Ash Wednesday 2024

Dear Friends,

Over these past weeks, as we enter into Mark’s gospel, I’ve been pondering his message: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news” (Mark 1:15). He begins his ministry of proclamation after John has been arrested, and he seems to take up where John left off. John too had called for repentance, forgiveness of sins. Now, it seems, Jesus is calling the crowds to the next step.

Beyond repentance, there is more. There is good news. For some of us, the repentance part is as far as we go. “We are miserable offenders,” we cry, as if God is content with our abjection. Others want to get straight to the good stuff. They read John’s gospel and say that if they believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior they’re saved. Why be morbid?

Both extremes refuse the full message. We are called to repent, that our eyes and

hearts may be opened to the reign of God. We are called to believe in the gospel, the good news. Our repentance is meant to lead us to joy and courage and hope. As we walk with Jesus through Lent and Holy Week, we will need to trust in his words.

But what, I wonder, is the good news? Again, different authors have different answers. John’s gospel simply tells us to believe in Jesus, to believe he is the Son of God. If we do, we will see the fullness of God’s love among us. Mark’s gospel seems different to me. Jesus is not pointing to himself, but to God. He tries to avoid pronouncements about his identity. He doesn’t tell people to believe in him. When Peter calls him the Messiah, he tells him not to tell anyone. Not until his crucifixion do we read: “Truly this man was God’s Son!” (Mark 15:39).

So, these two accounts seem very different; but really, they point to the same place. Jesus is drawing us to God. He came, he comes, among us to show us how much God loves us and what that can mean in our lives. First, though, we have to repent, to get out of God’s way so God can act. Then we need to actively seek to do God’s will, and to see the signs of God’s presence within and among us. Believing the good news, whatever the circumstances, we are truly blessed.

As we enter in Lent, may you, may I, may we all repent and turn from our sins. May we let God transform us as we walk with Jesus the hard road that leads to abundant life. And may we see, with trusting hearts, the glory of God that surrounds us. Blessed Lent!

Shane, for the Companions

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Community News

Winter on the Hudson

Shane Phelan, CMA:

In case you haven’t heard: the book is out! Big Queer Nun is available wherever you buy your books. I’m thrilled with the response so far, relieved that it’s out, and eager to share it with others. We will host an online launch event sometime in the next months, so stay tuned.

In other news, E and I led the annual recovery retreat at Holy Cross Monastery over New Years. As always, a wonderful group joined us there. Two weeks later we had our annual winter retreat, a week of silence here at the Companionary. It’s always a harder retreat than the summer, when being outside is easy and someone else cooks, but it’s still a precious time for diving deeper with God.

We led a group of clergy women in a day of reflecting on “Befriending Time.” It’s a hard topic, and taking time out to come and reflect is almost an act of defiance in our society. We are so grateful for these occasional meetings. Now, I’m working on befriending time myself, slowing down, breathing more, praying more, facing the fear of missing out or disappointing others. I want the abundant life Jesus promised, not just more hours of work!

E Broyles, CMA:

A lot of my news is "what Sister Shane said," as we had some wonderful common ministry this last while. I haven't been leading a lot of retreats. Returning to this ministry is a great pleasure.

Since our last community news, I served at Mercy by the Sea Retreat Center and accompanied several people for a week long directed retreat. The blessing of walking with that many people for six days running overflowed. I look forward to returning in June.

Our winter silent retreat was blessedly gentle for me. As I asked for guidance, day to day, the Spirit's message to me was "rest and relax." This isn't typical of my retreats I took her counsel, rested, prayed, read, made some art, and rested some more. Lovely.

Finally, on the cusp of Lent, and following the example of some monks and priests I know, I am going to greatly limit screen time for the season. Less time reading the Times (there are other ways to get news), less focus on email and fewer visits to the keyboard. Pray for me as I repent. I trust there is more freedom with this practice, and that I will be able to be more present in all I do. It is a different kind of Lenten fast and one I pray will continue well after that.

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