A Journey to Pascha

Those who are unfamiliar with the word Pascha, may call it Easter. It is a journey that has already begun. Rest assured, it has nothing to do with a bunny, nor any other frivolous and non-essential thing.

When we take a journey we must chart our course. John has the new system which is only too happy to tell us where to go. Unfortunately, on our last trip, we got off and on the highway unnecessarily, more times than we care to mention. So much for non-human direction. If we had been wise, we would have prepared for our journey by marking out a map, "just in case." Good preparation leads to a place. We were fortunate that someone at a toll booth was able to accommodate us with the information that charted our course successfully to reach our destination. Our spiritual journey is much like that, "directed" that we might walk on the right path in order to reach our spiritual fulfillment. Our Holy Father's are there to lead the way, having been down the path before us.

To prepare for Pascha, we must have an action plan and goal to connect us with "Him" who is in our heart, our Love and our joy. He is the One that surrounds us with goodness and gives us the good things in life.

How do we get there? Always the hard way. Seek and you find and the doors will be opened to you? Seek where? That is "THE" question. So how do you get to where you are going if you don't know how to get there? Ask someone who's been there.

I'm sure you'll find your way, you go everywhere else. It begins with "Desire." Isn't it time we humble ourselves, and like the Podigal son, come home? We are sorely missed!

There are plenty of seats open in church. Sunday would be a good day to start. Don't wait too long it'll be here before you know it. The Giver of Light will gladly show you the way when you pray. Your first step into the "bright sadness" of Lent will begin your journey to new life in Him, making your "spiritual spring" glorious.

Taken from the book "GREAT LENT, Journey to Pascha" by: Alexander Schmemann, is found my favorite Great Prokeimenon, which announces the beginning of Lent.

"Turn not away Thy face from Thy servant
for I am afflicted!
Hear me speedily.
Attend to my soul and deliver it!"

The two words "Bright Sadness" take on a new meaning. Sunday, the theme will be on "forgiveness." That is always a great place for all of us to start...