Dear Friends,

Ash Wednesday is the day we are reminded of who we are and where we are going. During Lent, as we journey forth to the celebrations of the Easter Feasts, we do so taking time to reflect on our lives as we fulfill our Lenten Observances.
We know what we are called to do. But we are also called to look deep into our interior. Is there something there we need to work on? Is there a part of the slate that still needs to be wiped clean? How have we been treating others? Do we have a clear conscience? Are we living in sincerity and truth? The list goes on….I know mine does.

In the world at this time there are so many people hurting and suffering. The news is full of so much sadness and heartache – the images that are brought into our living spaces are sometimes shocking, hard to look at, and quite disturbing. We are only at the beginning of a new year, and already the joyful memories of Christmas and the Holiday Season may well be overcome by current world events.

What can we do? Well we have six weeks to effect some change each in our own way – however we might be able to do that. Reaching out to those in need, visiting those in hospitals or care facilities. Taking food donations to the homeless shelter (at the monastery we do this about once a month). Helping someone at the grocery store. Opening the door to a store for someone instead of rushing in, or out. It’s all about being present to the other. Living this present moment – being kind and compassionate. Humanity needs it.

After his baptism, Jesus went into the desert for forty days to prepare himself for his ministry. He fasted and prayed, he was tempted. Lent comes with its own challenges for us, but we press ahead to the finish line as St Paul did, and as he reminds us in 2 Tim 4:7. That’s what we must do this Lent.

You are in our daily prayers – and we ask for yours. May our dear Lord bless you in many unexpected ways and may Mary the Theotokos protect you with her mantle of grace and motherly love.

God bless you,

Gratefully,
Fr. Aidan,

Planned Gift Giving:

To help us continue our monastic life and mission to be a beacon of light in the world, we value your ongoing help. We are a small community living a very simple life of prayer and work. We all know that prayer is very important, and we come together every day to pray for you and the needs of the world.