Greetings to all in the Love of Jesus Christ:
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
It’s Ash Wednesday, and I have “joy” on my mind. That may seem odd: Ash Wednesday is the day Christians remind ourselves that “from dust we came, and to dust we shall return.” We remind ourselves to be humble, to not think too much of ourselves. We begin a season of Lent, of self-reflection, of repentance. The reason Mardi Gras – “Fat Tuesday” – became a thing is that people wanted to have as much fun as possible on the last day before Lent, before they started wearing black and depriving themselves.
Combine the liturgical season of Lent with the state of our world – wars of aggression, military occupation in Minneapolis, environmental degradation, massive dehumanization campaigns – and it doesn’t seem like a time for joy.
But there it is, that phrase of Paul’s: Rejoice always. It may sound trite, but when we remember that Paul wrote those words while he was chained in prison, we acknowledge that he wasn’t just mouthing platitudes. And when we remember that Jesus, hanging on the cross, asked God to forgive his tormenters, we realize that there is something about our religion that calls us to not give in to suffering, no matter how much it seems like darkness is covering the face of the Earth. We are called to be different: to celebrate God’s love and shine God’s light even in the midst of all the bad news. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Last month, your pastors and chaplains reminded ourselves of the importance of joy. In the midst of prayer vigils and funeral planning and writing letters to our congressional representatives, we took a day at our clergy retreat to just have fun.
Dios les bendiga!
Pastor Jay
Regional Minister and President
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Arizona
Ash Wednesday: A Call to Courage and Faithfulness
This Ash Wednesday, as Lent begins, we release “A Call to Christians in a Crisis of Faith and Democracy.”
We believe this is a decisive moment for faithful witness. Democracy is under strain. Christianity is being distorted for political power. Silence is not neutrality.
This statement calls Christians to repent, resist injustice, defend the vulnerable, and renew our allegiance to Jesus Christ above every earthly power.
Now is the time to speak truth to power and act with courage. Read the full statement, sign The Call, and find ways to get involved by visiting acalltochristians.org.
Clergy Retreat Day of Fun Photos
