In the midst of the change, renewal—and sometimes the vulnerability, messiness and discomfort—that Lent brings, Bishop DeDe invites us to continue on in joy and hope.
Transcript:
Dear People of Central New York:
I bring you greetings from our diocesan offices that are currently undergoing construction. We’re renewing our offices in this time of Lent when we’re renewing our faith.
When I last spoke to you on Ash Wednesday, I talked about how Lent offers us an opportunity to renew our faith in Jesus Christ—to practice our faith, to take out of the way those things that may be keeping us from God. Taking down barriers, breaking down those things between us and the divine love of Jesus, is something that takes intentionality. It’s something we live into.
I hope that in this time of Lent you’re finding yourself changed, different, transformed. That doesn’t mean it’s always easy, or neat, or tidy. Change and growth happen in stages, with a process. In this time of Lent, it may be tempting to give up hope, or to become mired in the season and feel that we’ll never get to Holy Week or we’ll never get to the Resurrection. But in fact we’re on a journey. We continue on with joy to meet our Lord.
So I wish you grace, and peace, and hope in this time. And I hope that your Lenten discipline is changing and transforming you, and that you are finding yourself renewed. Let us continue with hope in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, to love one another more fully as we love God and receive God’s grace in our lives.
Many blessings to you.
The Rt. Rev. Dr. DeDe Duncan-Probe
Bishop of Central New York
