Resting in God

Dear Friends,

This Sunday is the 5th Sunday of Lent, the last Sunday before the beginning of Holy Week next Sunday.  

We'll focus on one of the most beautiful accounts in the Gospels.  It is the last thing that happens in the Gospel of John before Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the prelude to his suffering and death.   

"Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus..Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair...."

This was a very extravagant gesture on Mary's part.  She must have had an intuitive sense that Jesus was about to die.  In fact Jesus says that she has been saving this costly nard to anoint his body for burial.  

Mary loved Jesus with her whole heart and soul and mind.  In other Gospel accounts, she spent hours at Jesus' feet, listening to him teach, soaking up every word.   She loved just being in his presence.

When you think about it, that is what we are doing when we come to church each Sunday.  We are sitting at Jesus' feet, learning from him and demonstrating our great love for him.  That is what the Sabbath is all about- resting in God.  

Resting in God is also what sabbaticals are all about.  I'll be going on sabbatical May 6th through July 22nd.  I'll be spending some time on retreat, spending time with family and doing some traveling.  I will miss you all very much, but  I look forward to coming back refreshed and rejuvenated.  

While I am away, the Rev. John Shellito, our Associate Rector,  will be responsible for worship and pastoral care.  Mary Yuhas, our Senior Warden, will lead the Vestry.  We are in very good hands and I know that you will give John+ and Mary your support.  

I look forward to sitting to Jesus' feet together this Sunday as we prepare to accompany Jesus through Holy Week.

Yours in Christ,

Shearon+