodist Church, became a Baptist in College, and was received into the Episcopal Church by Bishop Turner in 1996. He came to St. David’s several years ago and loves to sing in the choir. Ben wrote an icon for this devotional which was used for the cover and may be found in full on page 54 for Good Friday.

Psalm 50:7-15, 22-24; Isaiah 1:2-4, 16-20; Matthew 23:1-12

REFLECT

Reading the scriptures of the wicked kings of Judah you sense the recurring of Sodom and Gomorrah in the days of Lot which feels analogous to today’s times. The Rebellious Nation that has forsaken the Lord (Isaiah 1:2-4) is upon us and God gives us the grace to change despite all our sins and inequities. God is willing to provide salvation if we repent and change our ways to be obedient and honor him through thoughts and action.

It is not always clear how the ‘Laws of God’ apply to new situations and we have to be careful not to dilute God’s will. If we allow ourselves to adapt to our worldly surroundings then we WILL lose sight of what is right or wrong. Jesus states the following about the Pharisees, teachers of the law, in Matthew 23:3: “So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” This shows corruption at the highest levels, and the word of God is the way. We must protect God’s children and keep them on the straight path with the word of God, the Bible, as THE guiding light.

We are mere stewards of God’s earthly belongings. He asks us to give thank offerings to honor him (Psalm 50:23) and we can do that in many ways, but also by sharing our testimonies with others as he delivers us through our troubles. I encourage all to have a personal relationship with Jesus.

PRAY

O God, you willed to redeem us from all iniquity by your Son: Deliver us when we are tempted to regard sin without abhorrence, and let the virtue of his passion come between us and our mortal enemy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Anthony Khan and his family have been coming to the St. David’s Country Fair for the past five years. They officially joined the church in the fall of 2021 as they moved into the local area. For him and his wife Sharon, rooting their children (Elora and Eliska) in the word of God is vital for their youth development so they have strong values to guide their decisionmaking from the start. They are active members with the church across multiple ministries as their family grows with St. David’s Episcopal Church.

READ

Psalm 31:9-16; Jeremiah 18:1-11, 18-20; Matthew 20:17-28

REFLECT

“My times are in your hands […] Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.” — Psalm 31:15-16

The greatest message that calls out to me in today’s readings is the reminder that our will is ultimately in God’s hands.

In a world where influences around us make us constant worriers about the health and well-being of our families and the safety of our communities; it is easy to lose sight of this reality- that God is ultimately in control.

As a working mom of four young children, I often feel that my head is in a swirl about whether I am being an adequate mother, wife, and employee; whether there will be enough time in the day to accomplish what needs to be done, whether my kids are happy, hanging with the right friends, or even liked the lunch I packed. There is nothing more liberating from the chaos of the world, than the reminder that I am not in this alone. The realization that our will is in God’s hands releases my worries and lightens my load.

As referenced in Jeremiah’s clay pot parable, we are simply clay in God’s hands. Like stiff clay, we may resist God’s forming, but God continues to nurture us. In the Matthew reading, Jesus foretells his death. He suffered on the cross, yet he put his trust in God’s greater plan.

Like Jesus, we must trust that God has a purpose for each one of us. When times are tough, Lord, how lucky are we to be able to give it up to you.

O God, you so loved the world that you gave your only-begotten Son to reconcile earth with heaven: Grant that we, loving you above all things, may love our friends in you, and our enemies for your sake; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Elizabeth B. Palko is a mom of four children, Brady (7), Grace (5), Emmeline (3), and Henry (1). She and her husband, Gary, were married at St. David’s ten years ago and have been members of St. David’s since 2017. They have been attendees of the 9:30am family worship service since its inception in 2021 and cherish the love for worship that it has instilled in their children.

Psalm 1; Jeremiah 17:5-10; Luke 16:19-31

REFLECT

I don’t believe everything I read, even if it’s in the Bible…but I’ll get to that in a bit. Both Jeremiah and Luke warn of dire consequences in the afterlife for those trusting in earthly things while disregarding the Lord’s gifts and blessings. In Luke, the rich man who ignored the beggar, Lazarus, is sent to Hades, a dry pit of torment, while the poor beggar is welcomed into Abraham’s bosom.

The rich man pleads with Abraham to send a messenger warning his relatives of this torment. Abraham’s retort is if they didn’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they aren’t going to heed someone rising from the dead.

I don’t believe Abraham, even though it’s in the Bible. Christ did rise from the dead, and He showed us the way home to God. We believe, and we do listen as we try to make sense of our lives, especially during Lent when we reflect and ponder the miracle of Christ’s resurrection.

I wonder…Were the condemned depicted in these stories bad people or just distracted individuals? Perhaps the rich man never looked out his window to see poor Lazarus begging at his gate. Today we have so many distractions…the internet, the phones that are gorilla-glued to our bodies, and the self-absorption of social media. In this busy world how often do we look out our windows to see if there is someone waiting for our help?

PRAY

O Lord, strong and mighty, Lord of hosts and King of glory: Cleanse our hearts from sin, keep our hands pure, and turn our minds from what is passing away; so that at the last we may stand in your holy place and receive your blessing; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Pat Policella has been a member of St. David’s for approximately 16 years, is a lay reader and chalicist, and knitter in the needlework guild. The most important things in her life are her family and all those she has come to know and love.

READ

Psalm 105:16-22; Genesis 37:3-4,12-28; Matthew 21:33-43

REFLECT

From the Pit to the Palace.

Envision Joseph, the favored son of Jacob being sold into captivity by his jealous older brothers. One moment the cherished son, the next thrown into a pit and sold into slavery. Could Joseph foresee the plan God had for him? Such as Joseph we don’t always see or understand why we experience times of hardship and hopelessness. In any season God always has a plan for our lives. God used Joseph’s difficulties to take him to the palace to ultimately provide for his family. Jesus is the ultimate example of God’s perfect will through suffering. This Lenten season let us reflect on the hope of the cross which was God’s perfect will to save all mankind through Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour.

PRAY

Grant, O Lord, that as your Son Jesus Christ prayed for his enemies on the cross, so we may have grace to forgive those who wrongfully or scornfully use us, that we ourselves may be able to receive your forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Nanette Dormans joined St. David’s along with her fiancé, Andrew McGhee, in the spring of 2022. She is grateful to be a mother of four grown children and Nana to four granddaughters. Nanette retired from Wills Eye Hospital and is an avid rower.

Psalm 103:1-4 (5-8) 9-12; Micah 7:14-15, 18-20; Luke 15:11-32

REFLECT

One son demands his share of the inheritance. Without argument, the father complies. That son leaves with full pockets; the elder son gets the farm. The father allows the youngest to declare him as good as dead, that his son might do as he pleases. But how might the father hold up his head among his peers in such violation of the commandment to honor one’s father and mother?

