During Holy Week, the second week in April, darkness will fall at St. Benedict's Abbey, the abbey where I am an Oblate.  On Good Friday all lights will be extinguished, and the monks will raise their cowls over their heads, a sign that they have entered the Great Silence.  No voice will be heard, no bell will ring, no light of any kind will pierce the darkness until Easter morning.    

About two-thousand years ago, darkness fell over the entire world. For the Light of the World, had been snuffed out. The Light would return, but for a time darkness reigned.    It won't be long before we celebrate the return of the Light. I must confess, I'm as anxious as some of you, to get to reach that day of celebration.  But we aren't there yet. To truly appreciate the Light, we must first walk with the Light through the darkness.    Be ready, the return of the Light will be soon. But please, don't forget to first walk with through the darkness.  

 A Blessed Holy Week,    Pastor Frank