As Holy Week approaches, our rector reflects on the tender, powerful moment when Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with costly perfume — a gesture of love, sorrow, and deep knowing. In a world full of suffering and injustice, we are invited to follow Mary’s example: to recognize the presence of Christ in the needs around us, to respond with compassion, and to offer what we can in love.

In this week’s newsletter, Mother Liz reflects on the life and witness of Saint Oscar Romero, the martyred Archbishop of El Salvador, whose courage grew as he spoke out against injustice and stood in solidarity with the poor. Romero’s prophetic call to challenge systems of oppression resonates deeply today, as vulnerable immigrants face threats both at our borders and abroad. Inspired by his example, we are called to cultivate compassion, listen to the suffering around us, and respond with courage and love — even in these unsettling times. May love make us brave.

This week, our rector marks the spring equinox with a reflection on balance, renewal, and our deep connection to the natural world. As light and dark meet in equal measure, we are invited to notice the beauty around us, trust in the Holy Gardener at work within us, and step boldly into new life. Included is a poetic blessing by Christine Valters Paintner to guide us into the season. Also: Join us this Sunday as we prepare bag lunches for our unhoused neighbors — an opportunity to share spring’s generosity in action!

In this week’s newsletter, Mother Liz reflects on Jesus’ deep grief and longing as he laments over Jerusalem, using the image of a mother hen gathering her chicks — a scene depicted in a mosaic at the Dominus Flevit Church on the Mount of Olives. In the face of a broken world, we are reminded that God not only weeps for us but with us. Lent can be a season of lament, but also one of comfort and renewal, as we take shelter under God’s loving, mothering wings and find strength for the work ahead. On Sunday we are delighted to welcome the Rev. Megan Sanders as our guest preacher and forum leader! Mother Megan is chaplain to Canterbury Downtown and staff in charge of the Episcopal Diocese of New York’s Young Adult Network.