A Message from Lee

Dear Folks,

Last Sunday was the fourth Sunday in Lent. It is sometimes known as “Refreshment Sunday” because the lessons are more hopeful or “upbeat” than some of the challenging texts of Lent. The parable known as “the Prodigal Son” surely is one to celebrate.

In England, this fourth Sunday in Lent is also known as “Mothering Sunday.” This is very different that our Mother’s Day in May. I have read various versions of its origins there -that it was a Sunday when all those youngsters apprenticed out could go home and visit their Moms. Whatever the case, it is a different observance although it looks like it is taking on more of the character of our observance lately.

Since I was not raised in the Episcopal tradition, I have always had an interest in the origins of some of our liturgical practices and calendar. It’s clear that they tend to take on new variations and even different meanings over time. When I was listening to Ruth develop her lesson plans for the Godly Play introduction of Lent to our youngest Sunday School members, it made me think through, again, the things we say about Lent as a season on Ash Wednesday.

As we approach the last week in Lent before the central Holy Week, we might ask ourselves how we understand what we have been doing and doing without. As the TV character might ask, “How’s that working out for you?” Not too late to dig deeper especially with Holy Week - Palm/Passion Sunday through Easter Sunday.

Peace

Lee