April 6, 2022 Weekly Update
Last week I was away on vacation with my family in Tucson, AZ enjoying some warm weather, sunshine, and quality time. On our last night in Tucson, while we were eating dinner at an Indian restaurant, I watched as another family entered the restaurant and sat down near us. My eyes were drawn to the father holding what looked like a small rug or cloth with tassels. I kept asking myself – “What is he doing? What is that?” Was it a tablecloth? A seat cover? A blanket for his son? In my curiosity, I watched him from time to time as he and his family ordered dinner and spoke with one another.
And then he left the restaurant! Without his family! And he carried his blanket with him. I was so curious what he was up to! And now I was sure I would never find out. But a little while later, after my family finished our dinner and walked out the door, I spotted him again. He was kneeling outside on his rug on the sidewalk next to the parking lot facing east. He was praying as the sun set. He was a Muslim. And the next morning was the beginning of the Muslim season of Ramadan, similar to the Christian season of Lent. He was, no doubt, trying to be an observant Muslim as he prayed to God.
My first thought was, “Wow.” My second was, “Would I do that?” Would I interrupt dinner with my family to pray on the sidewalk next to a parking lot at prescribed time of day? Or even five times a day – as many Muslims do? I would probably not.
As we prepare to celebrate Palm Sunday this weekend, and enter the holiest week of our Christian faith, this man’s faithful example stirred me to be intentional about my prayers, my faith, and my observance of Holy Week. May my sharing of my experience of him stir you, too, to be mindful and intentional about your faith during the week we remember Jesus last supper, his betrayal, arrest, execution, death, and resurrection. Cultivate space in the days ahead to connect with God. Join our faith community in worship as we express our gratitude for God’s grace, sacrifice, and love.
Wishing you a holy lent,
Pastor Jared