The younger son hits bottom by the pig trough. When he dies to himself, new life begins. He longs for his father’s household, among the servants, where a crust would be a feast. His repentance is complete when he confesses: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”

This story is about life and death, God’s unending patience and overwhelming grace. Life requires dying to ourselves. We too sit beside the pig trough. None of our possessions are real. No houses, cars, investments, academic or business achievements. We must admit that we are dead, that our lives derive meaning from the wrong places. We must repent thinking ourselves self-reliant, rewarded for hard work. The never-ending grace of God can rush to greet us, hear confessions, and offer life. Repentance is Lent’s work.

As we work through our own dying in order to live, know that God looks down the road, ready with a ring and a coat, and colossal party, for what was lost has been found, and the dead are now alive.

Grant, most merciful Lord, to your faithful people pardon and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve you with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Rev. Elizabeth W. Colton is an associate rector at St. David’s, resource to the pastoral care commission, and chaplain to St. David’s Episcopal Day School. She particularly loves nurturing the spirituality of children, both at our school and in the family service.

Psalm 95; Exodus 17:1-7; Romans 5:1-11; John 4:5-42

REFLECT

As I read this piece of scripture from Romans, I was drawn to the powerful images of water – symbol of new life - woven throughout today’s readings. The Exodus passage depicts the third crisis for the Israelites, as they looked to Moses for water. Moses, feeling the weight of frustration from the congregation, turns to the Lord, who commands Moses to strike the rock at Horeb, which provides the water – the nourishment – the Israelites are seeking.

In John’s Gospel, more symbolism: Jesus is in a Samaritan city, the place of Jacob’s well. The exchange with the Samaritan woman tells of her knowledge of history and the connection to Jacob. The discussion takes place on two levels: the woman is focused on how water will be drawn without a bucket, then the conversation moves from the concrete to the spiritual, and after disclosing his knowledge of her past, she exclaims, “Sir, I see that you are a prophet.” This beautiful exchange was one of unconditional love and acceptance.

Where do you find yourself in today’s readings? Are you feeling the burden of others who are in need of nourishment and fulfillment? Perhaps you are thirsty but can’t identify what will satisfy you. Take a moment, and breathe in Paul’s words as a breath prayer: “While we are weak, we are justified by faith….we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Know God’s love has been poured into your hearts.

As we walk this Lenten journey together, let’s remember all the grace and love that has been poured into our hearts that we are called to share in all that we do. Thanks be to God.

PRAY

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A management consultant to the biotech industry, Ian Wilcox has been a member of St. David’s for the past ten years and serves on vestry. Ian resides in Villanova with his wife Meli, and their two dogs, and is learning how to be a farmer in rural Nova Scotia.

Psalm 42:1-7; 2 Kings 5:1-15b; Luke 4:23-30

REFLECT

All three readings for today are about leaving home. Naaman leaves Syria to be cured of leprosy, the exiled psalmist laments for his home temple, Jesus flees Nazareth when his hometown turns on him.

Home is where we reside, but we also have work homes, school homes, church homes, sometimes even vacation homes. We find comfort in our homes – their familiarity allows us to be at ease. We identify with our homes and often develop pride in them.

But like everything in life, that can change in a minute. Leaving a home can be voluntary or not. It can be hopeful or traumatizing, exciting or scary.

I can’t help but think of all the people in our world who have had to leave what they know as home: refugees seeking asylum, people fleeing from war, families losing everything in a natural disaster. What is their home now?

Their plight helps me understand that home is not a place of possessions; home is where God is. The foundation of our own homes should be centered on Jesus’ teachings of hospitality, generosity, acceptance, and love.

At the same time, no matter where we are, we all have a home in and with God where we feel safe, supported, guided, protected and loved. Jesus shows us throughout his ministry that God is always with us. When we reach out for him like the deer who pants for the stream’s water, God is there to nurture us, heal us, save us. God is home.

PRAY

Look upon the heart-felt desires of your humble servants, Almighty God, and stretch forth the right hand of your majesty to be our defense against all our enemies; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Cyndi Crothers-Hyatt has been a member of St. David’s since 1987. She has been involved in several ministries over the years including coordinating acolytes, teaching Sunday school and confirmation classes, and producing the Christmas pageant.

Psalm 25:3-10; Song of the Three Young Men 2-4, 11-20a; Matthew 18:21-35

REFLECT

Matthew 18:21-35 – Why does the Lord forgive us? Are kindness and charity His motivations? Not really, He wants to teach us by His example how to behave towards others and the consequences of attempting to manipulate Him and of not responding to His leadership.

In Psalm 25:4 the psalmist reinforces this principle: “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.” We study the word of God not to receive textbook knowledge but to learn by God’s example how we should walk (behave). The world calls us to be “good people”. God calls us to be Godly people. To first respond to God’s grace (His loving us) by loving others as He loves us, and then to behave as God has shown us in His word.

PRAY

O Lord, we beseech you mercifully to hear us; and grant that we, to whom you have given a fervent desire to pray, may, by your mighty aid, be defended and comforted in all dangers and adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

His wife, Suzanne, calls Bill Knapp a techie; unfortunately, as Bill says, she is spot on. Bill got involved with computer technology while in college in the late 1960s and ended up relocating to Philadelphia for graduate school. They have been members of St. David’s since the late ‘70s. In the ‘90s they took a multi-year sabbatical from St. David’s becoming members of St. Alban’s where Bill served on the vestry and as rector’s warden. They returned to St. David’s after Frank was called. Bill has been actively involved in outreach, concentrating on Uganda and an Episcopal church in northeast Philadelphia, Emmanuel Resurrection. He and Suzanne were married at that church and it is currently pastored by a Ugandan-born priest.

READ

Psalm 78:1-6; Deuteronomy 4:1-2,5-9; Matthew 5:17-19

REFLECT

“What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him?” — Deuteronomy 4:7 Prayer. We know that is how we bring God’s presence into our lives and stay in relationship with our Creator. We also know relationships are built on trust, understanding, and acceptance and that God knows what is in our hearts and accepts us as is.

Sometimes I don’t understand God. I find it challenging to accept ‘thy will be done’. I know I need to adapt and embrace unexpected ‘answers’ to my prayers and place my trust in God. This is not easy, but I find strength remembering Christ’s suffering and how he prayed and accepted his Father’s will all the way to the cross.

My prayer is to be more like Jesus. How can I grow in grace today? Can I patiently accept disappointment? Do I trust God’s plans? Have I multiplied God’s graces by passing them to others, especially to those I don’t agree with or find difficult to be around? Am I living life generously by being kind, patient, attentive, understanding, and accepting?

