As we've walked this journey of Lent together, at times, we may have felt as though we were truly in the desert. The blinding and deafening noises and distractions of our world, of violence, disconnection, apathy, and hatred, have attempted to pull us away from our path, and toward the path of the world.
By The Rt. Rev. Dr. Edward J. Konieczny
My Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
As we've walked this journey of Lent together, at times, we may have felt as though we were truly in the desert. The blinding and deafening noises and distractions of our world, of violence, disconnection, apathy, and hatred, have attempted to pull us away from our path, and toward the path of the world. We are not called to follow the ways of the world, no matter how loud and distracting they may seem. Rather, we are called to live in the Light of our Savior Jesus Christ, and intentionally choose to follow Him every single day. As our Lord and Savior said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)
In the same manner as we have journeyed through Lent, we are called to be in the world but not of the world. This means turning our eyes, our hearts, and our souls completely to the Truth, the Light, and the Love, of the One who made us in His own image. The One who loves us completely and unconditionally. The One who never leaves our side, no matter how dark things may appear around us. The One who prayed for us; that we might receive not what the world says we deserve, but that we might find ourselves embraced by our Heavenly Father's love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness.
In John, Chapter 14, Thomas asks, "'Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?' Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" (John 14: 5-6)
It is time again to remind the world who we are as children of our Heavenly Father and followers of the Light of the world. It is time to join together as Christians and remind the world that there is another way to walk through life, another way to engage together and truly love our neighbors, another way to share our stories and build greater understanding and stronger communities.
A way that leads away from the ways of the world: anger, hate, violence, and separation, and draws us closer to our Heavenly Father and His ways of true love, peace, reconciliation, and healing. A way that leads us to the One who knows all of our hurt, our anger, our doubts, and our fears, and loves us unconditionally, who is the Light in our own darkness.
As we approach the days of our Lord's Passion, Death, and Resurrection, let us experience the fullness of this journey with Jesus. Let us engage in all this journey offers, but let us always remember that the Light is coming. Let us remember that Good Friday darkness leads us to Easter light.
As we enter the great season of Easter, let us choose again to walk the path of our Savior, the path of the Light, the path that leads to eternal life. Let us show the world the Truth that can only be found in our Lord. Let us invite our neighbors to join us as we journey forward together.
I pray you, your family and loved ones have a blessed Holy Week and a joy-filled Easter!