DEAR CHRIST CHURCH FAMILY--

     As I write this, in mid Lent, the weather report warns of yet two more snowstorms to come this week.  How weary of it all we are!  I recently noticed the cover of a popular magazine which listed its featured articles: "Stop Stress Now"…"Feel Confident"…"Work Less, Save More."  Spring, flowers, seeds, grass, Easter all seem a long way off.   
     This has been a tough winter for many among us, in ways other than simply dealing with snow.  The suffering around us, and in the wider world, somehow seems amplified at this time of year.  If spring would only hurry up!  If Easter would only come quickly!
     During Lent, we walk with Jesus towards his Cross.  We examine ourselves, our lives, our relationship with God.  For many, I know, the question of suffering and God (theodicy) is especially prominent just now: How can a good God allow suffering?  Or as Rabbi Harold Kushner has written, Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?
     As we prepare ourselves for the observance of Jesus' Passion, his death and, finally, his Resurrection at Easter, let us remember the context of our discomfort, our stress and even our suffering. Let us remember that Easter does not put an end to suffering but, rather, brings about the transforming and astounding promise of Jesus' continued presence in our lives. Jesus abides with and in us, forever: in our pain, in our confusion and in our every struggle.  Jesus is with us, too, in our moments of joy and delight, helping our senses open to notice every new and wonderful thing. 
     Come to the remaining services of Lent, to the powerful service on Passion/Palm Sunday, to all the services of Holy Week and, ultimately, to one of our celebrations of Easter.
     Faithfully,

                                      Anne