Mark Lawrence, the bishop-elect of SC reflects on Christian joy
from Lent and Beyond

Please read this! This is an excerpt from the Rev. Mark Lawrence’s (bishop-elect of SC) opening statement at the walkabouts on Sept 9, the week before the bishop election. I was deeply challenged by his words and think they provide a very helpful for us as we soldier on in intercession and face all the struggles and challenges we are beset with in the Anglican Communion. I pray today that the Lord will renew and deepen our joy in Him and that His joy will be the strength in which we face these battles!

[At] my ordination to the priesthood 25 years ago. I was full of idealism; having, so I thought, a deep commitment to prayer, study, servanthood, sacrifice, and ministry in the Holy Spirit. I didn’t get to pick the preacher as many do today. I didn’t think at the time it was all that good of a sermon. I still don’t. But the preacher said something that stuck with me because it seemed to me at the time so trite. He said, “Don’t be a grumpy priest. Don’t forget to smile.” Now at 56, and two and a half decades after my ordination, it doesn’t seem so trite a charge. So facetious a warning. It is a constant with me—I have to watch out for grumpiness. It would be the gravest mistake if we who profess and call ourselves Christians allow our difficulties, struggles, and spiritual battles to cause us to lose our joy. G. K. Chesterton called joy, “the gigantic secret of the Christian.” Well why not. The Gospel begins with joy and ends with joy.

the rest at Lent and Beyond