D-V's Desk

 I have been searching for words to express my feelings, like so many of you.  We knew that the move was coming thanks to a document leak.  There remain no easy answers to the SCOTUS's recent decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade. The issue of abortion is one that is fraught with heavy emotions.  Right now some are rejoicing.  Others are afraid and mourning. In the current heated climate it is so easy to let hate, fear, and anger rule.  To demonize the other.  To disconnect ourselves even further from those who do not think like we do. The call of Jesus remains a call to love and to healing.  Jesus calls His followers to relationship, even with those who disagree with us.   Jesus uses the words of the prophet Isaiah to describe His ministry (61:1-3) The spirit of the Lord  God  is upon me      because the  Lord  has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,      to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives      and release to the prisoners, 2

Following the season of Easter and the celebration of Pentecost, we enter what is called “Ordinary Time.”   Sometimes this is also referred to as the season after Pentecost and Kingdomtide.   You may recognize it as the long green season.   Green is the color associated with growth and new life.   That is why the color is traditionally associated with this season.   The name, Ordinary Time, suggests that it is business as usual.   That nothing special is happening during this season.   The reality couldn’t be further away!   During this time, the assigned Scripture readings focus on the teachings of Jesus.   This gives each of us the opportunity to hear again what Jesus taught.   Many of these Gospel readings unpack what it means to be one who follows in the way of Jesus.   This gives us the chance to recommit ourselves to Jesus and to deepen our trust in Him.   It is never too late to step up your faith journey!   It can be as simple as joining St. Mark’s services live-streamed (or