My Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

As we move deeper into the Season of Lent, I feel like the darkness of Good Friday threatens to swallow all, and that we are witnessing the death of empathy and compassion in our society. 

If we are to be good stewards, we must - of course - be concerned about efficiency. This is true in government and in the church. But to say that empathy and by extension compassion are the fundamental weaknesses of western civilization, while pursuing change with a ruthlessness that seems to be born of indifference or callousness, is a direct challenge to the very core of our identify as Christians and a threat to the life-giving ministries of the Church. 

We have ample cause to repent of our sins as well as for the sins ostensibly done on our behalf. Woe to us if we're left to a house of our own making.

Our hope is in Christ. Let us repent and love one another as Christ loves us.

In Christ's Love,

Mark Andrew+

"Anxiety weights down the human heart, but a good word cheers it up" (Proverbs 12:25).