During Lent we have been gathering each Sunday after high mass for discussions on discipleship. Rowan Williams' book, Being Disciples, has been our guide, and the discussion questions at the end of each chapter have focused our conversations. The Catechumens have been attending these sessions with their sponsors, and many others from the congregation have joined us too. Having these sessions after high mass has also been good because choir members have been able to attend.

For the last two Sundays, one of the themes that has emerged has been "making space for God." How do we make the space in our lives so that we can discover God's presence with us? Everyone was in agreement that God is always with us, but that due to our busyness or distractions, we are often blinded from God's presence among us.

Our faith gives us everything we need to discover God, if only we were not so distracted all of the time. Beautiful worship, meaningful outreach, inspiring Bible study, quiet time for contemplation, and talking story about the faith - these practices help us discover God. All of these things are available to each of us, but alas, we may not always be available to them.

If you have not done so already, check out our Lenten Webpage. The high mass for the Annunciation is this Saturday, and Stations of the Cross continues on Wednesdays and Fridays. On Fridays we continue to meet to study the Sunday mass Bible readings, and there are still two more Sunday Lenten gatherings. You will also find information about the Maundy Thursday All-Night Vigil before the Sacrament at the Altar of Repose. Maybe you would like to sign-up to feed the homeless this April with Family Promise? All of these practices can help us make more space for God in our lives.

We are at the mid-point of Lent, and Holy Week and Easter are now on the horizon. If each one of us keeps making space for God during this time of preparation, then the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord will be more awesome. Even better, making space for God can become contagious. Once we develop this practice this Lent, we will not want to give it up when Easter comes. Christ will truly be alive in each of us.

Father Paul Lillie+

St. Mark's Episcopal Church

St. Mark's Episcopal Church

Rector's Journal

St. Mark's Episcopal Church

The Rector's Journal

From the Rector: Making Space for God

Rector's Journal

As I write this column, showers from on high are soaking the dry earth of Kapahulu. It is a quiet day except for the gentle sound of the rainfall. I am grateful that the church has replaced every roof on the property in recent memory.

We have much to celebrate over the next few days and weeks. Tomorrow is the fortieth day of Easter, and according to the Acts of the Apostles, it is the Day of the Ascension. One of the great feasts of the church, we will celebrate with a Solemn Mass at 7:00 pm.

Last Saturday morning I met with a cross section of lay leaders who devote many volunteer hours to our worship ministries. Our task was to evaluate what went well with Lent, Holy Week, and Easter, as well as what we might improve for the future. We also looked at the upcoming feasts.