Last week of Lent

The quiet, contemplative Lent just didn't happen. Here we are heading into the last week, and I am a supreme grump. Not necessarily mad at anyone, just frustrated with the state of the world - the Iran/UK standoff is yet another reminder of how we still can't seem to [as Lennon put it] "give peace a chance" - and it's drag on our psyches.


But we are asked to stay faithful, to open our arms to the suffering, to feed the poor, to heal the sick. In this context there is nothing to be grumpy about, only joy in sharing love.

And love it was at the Chiapas party last night. Commented to Deborah this morning how it feels like a full blown ministry; Jeannie has been wonderful at building this sister parish community, the arc of love spread from Seattle to southern Mexico.





Went into Lent hoping to deflect ego, meditate on the suffering and how we can help ease their daily lives. Let's work on it together. Con paz.

frank

Get lost

One of the poets I follow recently suggested getting lost; to find uncertainty as a path to new discovery. This seems to align with Lent; to walk [so to speak] in the desert and listen to the words of Our Father teaching, every day. Here I am ready to enter the unknown, but also not willing to let go into complete chaos; is this not the journey of those who believe in acts of war over the acts of peace?

Our good friend Lee recently sent mail about "for the people, by the people". Lee is like a modern Mark Twain, an observer of the human condition from his family's point-of-view. He's lived long enough to sift the large grains of dirt out of an otherwise beautiful moment. I admire Lee because he is another elder among a decreasing few - they bless our lives in subtle ways [although if you listen and practice their shared wisdom, the impact is large] - kind and willing to teach us in the act of love.

So how is everyone? We've had [as a family, a circle of friends] a hard winter. Spring is here but there is much to thaw from, to release into blossom. Let me know how I can help.

con paz,
frank