|
Dear Cathedral Community,
As we arrive at the Fourth Sunday in Lent, the
scriptures invite us to reflect on the surprising abundance of God’s
grace. In a season often marked by simplicity, repentance, and
reflection, we are reminded that God does not meet us with scarcity,
but with overflowing provision.
In the Collect for this week we pray:
“Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came
down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world:
Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.”
à Jesus is not
merely a teacher or guide, he is the bread
of life itself. In a world that often feels hungry for meaning, hope,
and belonging, Christ nourishes us with life that does not run out.
Psalm 23
reminds us of this divine generosity:
“The Lord is my shepherd, I
shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.”
Notice
the abundance in the imagery: green pastures, still waters, a
restored soul, and a table prepared even in the presence of enemies.
God’s care is not minimal, it overflows.
This
week I have also been reminded of the abundance of the Church in
another way. As I return from gathering with colleagues at
the Episcopal Parish Network (EPN), I am deeply encouraged by
what I have seen and heard. Over and over again,
congregations spoke about signs of life and renewal, even in the midst of data that might otherwise suggest
decline. Beneath the numbers, there is energy, creativity, and deep
commitment to the mission of the Church.
When we
fully live into the understanding that we are one Episcopal
Church, the abundance becomes extraordinary, seen in our ministries,
in our leadership both clergy and laity, and yes, even in the
faithful resources entrusted to us. When we lean deeply into the life
of the wider Church, we discover that God continues to provide more
than we imagined. That vision begins at home. When we live together
as one St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, united in purpose and
mission, we participate more fully in the life of the whole Church.
Our shared ministry here becomes part of something larger, God’s
abundant work across the Episcopal Church and throughout the world.
I am
grateful for Paul Anton Mike Shepherd,
and Mary Lusk, who also attended the sessions and fellowship of this
Church-wide community. Their presence and participation reflect the
strength and shared leadership that will help shape the future
of St. Mark’s Cathedral.
And
finally, I want to offer my deep thanks and gratitude during this
time of transition for the stability and faithfulness of our clergy
team. While it is true that I, along with the Rev. Terry
Erickson, am transitioning to our next calls, we are blessed with a
faithful and well-known rota of clergy who
continue to serve this community with dedication and care.
I am
especially grateful to the Rev. Bryan Bliss, Rev. Clara Sanders,
Rev. Mary Beth Farrell, Rev. Jay Phelan, and Rev. Tony Hunt for
joining me on the clergy rota during this
season, as we await the calling of our next Dean. Their presence and
leadership are a reminder that our bench strength is strong and that
the ministry of St. Mark’s Cathedral continues with faith, stability,
and hope.
Even in
Lent, a season of reflection and humility, we are reminded that the
Shepherd’s care is abundant. God leads us beside still waters,
restores our souls, and prepares a table before us. Our cups overflow
not because life is always easy, but because God’s presence is
faithful.
As we
continue this Lenten journey, may we trust in the abundance of
Christ, the true bread from heaven, and may that abundance guide us
as we live into the future God is preparing for St. Mark’s Cathedral
and for the whole Church.
Grace and peace,
Tim+
The
Rev. Timothy M. Kingsley
Provost,
Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral
|
