The Rt. Rev. Mark Lawrence–both a Trinity School for Ministry alumnus, and Board of Trustees member–led the faculty and residential student body in a day of meditation and quiet reflection, beginning with the Ash Wednesday service of Holy Communion and the imposition of ashes.
Principally focusing on John 12:32, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (ESV), Bp. Lawrence related how this verse addresses why suffering so often draws people in varying ways to the foot of the cross. He also shared his own personal experience of seeking the Truth as a young man.
Audio recordings may be listened to here (there are three).
Bishop Mark has also released a pastoral letter / Ash Wednesday reflection for Lent 2015. Thanks to the heads’ up (Tweet) from the Rev. James Gibson who posted it at Locusts & Wild Honey:
http://locusthoney.blogspot.com/2015/02/ash-wednesday-reflection-from-bishop.html
I also posted it with a few brief comments at Lent & Beyond:
https://anglicanprayer.wordpress.com/2015/02/19/a-lenten-focus-on-grace-filled-obedience-bishop-mark-lawrences-exhortation/
I’m so struck by Bishop Lawrence’s phrase “a grace-filled obedience.” It was extremely helpful for me in clarifying what I want my own Lenten observance this year to be about.