PRAY

Give ear to our prayers, O Lord, and direct the way of your servants in safety under your protection, that, amid all the changes of our earthly pilgrimage, we may be guarded by your mighty aid; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Laura Nicholas, a member of St. David’s since 2019, loves being part of the Gift Shop & Art Gallery outreach ministry. She and her husband Paul live in Berwyn where they raised their two grown sons.

READ

Psalm 95:6-11; Jeremiah 7:23-28; Luke 11:14-23

REFLECT

For many years, on the first weekend of Lent, the women of St. David’s gathered for their retreat at Daylesford Abbey. It was a great way to start off the season: joining together to share our faith journeys, and just generally drawing closer to each other in our time of fellowship.

We were always invited to worship with the brothers in their daily prayer times. Being welcomed by the Norbertines to celebrate God was a peek into the lives they led; it was a lovely time of quiet as we listened to their prayers and joined in chanting psalms and singing hymns. Every time I hear Psalm 95, I am reminded of those special times. I can still hear the same cantor chanting the responsorial psalm in his perfect pitch, “If today you hear the sound of his voice, harden not your hearts.”

Hardening our hearts can be a great temptation; after all, it protects us from pain. But what if we followed Jesus’ example of being a good shepherd? Wouldn’t we build better relationships by being more loving, more compassionate, more understanding? Opening our hearts does make us more vulnerable, but doesn’t that make us better able to share others’ pain? Doesn’t it allow others to offer their hand to us when we need it? And wouldn’t it make the joyous times richer?

Spend some quiet time this Lent listening for God’s voice. And when you hear it, harden not your heart, so you won’t be separated from God’s great love for you that you can in turn share with others.

PRAY

Keep watch over your Church, O Lord, with your unfailing love; and, since it is grounded in human weakness and cannot maintain itself without your aid, protect it from all danger, and keep it in the way of salvation; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Betsy Aikens has been a member of St. David’s since 1983, participating in various ministries over the years. She and her husband, Jay, have two adult children and recently welcomed a daughter-in-law into their family.

Psalm 81:8-14; Hosea 14:1-9; Mark 12:28-34

REFLECT

For me, today’s readings point to one thing – God. While each reading was very different, they had a similar theme of worshiping and loving the Lord. As I read through them, I felt they moved from warning to request and finally to a command to love God. As a visual person, I had images of moving from a dark place of warning of what life is without the Lord; then beautiful descriptions of the Lord beckoning us to Him; and finally Jesus simply instructing us to love God, to love our neighbors and by doing so “you are not far from the kingdom of God” – all I could visualize was the radiance of God! When I reflect upon these readings, I see this cycle of darkness to light many times in my life. Each time God was with me and patiently waiting for me to come back to Him, waiting for me to join Him and be encompassed by His love.

PRAY

Grant us, O Lord our Strength, a true love of your holy Name; so that, trusting in your grace, we may fear no earthly evil, nor fix our hearts on earthly goods, but may rejoice in your full salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Eileen Kraut is a native plant enthusiast and a lifelong tennis player. Her favorite ministry is Project Ensonga.

Psalm 51:15-20; Hosea 6:1-6; Luke 18:9-14

REFLECT

Judging others is easy, judging yourself through a transparent lens is difficult. Today’s reading (Luke 18:9-14) describes the Pharisee who judges a tax collector while they pray in a temple. At least by his employment, the tax collector was not a person admired. But in the story, he asks God for forgiveness of his sins and turns out to be the better person – a humble man.

What a stark distinction between the Pharisee and the tax collector! One believes he is righteous, and the other has humility. The Pharisee forms an opinion of the tax collector based on his job, not on any other pertinent personal information.

How many times have any of us judged someone else that we really do not know or have a relationship with only to learn one day what a truly outstanding person they may be? We judge people by the clothes they wear, the cars they drive, the homes they live in, the friends they have, and by their religion, race, and gender. None of these measuring sticks are important.

Recently I was at a restaurant and happened to hear a man order his wife’s dinner. It seemed strange in that the wife did not have a choice and she seemed subservient to her husband. A little while later I noticed the husband was holding his wife’s hand and was gently patting her back. She had some sort of affliction and was not able to order her dinner. I felt awful for thinking this man was a misogynist or domineering husband, when in fact he was lovingly taking care of his disabled wife. I was too quick to judge a few seconds of a situation completely incorrectly. I have asked God to open my eyes and remind me to view others with grace, not prejudice.

PRAY

O God, you know us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: Grant us such strength and protection as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

John Satterfield and his wife Janis have been members since 2006. He has served on the vestry, including being finance warden and rector’s warden, and has held many other leadership roles within the church and for SDEDS. Currently, he is an usher and member of the investment committee. John and Janis have four children and two grandchildren and live in Wayne.

Psalm 23; 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41

REFLECT

Today is “Refreshment Sunday”—a break halfway through Lent to remind us of the joy that God pours into us, God’s beloved, even in dark times. Our Old Testament lesson provides a little of that joy, and it reminds me so much of my favorite fairy tale that I cannot help but grin as I read it.

God is going to name a new king because the old one is so corrupt that he is harming God’s people. God sends Samuel to Jesse to anoint one of this good man’s sons.

At the end of Cinderella, the Prince keeps trying the glass slipper on the wrong feet. Samuel tries a lot of wrong people, too! In the end, God chooses David—a pimply, puny, teenaged sheepherder. David, who will write songs that we still sing today. David, who will lead God’s people and bring God’s presence back to the city. David, from whom Jesus will descend.

David seems like the least likely choice for God—and not everything that David does is holy or even good. Read ahead about Bathsheba and Uriah to know what I mean. David is a human being: heroic and sinful both. But if God can choose David to do God’s work, surely God can choose each one of us, too. When we discern God’s purpose for our lives and work to live into it, it can bring as much joy as the Prince found when he fit that glass slipper on Cinderella’s foot.

PRAY

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Rev. Nancy Webb Stroud was sponsored for ordination from St. David’s back in the early part of this century. After serving at St. Paul’s in Chestnut Hill and St. Peter’s in the Great Valley, she moved to Westfield, Massachusetts to serve as rector of The Episcopal Church of the Atonement. She recently retired and has happily returned to St. David’s as an elder statesperson.

