Sunset and Sunrise

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ" (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).

It's been a hard couple weeks. Gail Morrell, a dear parishioner and member of the altar guild, has gone to to be with the Lord. The Reverend Jim William Louttit (associated with Christ Church in the past) also died. And recently, Beverly Stryker, a long time member of our Church departed this life as well. Moreover, on a personal note, my Uncle Donald passed last week unexpectedly.

Perhaps you are dealing with sorrow, hardship or trial right now. Friends, in the midst of the grief, may we look to the Lord. As St. Paul says, through Christ we have abundant consolation. That's not to say that we don't have a hard road to walk when grief strikes. But what it means is that Christ, who suffered for us, will walk with us in our sufferings.

Above is a photo my uncle took. It reminds me that even though the sun sets on us all, a new day is coming – an eternal day that knows no death. Let us hope in Christ who is the light of that day.

Most merciful God, whose wisdom is beyond our understanding: deal graciously with those who mourn. Surround them with your love, that they may not be overwhelmed by their loss, but have confidence in your goodness and strength to meet the days to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP 2019, pg. 255)

Fr. Darin+