Recently, my best friend, The Very Rev. Canon Jason E. Leo, in between shifts in his post-retirement chaplaincy ministry at Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati, took time out of his busy schedule to remind me of something fundamental about the ministry. He said, “tend to the fundamentals.”  Jason, holding me accountable, was preparing me for the observation of Lent. During Lent, we order time a bit differently. Lent is a period of prayerful self-examination and reflection. Knowing that my practice has been to re-visit spiritual classics from the early Christian period, my friend mailed me a beautiful 1909 edition of a classic: Of the Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis. It is a heartfelt gift and as your rector, I’d like to briefly offer why I need this gift. 

Of the Imitation of Christ stands as a timeless spiritual masterpiece transcending its 15th-century origins to offer profound insights into the human condition and the pursuit of a more meaningful life. Kempis, a devout monk, crafted this influential work with a poetic elegance that continues to resonate with readers across centuries. In the pages of this contemplative treasure, he guides us through the delicate art of imitating Christ's teachings, urging us to cultivate inner virtues and emulate the divine example. With a pen dipped in wisdom, he imparts enduring truths that echo through the corridors of time, inspiring introspection and spiritual growth. Kempis encourages deep introspection, inviting readers to reflect on their actions and motivations. One reminder strikes me: "Learn to humble thyself in all things, and thou shalt see the Son of God advancing before thee." This poignant reminder encapsulates the essence of the spiritual journey, emphasizing the transformative power of humility.  In the pursuit of a life aligned with Christ's teachings, Kempis advocates for a sincere and contemplative approach to prayer.  

I consistently wonder whether saying “I am trying to be humble” is virtue signaling and detrimental to the project of humility. Perhaps that is why I can say that I am a “work in progress.”  Yet, in the words of Kempis, “It behooves each Christian soul to meditate carefully on the teachings of Christ. This includes all religious, all priests, all bishops, all servants, all nobles, all commoners, all the educated, and all the simple. And Christ teaches us humility, not pride. He teaches us useful things, not vanities. He teaches what is true, not what is false; what is heavenly, not what is earthly. A reality of my life is that I consistently fall short of God’s intention for me. For instance, I erect barriers or tables between what I do and what I hand over to God. That my friends, is pride. Pride is erecting barriers and a deep divide that seeks not to allow God dominion over my life. Rather than submitting myself entirely to the hands of God and listening to God’s direction, a false sense of pride keeps whispering in my ears telling me that I can do it all. The reality is, I can’t. I need to let go and allow God to work, and when I find myself erecting barriers, I need to pause, breathe, and ask myself the question - “what do I need to turn over to God and let God be God?” 

Blessed Lent, my friends! 

Your pastor, 

Manoj+ 

The Rev. Dr. Manoj Mathew Zacaria, Rector