READ

Psalm 30:1-6,11-13; Isaiah 65:17-25; John 4:43-54

REFLECT

God always keeps his promises, in his time. In my scripture study group, we’re exploring the covenants recorded between God and his chosen people. Despite good intentions, and sometimes not, people broke God’s covenants, repeatedly. Yet he found pious, albeit flawed, people to do as he commanded through an unbroken hereditary line, especially from Abraham through David to, finally, Jesus, who didn’t sin and did as God wanted. Except for Jesus, all were imperfect. But God loved them still and they carried out his plan. Meanwhile, God *never* broke a covenant. His word is everlasting. He promises peace, a peace that passes all understanding.

We must take his word for it. We endeavor to understand him through our feeble creation, human time. Abraham at 75 laughs when God tells him he will bear a son. His wife Sarah, decades past childbearing age, waits 25 more years before conceiving Isaac. Often God’s directive to one generation is carried out by another. When the Capernaum official begs Jesus to visit his dying son, Jesus says, “Go. He will live.” On his return, the man is met by people who say his child is well. He asks when the recovery happened, and the hour is exactly when Jesus spoke to him. The man wanted to ensure it was the work of Jesus, marking it by human time. Throughout history, God keeps his promises. We simply must accept that he keeps them in his time, not ours.

PRAY

O Lord our God, in your holy Sacraments you have given us a foretaste of the good things of your kingdom: Direct us, we pray, in the way that leads to eternal life, that we may come to appear before you in that place of light where you dwell for ever with your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A longtime Episcopalian, Nancy Collins has worshiped at St. David’s since Palm Sunday 2021. Throughout the COVID pandemic, God bestowed unexpected graces. One of the greatest for Nancy was to find a spiritual home here.

READ

Psalm 46:1-8; Ezekiel 47:1-9,12; John 5:1-18

REFLECT

“Then he brought me back to the door of the temple; and there was water, flowing […] the water was flowing […] and there was water, running […] […] and he brought me through the waters; the water came up to my ankles […] And [he] brought me through the waters; the water came up to my knees […] the water came up to my waist […] and it was a river that I could not cross; for the water was too deep, water in which one must swim, a river that could not be crossed[…]

As I came back, I saw on the bank of the river a great many trees on the one side and on the other. He said to me, ‘This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, and when it enters the sea, the sea of stagnant waters, the water will become fresh. Wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish once these waters reach there. It will become fresh, and everything will live where the river goes.’” — Ezekiel 47:1-9

Water has the power to purify and destroy. To me, water is a sign of rebirth in Jesus’ baptism and in our own baptism.

I had seen a video on Instagram (check out abiona.venee if you want to see the process) and decided to attempt it in the shape of a water drop. I used multi-media paper and gouache paint – like watercolor and acrylic paint mixed together.

PRAY

O God, with you is the well of life, and in your light we see light: Quench our thirst with living water, and flood our darkened minds with heavenly light; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Maria Leal has been the director of children’s formation at St. David’s for 11 years. She is wife to Fernando and mother to Robert and Marla, all of whom she wholeheartedly loves and make her life complete.

READ

Psalm 145:8-19; Isaiah 49:8-15; John 5:19-29

REFLECT

In Lent we pray more to the Lord for many things--grace, peace, and even solutions to our personal problems. We are very specific about our wants (needs?) and trust God will grant our petitions because of the sincerity and specificity of our requests. Do we realize it when God answers in a different way than we ask?

Take the case of a loving father to three girls 3, 6 and 9. Proud of his daughters, he still harbored a desire for a son; partly to pass along the family name but mostly to share his love of baseball, just as his father had done for him. The man prayed for a son to continue the special link.

Shortly thereafter, he noticed that his 9-year-old was getting serious about playing baseball. Hesitantly at first, and then enthusiastically, he taught his daughter all he cherished about the game. She absorbed everything, and the two formed the lifelong bond the man had sought.

The father had asked God for a son. Instead, God answered him with the ability to see in his oldest daughter the very qualities he yearned for in a son. Content, the father also learned to appreciate his other daughters’ interests. He became a better father. God answered him with what he needed.

May we this Lent accept God’s answers, even if not exactly what we ask.

PRAY

O Lord our God, you sustained your ancient people in the wilderness with bread from heaven: Feed now your pilgrim flock with the food that endures to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Chick Young has been attending St. David’s since January 2022 when he moved to Paoli. He participates in Family Promise of the Main Line (formerly IHN) and Easter/Christmas flower delivery ministries. He recently started as a lay reader.

Psalm 106:6-7, 19-23; Exodus 32:7-14; John 5:30-47

REFLECT

The theme that runs through all three of today’s readings is how easy God makes it for us to receive eternal salvation. He laid out instructions in every communication that He had with man from the beginning of time. In almost every piece of scripture, the writers inspired by God offer some nugget of God’s grand plan for our salvation. But time and time again we screw it up with our own ideas.

The first line of Psalm 106 lays it out perfectly: “Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his love endures forever.” By the time we get into a little bit, in verse 6 where today’s reading starts, man has started to go off on his own path. The Exodus passage for today just reinforces man’s desire to follow his own path.

Even in the New Testament in John’s Gospel when Jesus was standing in front of them, the early Christians were still doubting him.

I do, however, find it comforting to know that if I take the time to let God in his plan is easy to see.

PRAY

Almighty and most merciful God, drive from us all weakness of body, mind, and spirit; that, being restored to wholeness, we may with free hearts become what you intend us to be and accomplish what you want us to do; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Mike Tucker has been a member of St David’s since 1985. His family enjoys all that the church has to offer. He can usually be found cooking with the men’s fellowship.

REFLECT

Reflecting on these readings as I write this in the days following Christmas, I am reminded of the meaning of Jesus’ experience on earth – which to me boils down to a simple profound message of hope, God’s love, and direction as to how we are to live our lives.

The reading from Wisdom which is new to me begins with the phrase, “For they reasoned unsoundly”. It goes on to describe the thinking of those who would insult and torture Jesus, who they describe as “inconvenient to us, opposing our actions, … a reproof to our thoughts, the very sight of him is a burden”.

How easy it is to reason unsoundly – to justify, to rationalize, to allow the ends to justify the means? How often is the right course in obedience to Jesus’ directions inconvenient, in opposition to what we want to do, a reproof or disapproval of our plan? So subtle is the thinking that can lead us astray. It is a call to vigilantly stand watch at the door of our thinking.

Fortunately, the message of the reading from Wisdom doesn’t end there. In following verses, we are reminded that “God made us for incorruption and made us in the image of his eternity”. What a wonderful birthright! It tells me that I have the ability to “get it right” in this life. What more could I want? Thank you, God.

PRAY

O God, you have given us the Good News of your abounding love in your Son Jesus Christ: So fill our hearts with thankfulness that we may rejoice to proclaim the good tidings we have received; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Roy Simpson has been a member of St. David’s for a number of years. He has served as an usher and been active in the men’s Bible study group and men’s fellowship activities.

