At the start of Lent last month, I had anticipated a spiritual journey similar to most others during this liturgical (worship) season. That is, a season which is characterized by slowing down a bit, taking a step back and centering myself spiritually. The reason that Purple is the traditional color of Lent owes itself, in part, to its somber hue and tone.
This Lenten season has been anything but slow and centering! It has been a spiritual journey with many twists and turns, in directions that I could have never foreseen or predicted.
Geographically, it has included two trips to the Central Valley (in the span of three weeks). Emotionally and spiritually, a host of funeral services here at home and the tragic events in northeastern Japan
At the same time, this is the type of journey that often characterizes the human experience, and which the Psalmist speaks of in the most well-known verse of scripture, Psalm 23. Through one's wandering the depth of valley lows, going through shadows of death, being confronted by our enemies, facing temptions from evil. Psalm 23 describes the breadth and depth of human experience in its fullest.
It also describes God guiding, sustaining and life-giving presence as we travel on our journeys of life and faith. Like a faithful shepherd who watches over the flock, the Psalmist speaks of God who faithfully watches over us, the sheep, as we travel through life both individually and collectively as the congregation of the faithful.
As we continue our spiritual journeys on the way to Good Friday and Easter, we do so not knowing what the next challenges in our lives will be, but in the full faith in God as the One who guides us through our deepest valleys, and with the assurance that God will never fail or forsake us.
Grace and Peace,
Reverend Mark M. Nakagawa
