TASTE & SEE: The Rector's Musings

Just in case, in my wildest dream, you have been closely following this blog and wonder where Part 3 of the (Re)gathering series on "the HOWs" is, I shared my ponderings during the Rector's Address at the Annual Vestry Meeting last Sunday, and you can find them by clicking THIS LINK or checking the Sermon page of the website.

Inspired by the Gospel text on the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ this Sunday, I was scouting out a nice trail in my new parish to seek a mountaintop experience this past week, only to discover that it is called the Fraser Valley for a reason.  The closest mountain top experience I found was outside the parish boundary across the river in Maple Ridge.  

Truth be told, I love hiking up to find a view from a higher elevation. And I sometimes wonder if that reflects a common human need for transcendence.  Climbing a mountain is a spiritual exercise as much as a physical one to me.  The journey to the mountain top and back parallels the three stages of RELEASING, RECEVING, and RETURNING (the 3 R's) of walking a meditation labyrinth.  The physicality of climbing up releases not just energies but my inflated expectations, hidden anxiety and anger.  The view from the top never fails to offer new perspectives and a sense of awe and wonder.  The returning journey invites me to ponder "what's now" with the new revelations and insights.  

As we approach the beginning of Lent in just a few days, I invite you to engage the liturgies (worship services) of St. Dunstan's, the offerings for the Centre for Spiritual Renewal, as well as the Lenten practices of self-examination, penitence, prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and reading and meditating on the word of God to deepen your awareness of God's love and presence in your life.  

Watch for more information on the theme and formation opportunities for Lent next week!  

As a reminder, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section or by email.