Herons are considered melancholy birds. White ones symbolize innocence while ash-gray (blue) ones symbolize penance. Early Christians, believing that herons shed tears of blood under stress, made this bird an emblem of Christ’s agony in the garden and the sweat of blood He endured there (Lk 22:44). Like many wading birds which eat snakes, frogs, and other symbols of the evil one, herons are images of the eternal struggle of good against evil and of Christ’s battle against the Devil.

Pretty amazing right?  Neither of us thought for one second this was “just” a coincidence in fact we believe it was a God-Incidence.   I asked the Lord in prayer later that night to reveal to me what the significance of this occurrence could mean to us as a Church. He reminded me of what the Old Testament prophet Joel (2:28-32) predicted about “The day of the Lord” and how Peter repeats the prophet’s words in the book of Acts (2:17-21. I believe this was a sign for us to be attentive to the times we are in. He told me simply, “I am displaying signs and wonders for my people all the time and they need to pay closer attention.” 

My prayer is that as we enter into this Easter Season and climax to the Season of Pentecost we WILL be more aware of the signs and wonders all around us like never before! The greatest sign and wonder of course being the Glorious Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! May our eyes of faith be open and may we behold Him in all His redeeming work! Thanks be to God the Father, Jesus His Son and the Holy Spirit!  Amen.

Joann Cerretani

Joann Cerretani

Jr. Warden

“Aleluia, Christ is risen!”

“The Lord is risen indeed, aleluia!”

Today, if you are baptized and you love the Lord Jesus, please come forward to receive communion. If you have not been baptized, we still invite you to come forward for a priestly blessing. If you would like to be baptized please talk to a member of the clergy.

Happy Easter!

Fr. Christopher Leighton

Fr. Jordan Easley

For Further Reflection during Lent

Gods Covenant with Noah – Genesis 9:8-17

1)        To get a fuller picture of this promise that God makes to Noah, read Genesis 8:20-9:17. Does it seem odd that Noah – as soon as he gets off the boat – kills some of the animals that he has been so intent on saving? Why do you think this sacrifice is so important?

2)        Read Gen 8:22 and 9:15. The Flood was certainly God’s biggest judgment upon humanity in the history of the world.  Here God promises to never to judge the world like this again.  How do you think fits with the Last Judgment? (see Matthew 25 or Revelation 21)

3)        Read 1 Corinthians 3:12-15.   Paul is speaking here of the Judgment that awaits Christians.   Does the idea of God’s judgment make you feel uncomfortable?   Is there ever at time that it shouldn’t?   What is the difference  between a Christian’s discomfort at the thought of final judgment and someone who doesn’t confess Christ?

4)        Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. If we are reconciled to God through Christ, then what kind of judgment awaits Christians?   Does being reconciled to God make a difference in your day to day life?   What does that look like – at home, at work, out and about, with your spouse, with your friends?

5)        With whom do you need to be reconciled? Especially during this season of Lent, whom do you need to forgive?   From whom do you need to ask forgiveness?

First, remember that’s not really the main point of Lenten fasting.  God’s not MAKING you give up anything.  He’s asking you what you want and then giving you the opportunity to see that, in Christ, you have it already.  This is why we fast:  to clear a space to receive.

Second, don’t go it alone!  Make your Lenten choices with your family or a close friend.  Ask for their input for your fast.  Once you have decided, then hold each other accountable.  Check in with each other every day.  You’re not asking, “Did you eat any chocolate? (or fill in the blank)” but “What has God given you today?”  Perhaps you shouldn’t STOP doing anything.  Perhaps you should START doing something.  Let others weigh in – this is why we’re called the Body of Christ.

Last, there are several Lenten opportunities at St. Paul’s:

•  Lenten Sermon Series:  The Covenants of God.  Over the next five weeks we’ll be looking at God’s promises to His people from the Old Testament.  You can prepare yourself throughout the week by reading ahead.  See the margin notes for “Next Week’s Lessons.”

•  Lenten Prayer Lunch:  Prayer is responding to God, but it is hard to respond if we don’t make the space for it.  This is a special hour, immediately following the Second Service to respond to God.  See below for more details.

•  Stations of the Cross:  Ever since Jesus died, his followers have dedicated special days and times to remember his death – particularly Fridays from the hours of noon to three, when he hung on the cross.  Join us at 12:00 pm EVERY Friday of Lent as we follow the Stations of the Cross.  See below for more details.

Your brother,

Jordan

The Rev. Jordan Easley

Assistant

On the Mark February 26th