Are we there yet?
Posted March 8, 2021
Dear Parents and Families,
Are we there yet? How many times have you been on a long trip and asked (or been asked) the age-old question: “Are we there yet?” While only halfway through Lent, we are in fact halfway through Lent. Three out of six weeks. Almost there, but not quite.
The Gospel from yesterday is a challenge to hear and read. Jesus has a full-on temper tantrum! It is a unique and startling image of Christ we do not see often: juxtaposed against the loving, peaceful Jesus of Nazareth, we learn that Jesus the Christ has stormed into the Temple and lost His cool. “Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” That is powerful language. John writes in his Gospel that Jesus fashions a whip and quite literally flips over the tables. He was not pleased.
Greed is pervasive in our society. Greed for the COVID vaccine. Greed for toilet paper. Greed for power, wealth, and beauty. When He cleansed the Temple, Jesus doused not only the flames of literal greed, He put the kibosh on spiritual greed. Using a holy place as a means of abusing people was and is as sacrilegious as it gets for Jesus, the Son of God.
As we continue into our Lenten journey, it is important to recognize that, no, we are not there yet. We will eventually approach the end of Lent and celebrate the victory of life over death. However, our journey away from physical and spiritual greed is never finished. Our Baptismal Covenant calls us to “Persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever [we] fall into sin, repent and turn to the Lord” (BCP, p. 304).
- How do you think Jesus would respond to the people who continue to hoard supplies while others have none?
- Did it scare you to read about Jesus acting out of anger?
- Do you agree with what He did? Why or why not?
I am available for families and children who may struggle with this particular gospel. Let me know how I can help you.
Continued prayers,
Anne Alexis
Anne Alexis Harra (she/her) was born and raised in Wilmington, DE. She and her beloved partner, Cole (he/him) currently live in Manayunk. Anne Alexis graduated from Washington College in May 2019 with a B.A. in English and a minor in Philosophy. Anne Alexis has served on the Diocesan Council in the Episcopal Church in Delaware, as well as the Racial Justice & Reconciliation Commission, and the Diocesan Assessment Committee. Since moving to Philadelphia in January 2021, she has served on the DioPA Youth Leaders Team and the DioPA Dismantling Racism for Youth Leaders Team. She is passionate about children's spirituality and using education as a force for good in their spiritual lives. Beginning with the waters of baptism, Anne Alexis has devoted her life to serving God in the Episcopal Church. Raised on Godly Play in Sunday school and moving into a tight-knit youth group, she is aware of the positive impact that the Church’s presence can have in the life of a young person. She is passionate about encouraging children and youth to explore their faith on a personal level while also committing to a community-centered effort to enact change for the greater good. Anne Alexis is passionate about racial justice and healing, as well as advocating for the rights of children in the context of the Christian faith. She hopes for a church where all of God's beloved are welcomed, heard, and included. She seeks and envisions a church where every member feels the true love of God in Christ. Anne Alexis is deeply aware of the profound impact of Jesus' unyielding love for all, including the most tender and vulnerable in our society: children. Hopeful for a day when all marginalized peoples are treated with equity, she continues "to seek and serve Christ in all persons." The Baptismal Covenant and Sacrament of Eucharist guide her ministry. Anne Alexis’ father owns and is president of a local funeral home in Wilmington. Some of her earliest childhood memories include observing him engage with bereaved families in a way that can only be described as ministerial. Her mother is a hospice nurse who guides her patients and families through a dignified palliative care stage. Anne Alexis’ parents have left a huge impression on her heart. A ministerial goal she has at St. Martin’s is exploring the often taboo topics of dying and death in the hopeful context of the gospels. In her free time, she enjoys weightlifting, reading, spending time with her family (notably her godson, Will), and watching new shows with her beloved cats by her side. She and Cole enjoy trying eclectic restaurants in their neighborhood -- observing COVID restrictions, of course!Anne Alexis Harra
Minister for Children, Youth, & Families
215 247 8716 [email protected]
Tags: Children & Families / Lent + Holy Week at St. Martin's
