Friends and Neighbors, 

As the weather teases us with warm days followed by chilly ones, we enter Holy Week. You have probably heard me encouraging folks to experience the journey to the cross and the grave so we might celebrate the resurrection with that insight. God has shared this human experience and is with us in the darkness and the light. Our liturgies of Holy Week take us on that journey with Jesus and remind us that God is indeed with us on our own journeys. 

Another sort of Holy Week comes up for me during this time. April 4 marked the anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and April 9 is the anniversary of the day that the German pastor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was executed by the Nazis. Both of these pastors have long inspired and encouraged my own ministry and spiritual life. They have also challenged me as they both pointed to how easily we can become adjusted to power and comfort. Both taught that as followers of Christ, we must stand in solidarity with the poor and the oppressed. 

Our hope of resurrection doesn't mean that we deny suffering. If anything, it calls on us to see that God is with us in those experiences and that they are not the end. With that faith, there is always hope for transformation, for healing, and new life. 

In this newsletter, you will find many opportunities to pray and worship with your community during Holy Week. I hope that you will find some time to pray with your community as we move towards Easter. 

Peace, 

Fr. John Mark