From the Pastor’s Desk…
Faith Chat:
We are called to proclaim God’s grace by proclaiming the story of Jesus, to bring light, hope and healing to the world.
“Faith journey” is a word that we use often in our “churchy” language, but do we really understand what it entails? When I consider the word journey, what comes to mind is lugging heavy baggage, trudging along in a direction with sprinkles of grand views or rest stops. Maybe this is adequate, but do I want my faith journey to encompass merely trudging along? So much of life already feels like shuffling down the road dragging what we think we may need at our destination.
In Lent we also hear the phrase “Jesus’ journey to the cross.” While that can mean the passion narrative, that is the final few hours of Jesus’ earthly existence, Jesus’ journey to the cross began in a manger. Jesus’ journey wasn’t drudgery or merely trudging along with heavy baggage (unless you count the disciples! Ha!), no Jesus’ journey was filled with moments of hardship alongside moments of pure joy, delight, meals, weddings, storytelling, healing, prayer, naps and even the occasional respite from the day to day. Jesus’ journey to the cross is a helpful corrective for me as I consider my own faith journey. In Lent we also hear the phrase “Jesus’ journey to the cross.” While that can mean the passion narrative, that is the final few hours of Jesus’ earthly existence, Jesus’ journey to the cross began in a manger. Jesus’ journey wasn’t drudgery or merely trudging along with heavy baggage (unless you count the disciples! Ha!), no Jesus’ journey was filled with moments of hardship alongside moments of pure joy, delight, meals, weddings, storytelling, healing, prayer, naps and even the occasional respite from the day to day. Jesus’ journey to the cross is a helpful corrective for me as I consider my own faith journey.
I can put down heavy luggage that keeps me trudging along. I can embrace time with friends and family, and a good meal. I can put aside guilt for quiet time in prayer or meditative naps. I can celebrate with those who celebrate and mourn with those who mourn. My faith journey, isn’t shuffling down the road, but a gait with purpose, open hands and heart for the people on the road with me or whom I encounter going their own direction. I pray for my Lenten journey, my faith journey, to not shy away from the goodness of God’s creation or from the joy that is evident, even on uncertain paths.
What does your Lenten or faith journey entail? How would you describe your path? May you know God’s faithful presence on your way and in your life.
In Christ,
Pastor Brigette Weier
“Faith journey” is a word that we use often in our “churchy” language, but do we really understand what it entails? When I consider the word journey, what comes to mind is lugging heavy baggage, trudging along in a direction with sprinkles of grand views or rest stops. Maybe this is adequate, but do I want my faith journey to encompass merely trudging along? So much of life already feels like shuffling down the road dragging what we think we may need at our destination.
In Lent we also hear the phrase “Jesus’ journey to the cross.” While that can mean the passion narrative, that is the final few hours of Jesus’ earthly existence, Jesus’ journey to the cross began in a manger. Jesus’ journey wasn’t drudgery or merely trudging along with heavy baggage (unless you count the disciples! Ha!), no Jesus’ journey was filled with moments of hardship alongside moments of pure joy, delight, meals, weddings, storytelling, healing, prayer, naps and even the occasional respite from the day to day. Jesus’ journey to the cross is a helpful corrective for me as I consider my own faith journey. In Lent we also hear the phrase “Jesus’ journey to the cross.” While that can mean the passion narrative, that is the final few hours of Jesus’ earthly existence, Jesus’ journey to the cross began in a manger. Jesus’ journey wasn’t drudgery or merely trudging along with heavy baggage (unless you count the disciples! Ha!), no Jesus’ journey was filled with moments of hardship alongside moments of pure joy, delight, meals, weddings, storytelling, healing, prayer, naps and even the occasional respite from the day to day. Jesus’ journey to the cross is a helpful corrective for me as I consider my own faith journey.
I can put down heavy luggage that keeps me trudging along. I can embrace time with friends and family, and a good meal. I can put aside guilt for quiet time in prayer or meditative naps. I can celebrate with those who celebrate and mourn with those who mourn. My faith journey, isn’t shuffling down the road, but a gait with purpose, open hands and heart for the people on the road with me or whom I encounter going their own direction. I pray for my Lenten journey, my faith journey, to not shy away from the goodness of God’s creation or from the joy that is evident, even on uncertain paths.
What does your Lenten or faith journey entail? How would you describe your path? May you know God’s faithful presence on your way and in your life.
In Christ,
Pastor Brigette Weier
