By The Rev. James A. Weathersby,
This is the Liturgical season of Lent in the life of the Christian Church. This time is usually a time of dedication to prayer and devotion to God. Fasting and denial of indulgences for a more spiritual life are also disciplines for the devout. This is a time of preparation for Easter, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the Dead and the birth of the First Century Church. This is the history of the Christian Church throughout most of the known world. However, there should be more to this festive time than sacrifice, giving up and altering lifestyles during the Lenten season. Isn’t there more? There are humility, compassion, and gratitude.
Pandemics, like Lent, have a way of humbling everyone. We are reminded of our frailty, and our expiration date. We all shall enter “that good night” (Dylan) individually or together. What will we leave behind? What shall we take with us? I propose we leave behind us compassion for others to emulate. I further propose we take with us an attitude of gratitude. Compassion will unite us in the cause of ultimate survival from the Virus. Gratitude will usher us farther into the future without fear or hesitation.
I am not smart enough to be prophetic or even relevant to address society’s faults. What I am is a man of faith and during Lent, I choose to exercise my faith in our Country, faith in our God, faith in our humanity. The Season of Lent comes with Ash Wednesday, which says at the Imposition of the Ashes on our foreheads; “remember, from dust you have come—to dust you shall return; believe the Gospel.” Dust is our origin and our destiny. Believe the Gospel, which says we are not alone in our journey of life. God is with us, as we walk this path…together. Pax
The Rev. James A. Weathersby M.Div., BCC was born in Chicago, product of a dedicated single mother and the Public-School system. He is a genetic Baptist and a historic Democrat; spirituality in his veins for generations. His family valued Education and the Black church; there are four generations of ministers in his family, serving as Pastors of congregations and Chaplains in Institutions. His Bachelors of Arts came from Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois from the Reformed Churches of America tradition. His Masters of Divinity Degree (specialty in Pastoral Care and Counseling) came from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary of Louisville Kentucky, from the Southern Baptist tradition. His professional career as a Chaplain includes serving populations in Hospitals, Hospice, both Men’s and Women’s Corrections (Death Row Chaplain) in several Midwestern states. His time in Maine has included Chaplaincy at a Youth Development Center, Pastor to an island congregation and lately, Chaplain (II) of the State Forensic and civil Psychiatric Center. He has been honored to be married for 27 years and enjoy writing, yoga, and reading.
Grace and Gratitude, painting by Valerie A. Clemons.