Psalm

7:6-11; Jeremiah 11:18-20; John 7:37-52

REFLECT

In the reading for today, in Chapter 7 of the Gospel of John, there were those who were aggressively questioning or denying the validity of Jesus. Was He the prophet? Was He the Christ? There were also many who believed that He truly was the One who was sent by God – the Christ. Such a division of thought must have been dramatic, and for many, dangerous and frightening.

Reading in John’s Gospel about such a division of thought, it feels like the seeds of conflict taking place in our country today. There is such a breach among our citizens because of our differences of opinion about a range of important issues. Yes, there are still those breaches that include questioning about Jesus, as well as God. We have gotten to the point that with certain issues, some of us are unable to speak about them to friends or family members without creating anger, harsh words or even personal insults.

Jesus came to this earth with many messages, stories, and allegories, not to mention a wide range of incredible miracles. He also came with one basic and simple statement. It was only five words. “Love God. Love one another.” He didn’t say we had to be or couldn’t be from a specific geographic location, from some tribe or family tree, or with any particular credential. He just said to love one another; to speak truly in love (and leave off the sarcasm); to listen to one another. Trust in Him. Trust in God.

PRAY

Mercifully hear our prayers, O Lord, and spare all those who confess their sins to you; that those whose consciences are accused by sin may by your merciful pardon be absolved; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Bud Billups and his late wife, Bee, partnered with Bill Wood to work with the youth group in the 1970s. They also worked with outreach efforts, particularly Uganda. Bud served on the vestry in those days and Bee was sponsored by St. David’s to become a priest. After 27 years, they both returned to the area in 2018, and Bud is involved with the church’s efforts in Cuba. Their daughter, Kathy, lives in Devon and their son, Bo, lives in Washington, D.C.

Psalm 130; Ezekiel 37:1-14; Romans 8:6-11; John 11:1-45

REFLECT

The end of life is most often frightening and uncertain for everyone involved. We have so many questions about the mysteries of the afterlife, the existence of heaven, and what is required for entrance. Our readings for today ask us to examine many levels of our understanding, and ultimately, our hope and faith in what lies ahead for us and our loved ones.

For those of us serving as Stephen Ministers, the issue of death, loss, and grief is often the primary area of attention needed by a Care Receiver. John’s recounting of Jesus’ interaction with Martha and Mary regarding Lazarus’ sickness and (temporary) death speaks to so many of the issues we face in care giving relationships. While Jesus speaks with ultimate authority about our need to trust in Him and have faith that what should happen will happen, as Care Givers our primary job is being present for those who are suffering. It’s important to remember that even Jesus wept at the thought of his friend dying. While each of us may inherently know that death is inevitable, facing this reality personally is rarely easy.

Scripture reminds us that there is a path to heaven and that the Lord does not forget about us (and our Dry Bones) even after we have been dead and buried for many years. Pain and death are inevitable, but we as humans suffer when we lose sight of the gift that life is and lose faith in the redeeming power of God.

PRAY

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Clayton Platt grew up at St. David’s and returned to the church with his wife and three children when they moved back down from Connecticut in 2004. Professionally, he facilitates corporate training and serves as President of Meditation4Leadership. At St. David’s, Clayton is a lay assistant, has chaired the stewardship commission, and provides Christian care as a Stephen Minister. He is one of the church’s Stephen Leaders. Clayton has offered free mindfulness meditation classes on Friday mornings at 9am via Zoom for three years.

Psalm 23; Susanna [1-9, 15-29, 34-40],41-62; John 8:1-11 or John 8:12-20

REFLECT WORDS I LIVE BY

The words FAITH, HOPE, AND CHARITY have been my guide for a long time. I have recently meditated on three active words that guide my relationship with others. John 8:1 describes FORGIVENESS, a gift from God. In the Lord’s Prayer, we ask forgiveness of our sins and promise to forgive those who sin against us. God is expecting us to forgive even the smallest slight.

I have contemplated the meaning of the word PEACE, which Jesus said when He greeted the disciples after His resurrection (John 20, 19). We say “peace” to each other during worship services. The word peace means having tranquility, no conflict or anger in our hearts. For me it means that in every difficult situation I encounter, regardless of how small, I will have no anger, hatred, or thoughts of revenge.

The actions of forgiveness and peace require LOVE. These words, found so often in the Bible, are linked. How can I forgive someone who hurts me if I do not have love of the person and peace in my heart? Thus, for me, peace, love, and forgiveness are linked.

When I encounter a difficult problem with someone, these words come into my thoughts. My actions based on these three words have made my life less stressful, free of some anxiety and more relaxed. I am doing what I promised God I would do. I am not always successful, but I keep working at it and I believe I am getting better.

PRAY

Be gracious to your people, we entreat you, O Lord, that they, repenting day by day of the things that displease you, may be more and more filled with love of you and of your commandment; and being supported by your grace in this life, may come to the full enjoyment of eternal life in your everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Tom Devlin and Marjorie, his wife now deceased, joined St. David’s in 1984. They both became active in a variety of volunteer activities, including the Fair, altar guild, adult educational programs, and flower delivery. In 2013, they moved to Dunwoody Village, Newtown Square, where they both continued participating in volunteer activities. More recently Tom has particpated in the Sacred Ground program.

Psalm 102:15-22; Numbers 21:4-9; John 8:21-30

REFLECT

Yesterday, I was out walking on an unusually warm and foggy January day, and as I turned towards my home, I saw the most incredible sunset illuminating through the fog. This morning when I took the dogs out at 5:30am, it was 55 degrees, and I expected it to be foggy with cloud cover. When I looked up at the sky, my heart leapt with joy and gratitude to see the constellations Orion and Taurus. Sitting at my desk now, I am looking out the window noticing how the fog is rolling back in. The barren trees appear to be glowing from within.

Recently I was listening to a Ten Percent Happier podcast with Dachner Keltner, a prominent happiness researcher who has concluded that finding awe is essential for our well-being, morality, and “collective effervescence”. I often feel closest to God in the beauty and tiny details of nature, in service to others, in the depth and richness of conversation with other human beings, and in listening to St. David’s Choirs.

The covenant of Baptism is one of the most important crossings over to come into the belonging to God, the Christian community, and our St. David’s community. The first Baptisms I witnessed at St. David’s when we began attending 12 years ago filled me with awe and “collective effervescence”. The invitation to all the children to come to the communion rail to witness the baptism brought tears to my eyes and gratitude that our son was growing up and into his faith at St. David’s. I’m always struck by the words of our priests following the pouring of the water: “Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon these your servants the forgiveness of sin and have raised them to the new life of grace. Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give them an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works.” And our words “I Will with God’s Help”. I will forever remember Reverend Frank holding up a beautiful baby to introduce the newly baptized who is “sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked as Christ’s own forever” and how we, in blessed community, clap and welcome our newly baptized into our hearts and belonging.

