March 4, 2007
Second Sunday of Lent

Shadow of the Wings

During the Lenten season most of us have taken or given up something that we refer as a "Lenten Discipline" and we have found that taking such a discipline has meant a sacrifice of some sort. I would hope and pray that as we continue on this journey, we will keep in mind the message of Jesus in the Gospel reading for this Sunday.

"How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!"

These words, rather than being some empty promise that nothing bad will ever happen to us, assure us that whatever does happen to us, whatever pain or problems may plague us, whatever fear may face us, whatever sin may assail us, we will never be found defenseless or alone. For we stand under the protection of God's wings, shaded by God's forgiveness, strengthened by the body and blood that comes to us. For when we lament a broken relationship, it opens the way to healing. When we lament an injustice, it opens the way to transformation. When we lament a loss, it opens the way to resurrection. When we lament our shortcomings, it opens the way to unexpected change.

With these words Jesus Christ calls us to the shelter of his protective wings. He calls us to the safety of his arms stretched out for us on the cross. He calls us to trust him, no matter what our fears, hurts, or troubles; to trust that his outstretched arms are strong enough, his wings broad enough to keep us safe. And in the shadow of those wings we are saved.

Silito

Take a look at some of the previous messages from the Rector