O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
~ Collect for the Second Sunday in Lent, Book of Common Prayer
Dear People of St. David’s,
I hate to say it, but I think Lent might be on the verge of becoming my favorite liturgical season. I have always loved Advent most, with its hope, joy, and excitement surrounding the birth of our Lord and Savior. Yet lately, I find myself drawn to Lent because of how deeply human it feels. It is not particularly joyful. It is a season in which we focus on our sinfulness and our humanity. As our collect says this week, it is an opportunity to reflect on the ways we have gone astray from the love found in Jesus Christ.
Lent requires us to do some work. It asks us to look inward at our suffering in its many forms: physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional. This is one of the great privileges I have as a priest. I get to be present with people in their suffering. I thought about that a lot this past Ash Wednesday. I think about it often when I meet with a member of our congregation who is going through a difficult time or when I sit beside someone on hospice. I have also had the privilege of helping lead our Lenten Healing Service with Holy Eucharist. It is a beautiful liturgy that places the sacraments of unction, the anointing of the sick, and Holy Eucharist at the center. I encourage all of you to join us on Wednesdays at noon in the Harrison Room.
Suffering is something we all share. It does not matter where you come from or what you look like. None of us can escape it. It looks different for each person, but it is present for everyone. That shared reality is part of what draws me to Lent, especially as we move closer to Holy Week and reflect on Jesus’ own suffering on the cross.
But it is important to remember this: Lent is not the end. Suffering is not the end. There is always Easter.
Love you all,
Thomas
The Rev. Thomas Szczerba, Jr.
Vicar
Published on March 6, 2026.