I wish for each of us that we take the opportunity during this Lenten season and every day to slow down the speediness of our lives and create spaciousness in our hearts, minds, and souls so that we can find “joy and wonder in all of God’s works”

and in the gifts that have been given to us in this life. I leave you with a blessing from To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings, from the late, immensely beautiful Irish poet and former priest, John O’Donohue, who eloquently captures our baptismal covenant.

A Blessing of Angels

May the Angels in their beauty bless you. May they turn towards you streams of blessing.

May the Angel of Awakening stir your heart

To come alive to the eternal within you. To all the invitations that quietly surround you.

May the Angel of Healing turn your wounds Into sources of refreshment.

May the Angel of Imagination enable you

To stand on the true thresholds, At ease with your ambivalence And drawn in new directions

Through the glow of your contradictions.

May the Angel of Compassion open your eyes

To the unseen suffering around you. May the Angel of Wildness disturb the places

Where your life is domesticated and safe, Take you to the territories of true otherness

Where all that is awkward in you

Can fall into its own rhythm.

PRAY

May the Angel of Eros introduce you

To the beauty of your senses

To celebrate your inheritance

As a temple of the Holy Spirit

May the Angel of Justice disturb you

To take the side of the poor and wronged.

May the Angel of Encouragement confirm you

In worth and self-respect

That you may live with the dignity That presides in your soul.

May the Angel of Death arrive only When your life is complete And you have brought every given gift To the thresholds where its infinity can shine.

May all the Angels be your sheltering And joyful guardians.

Almighty God, through the incarnate Word you have caused us to be born anew of an imperishable and eternal seed: Look with compassion upon those who are being prepared for Holy Baptism, and grant that they may be built as living stones into a spiritual temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Mary Garrett Itin, her husband Bob, and son, Grant have been attending St. David’s for 12 years. Over the years, Mary Garrett has been involved with the military support ministry, co-chair of Second-Hand Rose, Christian formation, supporting refugees, and providing youth mental health First Aid trainings to St. David’s clergy, staff, and parishioners as well as the local community.

Canticle [2] or 13; Daniel 3:14-20,24-28; John 8:31-42

REFLECT

While the readings for this reflection offer many lessons, the reading that struck me as the most meaningful was Canticle 2 (BCP, p. 49), A Song of Praise, aka Benedictus es, Domine from Song of the Three Young Men, verses 29-34, RSV), which contains seven verses, all of which end with the phrase that God is “praised and exalted above all for ever.”

This praise and glorification of God comforts me in my day-to-day life.

On the one hand, by thinking about and focusing on God’s greatness, I am removed from my daily worries and tribulations which get crowded out by more important thoughts.

On the other hand, by focusing on God’s greatness, I elevate my own life with a role model whose speech, actions, and behaviors improved the lives of those around him.

The message I have received from being a lifelong Christian and Episcopalian is that I am supposed to go out in the world and do good, and help others.

This is a tall order, made possible by the help of my family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, even strangers. And by my relationship with God.

Having God lead the way as a role model, makes my life easier even though I know my striving will never come close to what He achieved. His footsteps may be far in front of me, but they are there for me to follow.

PRAY

Almighty God our heavenly Father, renew in us the gifts of your mercy; increase our faith, strengthen our hope, enlighten our understanding, widen our charity, and make us ready to serve you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Richard Woodville has been a member of St. David’s Church for 22 years. He lives in Devon, PA with his wife, Faézé, both of whom look forward to their two adult sons, Thomas and Peter, who recently moved away, coming home for visits.

READ

Psalm 105:4-11; Genesis 17:1-8; John 8:51-59

REFLECT

“When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. And I will make my covenant between me and you and will make you exceedingly numerous.””

— Genesis 17:1-2 (NRSV)

Like the Advent season recently ended, Lent likewise is a time of anticipation, for self-examination, and for preparing. Abraham had a lot of time to prepare for what God might have in store for him. After all, Abraham was ninety-nine years old when God made God’s covenant with him. It is said that “good things come to those who wait”, but ninety-nine years? That’s a long time for Abraham to quietly wait before God reaches out to him. But God’s promises to Abraham were not only promises of current blessings, but they are everlasting. And the culmination of those promises comes to us in just a few days, on Easter Sunday. Just as Abraham rejoiced that he would “see Jesus’ day” (John 8:56), so we too shall be overwhelmed with gratitude towards God when the fullness of the glory of Jesus is made manifest on Easter Day. Thanks be to God!

PRAY

O God, you have called us to be your children, and have promised that those who suffer with Christ will be heirs with him of your glory: Arm us with such trust in him that we may ask no rest from his demands and have no fear in his service; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Mac McCausland and his wife Ida are long-time residents of the area, and for many years have been actively involved in another parish in our diocese. Late in 2020, when the pandemic first began to ease and in-person worship was picking up at St. David’s, they began to worship here, and just love it. They have three grown and married daughters, and four grandsons, all of whom live in the Delaware Valley.

Psalm 18: 1-7; Jeremiah 20: 7-13; John 10: 31-42

REFLECT

Judah is in a time of deep decay. Enemies are perched on her borders. Her rulers have increased their wealth at the expense of the marginalized. God has commissioned the prophet/poet Jeremiah to speak truth to power. He speaks faithfully but finds that the rulers and wealthy will not listen. They harm Jeremiah and mock him rejecting the divine plea for their repentance.

Jeremiah weeps and complains to his God. “You have deceived me, and I was deceived . . .” He contends that God has set him up. He cries out in despair for his people and the nation he loves.

Like the Psalmists, he pours out his anguish to the only one who can care for and comfort him. As so often happens for the Psalmists once the anguish is expressed to God, they can now grasp that God is worthy of their praise. He now sees that God rescues the lives of the needy from the effects of violence.

Barbara, an accomplished pianist, contracted MS and lost her ability to play the piano. She was overcome. Then she remembered her Lord and began to write poetry that expressed her anger and loss. Her poems became prayers where she found consolation, joy and hope in her Savior whom she found worthy of her praise. The rest of her life was devoted to family, intercessory prayer, and poetry. Rage and unforgiveness need not undo us. In channeling anguish to God, we find transformation, hope, and redemptive relationship.

