Calvary Episcopal Church
Memphis, Tennessee
THE CHRONICLE
The Fourth Sunday after Lent
March 10, 2002
Volume 47, No.10

Journeying With Jesus During Lent
At the writing of this front page Chronicle article, the Christian Church will be entering into the fourth week of Lent. In a matter of speaking, as far as our spiritual journey is concerned, we are "in the thick of it." Most of us have been on this journey long enough to see just how far we have come, yet not long enough to know where we will end up.

I suspect Jesus, from time to time, wondered where his mission and commitment to the Lord would take him. One Gospel lesson reports that Jesus was "driven into the wilderness by the Spirit." However, what we do not know is if the Spirit told Jesus what to expect. Nevertheless, on short notice and insufficient information, Jesus obeys.

I often wonder, during Jesus' time in the Wilderness, where did he muster the strength to "hang in there" and see it through. It must have been tough for him, not having the company of friends or family, on a tight food ration, fighting physical, mental and spiritual fatigue-all this while having to contend with the whims of the Devil. Jesus, against the odds, survives the struggle and is victorious over suffering.

An example of one such spiritual journey is the sacrament of confirmation. On March 17th, some sixteen adults of Calvary Church will make a commitment to God either through the sacrament of Confirmation, Reaffirmation or Reception. These individuals have made a conscious decision to continue on in their spiritual journey. Confirmation, like the other six sacraments of the Church, may be defined as "an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace." In the presence of God and the Church, these sixteen individuals will dedicate or rededicate their lives to the service of God and ongoing mission of the Church in the world. I ask that you keep the Confirmands in your prayers and give thanks to God for each one of them.

Peace,
Allen F. Robinson