Mosaic Church of Bellingham

For many of us, we only have one use of the word “resurrection” and that is Easter. This is really unfortunate, as the word itself, though it is primarily used that way, actually means “a straightening from under again” or “to stand up from under”.

There are many other words that capture this same general concept; “re-vitalize”, “re-surgence”, “re-new”, “re-storation”, “re-birth”, “re-awakening”, or how about this one, “re-creation”. Basically, anything that brings you back to life.

Rather than following the cultural norms of Lenten practices like giving up coffee or chocolate, I suggest that we look back at the past year, when all of us and most every nation on the earth, found themselves drawn into the wilderness of a pandemic. At some level, almost everyone has experienced some type of loss.

I have really struggled this year with any desire to lead us through the season of Lent. I have been thinking that the best thing we could do was give up Lent for Lent. It just seemed like the wrong time to say to everyone, “let’s take the next 40 days and really focus on fasting, repentance, moderation, self-denial, and spiritual discipline.” As if we haven’t been doing most of these things for the past 12 months without even wanting to.

Hesed is a love that is so enduring that it persists beyond any sin or betrayal to mend brokenness and graciously extend forgiveness:

Hesed is not just a feeling but an action. It intervenes on behalf of loved ones and comes to their rescue.

Hesed describes the attitude behind what what we do, the way we do it and what we are doing.

Riding by the homeless encampment at City Hall provokes a lot of feelings and prayers. The problem is, it is very difficult to figure out what to actually do!

Mosaic is a diverse community, with many people having very different views. But Mosaic is also an entity, a collective, and it is a collective with a common overarching focus. WE are a community of people seeking to orient our lives around the life and teaching of Jesus. We don't all do this in the same way, or have the same understanding or even the same doctrine. But, we do it with the same center; Jesus.

This year I found myself looking at the new year with a bit different set of lenses. I think part of it was seeing all the posts and comments about leaving 2020 behind and being so glad it was over, as if the turning of the calendar was going to make any difference at all with regard to the pandemic or the restrictions we are all experiencing. I read something that got me thinking about a different idea or way of looking into the NY.

"I say it every year, but if there is one thing missing from Advent, it's math!"

If Jesus is the ruler of the domain of peace, then when I step outside of peace, I am outside the realm of where Jesus rules. Or said another way, when my actions or thinking creates anxiety and worry in my life, something is wrong with my actions or thinking. Of course, I can’t do this every waking moment, but the more I can be in touch with my own internal and external experience of shalom, the more I can be in touch with God’s presence in my life.