Volume 3 Issue 21

• I had a wonderful dream a few nights back. It was one of those that was more real than surreal (and yes, I do dream in color) so that you are not really aware that it’s a dream until you wake up. I was preaching again—something that I haven’t done for over three years now—and I was “connecting” with the congregation. It felt good, and it was a little disappointing to awaken to the realization that it was only a dream.
  
• The dream may have been a premonition of the personally rewarding week I’ve experienced through this cyber-ministry. The Lent 2005 series has actually evoked some responses, and the quality of the virtual discussion that is developing confirms in every way my contention that the most meaningful theologizing happens through dialogue and exchange. You can see what I mean by going to the “comments” at the end of each “sermon”. What’s more, I hope that you may be inspired to make your own contribution.
  
• We are enjoying a visit from Rachel and Steve over this President’s Day holiday. It is a good time to reflect upon the great and not-so-great men who have held that office, and to ponder the day when someone other than a Caucasian male will have their opportunity. It’s easier to say such a thing now that I’ve accepted the ludicrousness of my own aspirations whether they be messianic or presidential. On a more serious note, it is an occasion to give some thought to how incredibly much room for improvement currently exists.
  
• This Second Sunday of Lent seems a good time to offer a brief explanation of why Sundays are not counted in the forty days of Lent. For the early Christian community, every Sunday was regarded as Easter (sometimes referred to as the eighth day of creation) and was therefore not included in the time set aside for penitence and self-denial. This is but one of the many traditions established by the Church that continue to be observed without widespread understanding by contemporary participants.
  
• Until next time…….Shalom!