PRAY

O Lord, you relieve our necessity out of the abundance of your great riches: Grant that we may accept with joy the salvation you bestow, and manifest it to all the world by the quality of our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Rev. Dr. Peter Stube is an associate priest at St. David’s. He is the Minister Provincial for the Third Order, Society of Saint Francis, Province of the Americas. Some of you may know him as Rachael’s husband (she has been at St. David’s longer than he has) and they have three sons, three delightful daughters-in-law, and nine grandchildren.

Psalm 85:1-7; Ezekiel 37:21-28; John 11:45-53

REFLECT

Forgiveness - Jesus gave his life as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Anger is an emotion that we all struggle with. From small annoyances, like drivers who are not paying attention at a four-way stop and drive through the intersection when it is not their turn. To much larger and more profound reasons to be angry (I will let you fill in your own example). It is not easy for us to forgive. Stubbornness, pride, the desire to be “right”, all get in our way. But as Christians, we have to forgive. Without forgiveness, anger will eat away at our well-being. No good can come from keeping our anger bottled up.

As a parent of two young men in their twenties, I see them wrestling with their own anger, especially when life is not fair. Of course, as their mother, I want to fix it for them. But age (and thankfully wisdom that has come from experiences) has taught me that I can’t make them forgive. All of us need to learn to give our anger up to God and to forgive. Lent provides us with time, space and peace as a reminder for forgiveness … no matter the reason for it. Jesus forgave us all and continues to allow us to release our anger and to no longer carry our sins on our backs. In these last days of Lent, as we approach the time of Jesus’ death and resurrection, let go and forgive.

PRAY

O Lord, in your goodness you bestow abundant graces on your elect: Look with favor, we entreat you, upon those who in these Lenten days are being prepared for Holy Baptism, and grant them the help of your protection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Meg Tredinnick has been a member of St. David’s for more than 25 years. She and her husband, Michael, have raised two sons who were both baptized and confirmed at St. David’s. Meg teaches high school science at a local independent Catholic girls’ school and has been involved with a variety of ministries at St. David’s, including youth education, the Fair, and Project Ensonga.

Mount of Olives; photo by Susan Nagy.

READ

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29; Matthew 21:1-11 OR Psalm 31:9-16; Isaiah 50:4-9a; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 26:14-27:27:66 or Matthew 27:11-54

REFLECT

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! — Matthew 21:9

Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week that starts and ends with celebrations. Just yesterday, Jesus was with his friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus at their home in Bethany. Remember that Jesus had recently raised Lazarus from the dead so many people came to see the man who performed miracles.

As an EFM student, I find myself approaching these readings with a different eye. Looking back 1,500 years, Jesus, the gentle Lamb, entered Jerusalem on a donkey five days before Passover, the same date as Hebrews were to bring an unblemished lamb into their homes.

So, the crowds gathered to see for themselves who this miracle-maker was. They followed Jesus riding on a donkey and the bystanders threw down their cloaks and waved palms shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”

I love the pageantry of Palm Sunday; allowing myself to revel in the celebrations, music, and making palm crosses, not willing to look ahead at what is coming on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. I, like the crowds that followed Jesus, prefer to avoid facing what is to come, and I continue to work out all the miracles of Jesus and the LOVE he brought to our broken world.

Raise your head and your palms and march forward this week to prepare the way of the Lord!

Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Susan Nagy and her husband are long-time parishioners at St. David’s. She has served on vestry, fellowship, outreach, and pastoral care over the years and currently is in her third year of Education for Ministry (EFM) studies and continues to work on her spiritual life.

READ

Psalm 36:5-11; Isaiah 42:1-9; Hebrews 9:11-15; John 12:1-11

REFLECT

“For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. O continue your steadfast love to those who know you and your salvation to the upright of heart!”

— Psalm 36:9-10

God’s presence is the “fountain of life”. The “fountain of life” or living water reminds me of going on a guided raft trip down the New River Gorge in West Virginia several years ago. Just like life, the river became narrow and faster with Class VI rapids. Our guide showed us how to navigate through the dangerous rocks and fast water. Upon finishing the rapids, the river took sharp turns through the deep river gorge exposing beautiful mountain views. In between rapids, the river would widen and slow down so we could revel in the experience and God’s blessing on us that we survived! Trust in God and enjoy the ride.

God’s promise of salvation and deliverance can be experienced through the light that God exposes to us. As I write these words, just after the shortest day of the year, the thoughts and dreams of more light (God’s light) brings hope and a smile to me.

PRAY

Almighty God, whose dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other that the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Erik Fay and his wife, Karen Louise, and two girls, Eva and Hanna, have been members of St. David’s for over 15 years.

Psalm 71:1-14; Isaiah 49:1-7; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; John 12:20-36

REFLECT

“God chose the weak things of this world to shame the strong.” — 1 Corinthians 1:27

Paul tells us that the message of the Cross is not like anything we ever could have imagined within the realm of possibilities naturally given to human imagination - a realm of possibilities most often determined by standards of wealth, beauty, prestige, honor, and success. Instead, the message of the Cross is the paradoxical news that God has chosen the weak, the foolish, the lowly, and even the despised. Paul reminds his audience, “Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.” Or as the Peruvian theologian Gustavo Guttierez reminds us, God’s preferential option is for the poor and outcasts. What does it mean to hear this paradoxical and “foolish” message today? Perhaps it means hearing the call to solidarity with all those who stand on the margins of our society today - racially, economically, in their gender and sexuality, or through disability. Perhaps, in a world that so often proclaims what God is against, hearing this message today means hearing for the first time that God is for you and not against you- that you are loved, cherished, and accepted. For when we hear this, we might just have the power to change the world.

PRAY

O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Elliot VanHoy is the Director of Youth Ministry at St. David’s. He is responsible for planning and overseeing all the programs and activities dedicated to the middle and high school students. His mission is to create young disciples in a fun and safe environment. Elliot works closely with the youth choir and family ministries to assist in planning development.

READ

W ednesday in H oly W eek

Psalm 70; Isaiah 50:4-9a; Hebrews 12:1-3; John 13:21-32

REFLECT

The inspiration behind this piece is from verse 51:8 in Isaiah. The vivid red color of the background represents the light of God, though it’s seen brighter from one side. The woman is seen with a moth on her shoulder representative of the line, “for the moth shall eat them up like garment,” showing her humanity contrasted by the holiness of God’s presence.

PRAY

Lord God, whose blessed Son our Savior gave his body to be whipped and his face to be spit upon: Give us grace to accept joyfully the sufferings of the present time, confident of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Scout Given is a junior at Conestoga High School and active member of St. David’s youth group. They serve in the leadership of the Gay/Straight Alliance of their school, are passionate about creating art, seeing live music, and exploring their new interests in philosophy and astronomy.

