On this Monday in Holy Week, I welcome you from my home. I, like all Arizonans have been ordered to shelter in place. It is a bit inconvenient, but by no means impossible.
I want to thank you, the members of New Spirit, for your reaching out to one another. I understand many of you are calling members from the church directory to check in. And, I understand some of those calls are to “strangers” who now can become friends. I love when the Holy Spirit sneaks up on us with a divine “gotcha”. Thank you!
I read a Facebook entry that spoke of the symbol of the number 40. 40 years of the Exodus wandering. 40 days of hunger and temptation for Jesus in the wilderness. Biblically 40 is the number of completion. The writer noted that after the 40 days of this Coronavirus shut down, the canals of Venice are clean and filled with fish. The air in Dehli, Indian is clean and birds have returned. The 40 day rest from labor and industry can refresh the air, the water, the wildlife, and the quality of life. Maybe this is the 2020 Lenten season treasure! Our 40 day “wilderness stays” at home may renew God’s good earth, and bless the creation.
We are day by day drawing closer to Easter. Could it be that when we emerge from our 40-day journey(now remember we are in our third week, or half-way to our 40 days) to witness new life, and life in new ways.
This Thursday I will lead a brief Maundy Thursday devotion on Facebook Live. Join me at 6:00 p.m. to recall the Last Supper, that Jesus would share with his disciples. While we would normally share in the Holy Communion, this year we will await the “new life” time when we shall gather again to share in the supper. Maundy Thursday will focus on the “new commandment” that we should, and shall love one another. I look forward to that time with you and your family.
I will post again, tomorrow, Tuesday, to share more Holy Week updates.
Peace to you….
Pastor Alan
