Episcopal Relief & Development's 2025 LENTEN Meditation Journey . . . A COMMONPLACE Lent

It is solved by walking. —Saint Augustine

Here we are. Today, we can shout the alleluias and celebrate Love’s defeat over evil. And we got here the only way we could: walking together, one step, one day at a time.

For me, these words by Saint Augustine are a reminder that the only way to grow, the only way to experience the abundant life we are promised in Christ, the only way to the other side of whatever season we are in is to do the things in front of us, one step at a time. There are no shortcuts to becoming beloved community; there are no express trains to the dream of God. No amount of reading, planning or thinking it over will alone accomplish the urgent, bold and inclusive humanitarian action that reaches those made most vulnerable and builds a better tomorrow. It takes walking the walk that Christ has set before us, one our monastic siblings have modeled for us as individuals and faith communities.

Often, we forget that the only way to Easter, the only way resurrection happens, is through the pain of death. For something new to rise, something old must first end. We must make the choice to either stay behind with the ashes of what was or bravely step into that newness with open hands and hearts, loving our most annoying neighbor, sacrificing our comfort to ensure others feel seen and heard and living and worshiping simply so that those in need have enough. These are just some of the steps that lead to wholeness for all.

For REFLECTION:

Where are you looking for resurrection in your community life? What do you need to let die in order for something new to arise?

Click here to read the introduction to the 2025 Lenten Meditation "A Commonplace Lent."

The Lenten Meditations prepared by Episcopal Relief & Development invite readers to deepen their spiritual practice during the season of Lent, the time of preparation leading to Easter. Our 2025 meditations explore the idea of “A Commonplace Lent.” This concept reflects Episcopal Relief & Development’s tagline: “Working Together for Lasting Change.” We share in common the work of advancing lasting change in communities impacted by injustice, poverty, disaster and climate change.

We also share in common spiritual practices that strengthen our faith—prayer, worship, love, grace, service and so much more. The author explores another meaning of common in the  meditations: finding God in the common and ordinary as well as in the extraordinary mountain-top moments. Each day begins with wisdom from desert mothers and fathers, monastics and other spiritual leaders who offer insight into our common path of faithful discipleship and service. Each meditation concludes with a question for deeper reflection.

Episcopal Relief & Development is the compassionate response of The Episcopal Church to human suffering in the world. Hearing God’s call to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to respect the dignity of every human being, Episcopal Relief & Development serves to bring together the generosity of Episcopalians and others with the needs of the world.

This Lenten Meditation Journey is provided courtesy of Episcopal Relief & Development and was authored by Jerusalem Jackson Greer, co-executive director and agrarian minister for the Procter Center, an Episcopal farm, camp and retreat center in the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio. As former manager of evangelism and discipleship for The Episcopal Church under Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, she co-founded the Good News Garden movement and oversaw Way of Love and Evangelism initiatives for the wider church.