From The Pastor

There is a man who paints portraits on Plexiglas mirrors. He uses mirrors so that when people look at the painted image they will see that their own reflection has become part of the portrait. 

 As we continue in this season of Lent, we remember some of Jesus' last words from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) Lent reminds us that there is no place in life where we reflect more of Jesus Christ than when we forgive others. 

In fact, there is abundant research from scientists suggesting that forgiveness is essential for our health in every area of our lives, — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. But, forgiveness is always difficult, because some things really do seem unforgivable. For some of us, forgiveness is like climbing Mt. Everest, — a seemingly insurmountable task. 

 However, there may be another way for us to look at it. We don’t have to make it all the way to the peak to improve our view, because even if we can’t make the summit on our Mt. Forgiveness, — we are to keep climbing, as God gives us the strength and grace to forgive. 

 So, forgiveness is more of a behavior than a feeling. To forgive is to refuse to treat others badly because of their offense against us. Forgiveness means to work and to will the best for others despite how we may feel toward them. Forgiveness always requires an act of self-sacrifice, a giving up of one’s right to one’s own way. 

 But those who follow Jesus know that to be forgiving is also the faithful and obedient route to being born anew. I hope that is the reflection we will all see in our own personal, portrait mirrors. 

 See you Sunday, 

 PastorJohn                                                                                                                      

Quote of the Week

"I arise today

Through the strength of heaven;

Light of the sun,

Splendor of fire,

Speed of lightning,

Swiftness of the wind,

Depth of the sea,

Stability of the earth,

Firmness of the rock.

I arise today

Through God's strength to pilot me;

God's might to uphold me,

God's wisdom to guide me,

God's eye to look before me,

God's ear to hear me,

God's word to speak for me,

God's hand to guard me,

God's way to lie before me,

God's shield to protect me,

God's hosts to save me

Afar and anear,

Alone or in a multitude.

Christ shield me today

Against wounding

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,

Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ on my right, Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,

Christ in the eye that sees me,

Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today

Through the mighty strength

Of the Lord of creation.”

Prayer of St. Patrick

Saint Patrick was a fifth-century Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. Known as the "Apostle of Ireland".