Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 2/27/23

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Dear Members and Friends of St. James,

As you will read in my reflections offered Sunday at Eucharist, I attempt to make a revised approach to our understanding of and observance of Lent.  If, as your priest, I take such a stance—one slightly different from the traditional one of distain for worldly matters—I should be prepared to justify it by Scripture and to offer an alternative.  To that end, what next follows is an adaptation of “A Lenten Journey”, which has been adopted/proposed by a parish in our diocese.  I have proposed for myself a weekly—not daily meditation—pattern of brief readings all handy, as our Book of Common Prayer (BCP) is my sole source.

Week One: 27 February – 4 March
TEMPUS/ Time: that God will use it for good in our lives

  • The Lord’s Prayer
  • Psalm 25, BCP p. 614
  • Collect of Lent One, BCP p. 218


Week Two: 6 March – 11 March
PRAYER: Intercession on behalf of others and thanksgiving for blessings

  • The Lord’s Prayer
  • Psalm 141, BCP p. 797
  • Collect of Lent Two, BCP p. 218


Week Three: 13 March – 18 March
Reconciliation: Seeking forgiveness for things down and left undone

  • The Lord’s Prayer
  • Psalm 51, BCP p. 656
  • Collect of Lent Four, BCP p. 218


Week Four: 20 March – 25 March
Consolation: Evaluating distractive busyness

  • The Lord’s Prayer
  • Psalm 23, BCP p. 612
  • Collect of Lent Four, BCP p. 219


Week Five: 27 March – 1 April
Humility: Reassessing external influences on self-image

  • The Lord’s Prayer
  • Psalm 131, BCP p. 785
  • Collect of Lent Five, BCP p.219

I hope that you will find these recommended acts of devotion and reflection restorative, as we continue to grapple with the ravages of the pandemic on health (Covid-19) and the ravages of war.  Of your charity, I bid you pause once a week for 5 – 8 minutes to give God praise for our being.

May the peace of God that passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the love of God and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you and those whom you love into this new year.  Amen.

Your fellow Sojourner in The Way,
CEB+