Frederick Buechner is one of my newest heroes. He is an author and an ordained Presbyterian minister. Being an avid reader, I see Christ in his artistic words, in how he gets life. I have choked back sobs at some of his beautiful writing, as it has rocked my soul.

One of his simple, yet elegant truths comes from The Hungering Dark. He comments on our Christian vocation, the gift that is a call, to “be Christs in whatever way we are able to be.”

Another of my heroes is Martin Marty, who recently entered the Church Triumphant. I had the privilege of hearing him speak once. He was a Lutheran pastor, theologian and author. He invites us into a daily practice that accompanies Martin Luther’s washing every day and remembering our baptism. When we look into that same mirror, do we see Christ living in us? When we consider everyone in our daily journey, do we see THEM as Christ?

When political opinions scream at us in social media, sound bites, and signs on fences, it is difficult to take our pot of blood off of the boiling burner. I really try, though seldom succeed, to see every person as one for whom Christ was crucified. It takes that sort of extreme perception sometimes. We live in extraordinary, excruciating times. The only antidote is the love of Christ. He knew no boundaries, no walls, no exclusions of anybody. 

I hope that, deep in this Lenten season, these thoughts will guide you.  

Pastor Art