Within this collection of stories, reflections, and writings, you will find windows into the mystery of God. Members and friends of our parish have written pieces for use as devotionals in this season of Lent. Most all of the works are original, and they range from poems to personal stories to reflections on scripture. Some will evoke tears or laughter, while others may not do much for us at all. The pieces are as unique as the writers, and they may not resonate with everyone, which is fine. But it is my hope that with each daily entry we will all find some way to connect with God.


My thanks to those who contributed to this project. It takes courage to offer something publicly as we have done with this collection. I know that some of you have gone well outside your comfort zone to reflect spiritually on parts of your life or to share ideas that you have treasured for yourself. I also want to thank Tiffany Ayers who used her skills as an editor to put this collection together and catch all of our typos and literary bobbles.


I pray that each of us would find this Lenten Season a holy and special time.


In Christ’s Peace,

Fr. Tom+

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

March 31, Wednesday in Holy Week

God in So Many Moments

When tragedies happen, it's always hard to find God in those moments. This time last year I was struggling with such a tragedy. A friend of mine had just died in a horrible accident, and I couldn't figure out why it had happened. I was angry with God for taking away such a wonderful person while he was still so young. It wasn't fair, and I wondered why God would do such a thing.

I went to his funeral, and that same day I traveled to Edgewater, Md., for a high school retreat I was staffing. I thought it couldn't have been worse timing. I was still upset about my friend’s death, and I didn't want to have to worry about an entire retreat to help run, but I went anyway.

The retreat, however, turned out to be the biggest blessing of all. Instead of me being cooped up all weekend in my room alone, I was surrounded by dozens of people who shared the same faith and loved me. I spent a lot of time that weekend praying and connecting with friends who helped me through the pain. I prayed constantly for strength to get me through and the help of friends, because I knew it was something I couldn't get over alone.

I ended up seeing God at work in so many moments that weekend – in the beauty of our setting, as well as all the people around me who I knew were there for me. Even now I remember Philippians 4:6 ("Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God"), and I know that it’s true. I prayed to God for help to get through that tragedy, and he answered.

Hannah Dowdy
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