The Way of Love - Turn


I hope you are familiar with our Presiding Bishop’s, The Most Rev. Michael Curry, theme of “The Way of Love.”  Following up on his message at the royal wedding last May, Bishop Curry and his staff created a detailed, yet easy to follow program about how to live our day-to-day lives as Jesus did – by living into daily practices that inform and shape our faith and relationship to God and each other. 

This work has been adapted into a Lenten program, which the New Brunswick clergy will be offering during a one-day Quite Day on Saturday, March 23rd from 8:30 am – 3:15 pm at St. Alban’s.  You can take a look at that information here if you would like.  You can sign up for the Quite Day in Hubbard Hall.  This is a great way to meet some other Episcopalians in the area and make some time during Lent to reflect on your spiritual journey.

For my blog during Lent, I will be focusing on each of the seven actions mentioned in the “Walk of Love” Cross, starting with “Turn,” which is highly appropriate for Lent, when we make time to examine our hearts, souls and minds to do some spiritual housekeeping. 

All of the words on the “Way of Love” cross are action-oriented rather than passive and theologically-cloudy.  We innately understand what “turn” means and can easily grasp what we need to do, even if we need to spend more time on understanding why.

The term “turn” does invite us to repent of what keeps us from being closer to God.  I am glad the designers chose to use the “turn” rather than “repent” because it offer a more kinetic, interactive dynamic between us an God, rather than punitive and shame-based. Yes, we need to repent of what draws us away from God’s love (sin), but how is that done?  By literally turning around our behavior.  Rather than facing away from God, we are called to face God – a God of love and mercy! – trusting that if we are truthful about our life, God will meet us there and love us.

Entering into the “way of love” with a turn makes good sense as well because it is a conscience decision – and one we can (and probably should) make every day! With everything that wants to claim our time and attention, we need discipline to focus on God’s will by turning toward God.  Then we can use all that God has given us to live in the way of love that Jesus exemplifies for us.

As we continue our Lenten journey, take some time to notice what distracts you from God and following the way of love?  What do you need to turn away from in order to focus on God? How do you turn away from it – physically, mentally, spiritually? 

Perhaps the first thing you want to do in the morning when you wake up is simply state: Today I turn my face toward God and ask God to work in and through me as I walk in the way of Love.
In the Name of Jesus Christ, my Savior and Redeemer. Amen.

May you have a Blessed Lent,
Rev. Valerie+

Next week: LEARN

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