Dear Friends,

It has often been said that “you can’t think your way to God.” The phrase has been repeated so widely—and attributed to so many—that its original source is hard to verify. I tried. Still, its truth feels familiar. We can become so entangled in our thoughts about faith, and so attached to the idea of a clear, straight path forward, that we lose our ability to encounter the deeper, more transformative presence of God.

This Lent, what if “giving something up” included loosening our grip on the thoughts and habits that keep us from that deeper knowing?

On Sunday, we will hear the story of Lazarus. When he emerges from the tomb, he is still bound in grave clothes. Jesus then calls for him to be unbound and set free. It is a moment that feels both deeply human and deeply spiritual. Where, in your own life, might something be restricting your freedom? Is it worry? Fear? Grief? Or simply the quiet weight of a full and busy life?

As we move toward the final days of Lent and approach Holy Week, I find myself returning to this story through a Lenten lens. Lent invites us to travel a little lighter—to gently set down some of the intellectual and emotional burdens we carry—so that we might go a bit further into the wilderness, and closer to the transforming love of God. In addition, this story is not just a call to Lazarus, but a call to the community: “Unbind him.” It is a reminder that we do not do this alone. Part of what it means to be in community is to help loosen what weighs one another down, making space for new life together.

I look forward to being with you on Sunday as we reflect, gently unbind what holds us back, and celebrate the strength and grace of a community that walks this journey together.

Love,
Cheryl