Dear Friends,
At the beginning of St. Benedict’s Rule, he writes that the purpose of Christian community, as he envisions it, is to be “A school of the Lord’s service. . . As we progress in our life together and in faith, our hearts shall be enlarged, and we shall run with unspeakable sweetness of love in the way of God’s commandments.” A parish church is not (thankfully!) a monastery, but the vision still applies: here is a community fed by strong Food; in whose fellowship we learn and grow as Christians and as human beings, plumbing ever more deeply the mystery of God’s love: in Christ, in our lives, and in the world. By this work our own hearts grow larger, our love grows truer, and we can enjoy more fully the grace that is given to us, in all the ways God gives it.
As Homecoming Sunday approaches, with the beginning of Saint Mark’s program year, I am looking forward to renewing this work with you all. This is a place where, from the newest baby to the oldest member, we are all embarked on the project of growing up in Christ. None of us has yet arrived at the destination; all of us are well past the starting block. Even if this is the first time you’ve come to church, the first time you’re receiving a parish newsletter, or the first time in ages, you’re not starting from scratch: the Holy Spirit has long been at work in you to bring you to this point.
That this is something we get to do together is the great joy and privilege of Christian community. We are here to encourage one another, bear with one another, build one another up, as we bear witness together to our risen, glorified Lord. No one has to do it alone; we cannot do it alone. So, as this year’s Homecoming Sunday draws near, we say again, “You are not alone.” Come and discover afresh this year the next step God is calling you to make as you continue to grow up in Christ. Come and meet afresh the broader family God gives you in the Body of Christ, the Church. Come and taste afresh the unspeakable sweetness of love that God grants to all those who seek him.
Yours faithfully,
Fr. Blake