Psalm 116:1, 10-17; Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10), 11-14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:117, 31b-35

REFLECT

In today’s reading from St. John, we read of foot washing and of the new commandment/ mandatum (Latin for mandate, from which our word Maundy is derived) given to the disciples.

Foot washing was an ancient act of Oriental hospitality, performed by a servant or the wife of the host for guests whose feet were dust-covered and dirty from the roads. The practice is documented in several Biblical passages, including Genesis 18:4, when Abraham greets three visitors with the words: “Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.”

Today’s verses from John were preceded by the account of Lazarus’ sister Mary anointing Jesus with a jar of pure nard, a very costly perfume, at a dinner in Bethany. Mary’s action proved her devotion and love for him, but it also demonstrated her insight into his true identity and purpose. Mary anointed Jesus’ feet and then wiped them with her hair. This foreshadowed Jesus’ actions at the Last Supper when the Lord washed the disciples’ feet and taught them to serve one another as he had served them: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34). In the image at left by Jenny Allio called, “Jesus Washes Feet,” Jesus’ anguished face is reflected in the basin used to wash the disciples’ feet; the crown of thorns presages the events of Good Friday.

PRAY

Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sue Hoaglund has been a member of St. David’s Church since 2000. She’s an active online participant in weekly worship, Education for Ministry (EFM), and the rector’s Bible study, and is very grateful for the St. David’s community. Sue teaches drama, German, and music at a charter high school and lives with her two daughters in Narragansett, RI.

The icon I wrote, Extreme Humility, first appeared in the mid-12th Century. Another name for it is The King of Glory, returning to the time when Jesus was in the tomb. It is based on the scriptures: Psalm 23:9-10; Isaiah 51:7-8; Philippians 2:7-11; 1 Corinthians 2:8. Traditionally, it was placed on the altar on Holy (Good) Friday.

READ

Psalm 22; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42

REFLECT

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” — Psalm 22:1

Few passages in the Bible, such as this from Psalm 22, evoke a more recognizable and emotional response, as we immediately find ourselves on dark and gloomy Golgotha in the deep sorrow of Good Friday, knowing how well in the next two days the glory of the Resurrection will sweep all this away.

Often favoring the visual, I cannot help but conjure the many films I’ve seen depicting the passion of the Christ, carrying us with great gravity from Jesus’ betrayal by Judas in the garden of Gethsemane, his arrest and presentation to the high priest, Caiaphas, to Peter’s denial, and the culmination of Jesus’ worldly mission, an agonizing death on the cross.

But our readings also show us a glimpse of what is soon to come. Psalm 22 segues from Jesus’ torment to songs of praise: “All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord; all the families of the nations shall worship before him”. Isaiah’s Suffering Servant glimpses the future: “Out of his anguish he shall see light; he shall find satisfaction through his knowledge. The righteous one, my servant, shall make many righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.” In Hebrews, we see in a Call to Persevere guidelines for the future after Jesus’ sacrifice: “let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water”. On the precipice of Good Friday, we look out with great anticipation to the days ahead.

PRAY

Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Joe Bonn and his family have been grateful members of the St. David’s community since 1988, where worship and service alongside so many friends in ministries such as lay assistants, ushers, the organ committee, and the vestry continue to enliven and refresh his faith.

Artistic reflections by Wren (7, bottom) and Mila (5, top) Barber.

READ

Psalm 31:1-4, 15-16; Job 14:1-14 or Lamentations 3:1-9, 19-24; 1 Peter 4:1-8; Matthew 27:57-66 or John 19:38-42

REFLECT

“He [Joseph of Arimathea] was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.” — John 19:39-40 (NIV)

Take a moment and think about your best friend. Think of everything you love about them. Now, imagine they have died an excruciatingly painful death. Imagine having to touch their dead body with your hands. Imagine that you and a mutual friend are the people wrapping them with strips of cloth and spices, covering their body in this act of love. I wept, imagining this difficult moment filled with so much care and love taking place between these friends.

In 1 Peter 4:8 it says, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” In John, Jesus’s body is covered with cloth and spices. I thought about the concept of covering when it comes to Christianity and the whole point of Jesus dying on a cross in the first place: it all comes down to love. So, cover people with love. Cover people with shelter when they have none. Cover people in hugs when they’re falling apart and hug them so hard their broken parts mend. May we head into Easter Sunday tomorrow covering each other with the kind of love Christ showed us in His ultimate sacrifice.

PRAY

O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so may we await with him the coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Susan Barber and her family (Josh, Jace, Ella, Wren, and Mila) have been members of St. David’s Church for the past 15 years. It is their North Star and home away from home.

READ

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Acts 10:34-43 or Jeremiah 31:1-6; Colossians 3:1-4 or Acts 10:34-43; John 20:1-18 or Matthew 28:1-10

REFLECT

“He is not here. He is risen and is going ahead of you.” — Matthew 28:10

On the first Easter morning the world changed forever! When Jesus was raised from the dead God declared that death would no longer have the last word on humankind nor on the entire creation. Jesus was alive and God’s final word on people and on God’s creation through all time was proclaimed – Life! Jesus, who three days before had been nailed to a cross, delivered over to the death’s power, had broken the power and hold of death forever and pronounced God’s word of life – life for you; life for me; life for everyone for all time.

Like that first Easter morning, when the women and later the disciples came to the empty tomb in fear and astonishment, and gradual recognition that Christ was risen, it was not a moment to linger and remain at the tomb. It was a day for movement. The resurrection of Jesus Christ was the beginning of a trajectory for life that God set in motion so that the power of the resurrection would be known in the all the world. Jesus was going ahead of them into the world. God’s power over sin and death on Easter would not be limited to one moment in time or to one place in Palestine. God’s power and presence and grace and love would continue forward into the world where the risen Lord could be seen and experienced and known by those God is seeking and by everyone who might come seeking for Him.

The movement continues today as the risen Christ makes Himself known to us and calls us forward. The risen Christ goes ahead of us, beckoning us to experience His grace and love and to follow in His way of life for us and for all people. He goes ahead of us and calls us to come with Him so that we will see Him and know Him and by the quality of God’s presence in our lives we will make Him known to others. Christ is risen and He calls us to go into the world in witness to God’s love and the power of the resurrection for all. Blessed Easter! PRAY

Almighty God, who through your only begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, now and forever, Amen.

s unday , a pril 9

The Rev. W. Frank Allen has been Rector of St. David’s since 1997. Frank is a prayerful leader here and in the Episcopal Church, serving on Diocesan and national boards, and mentoring clergy in their ministry. He has taught a wide variety of courses on the Christian life and is particularly interested in connecting persons to God and to ministry through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He is married to Dr. Amy Allen and they have three grown sons.