Matthew 21:33-43
Lent has always been, for me, a time of repentance, reflection, and renewal. As I meditate on Matthew’s Gospel, I see it as an invitation to recognize and steward the gifts God has given us. How are we using these gifts in Lent 2025? Reminding myself of our accountability for these blessings helps me remain faithful to my calling. This passage also reminds us that we are not owners but stewards of God’s bounty.
Throughout my journey, I have sought to live by this understanding. I have not always done so perfectly, but each day, I pray and strive to honor this high calling. As Paul writes to the Corinthians:
"For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake." – 2 Corinthians 4:5
Henri Nouwen captures this beautifully in his book In the Name of Jesus. “Jesus’ first temptation was to be relevant: to turn stones into bread. Oh, how often have I wished I could do that! Walking through the “young towns” on the outskirts of Lima, Peru, where children die from malnutrition and contaminated water. I would not have been able to reject the magical gift of making the dusty stone – covered streets into places where people could pick any of the thousands of rocks and discover that they were croissants, coffee cakes, or fresh baked buns, and where they could fill they cupped hands with stale water from the cisterns and joyfully realized that they were drinking delicious milk. Aren’t we priests and ministers called to help people, to feed the hungry, and to save those who are starving? Are we not called to do something that make people realize that we do make a difference in their lives.”
On March 1, 2025, Trinity Cathedral’s leadership gathered under the theme “Rooted in Faith, Growing in Service.” It was a sacred time to step away from the routine, engage in visioning and spiritual renewal, and discern the future of our ministry. We celebrated our past, prayed for wisdom, and committed to the next season of God’s work in our community.
Leadership demands careful planning and deep faith. As the African proverb says:
"If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together."
After nearly nineteen years at Trinity Cathedral, I reflect on the many lives and experiences that have shaped our journey. Through seasons of sorrow and joy, God has guided us, and I believe we have been faithful stewards of the trust placed in us.
One of the most challenging times was the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021–2022. We faced difficult questions about worship, community, and care. Yet, by God’s grace, we stood together, prayed fervently, and worked tirelessly.
I recall the opportunity provided by the Mayor of Trenton to help our congregation members receive vaccinations. Andrea and I spent a Sunday afternoon calling members to gauge interest, and the response was overwhelming. Likewise, I remember the steadfast leadership of Diocesan office, and many others who ensured we could keep our staff paid and our doors open. Thanks to the dedication of our Wardens, Vestry, and Lay Leaders, we not only survived—we remained faithful, even fulfilling our full financial commitment to the Diocese.
Last year, 2024, was another difficult season, as we mourned the loss of beloved members of our parish. Yet, as Andraé Crouch so powerfully reminds us:
"Through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus, I’ve learned to trust in God."
As we walk through Lent 2025, my hope is that we continue to trust in God. One of the great challenges of post-COVID has been rebuilding our Youth Ministry. Many of our young people experienced immense anxiety during that time. Yet, by God’s grace, we now witness renewal—on Easter Day, our Bishop will confirm eight young persons in their faith.
I give thanks for their teachers, their parents, and our parish community who have nurtured them. Most of all, I thank God for these young people who will boldly stand and affirm their faith.
To God be the glory.
Meditation by the Very Reverend René John
Dean, Trinity Cathedral Trenton
Diocese of New Jersey