The week of February 26 was the first full week of Lent, a time when we do a lot of self-reflection and remember Jesus’ physical and emotional pain. I thought about the people of Ukraine, the survivors of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, and those unimaginable things happening around our world today. Perhaps it’s the modern version of what happened in Jesus’ time. While praying for all those involved in these horrific events happening worldwide, I thought about a choir piece I sang many years ago entitled “Till All the World Believes.” The title speaks volumes, even before you read the lyrics:

You have given me new life; what can I give you?
You give vision to my eyes to see what I’m to do;
so many dying souls that need you;
give me compassion to care…
Only in your strength can I reach out to those in need,

help me to reflect your light;
so you’re the One they see.
I am but one, but one that’s faithful;
use me the way that you will…
Lord, I’ll go where you want me to go,
be what you want me to be.
I’ll be giving my all for the sake of your call
till all the world believes.

I was stunned by the relevance to the season of Lent and the condition of our world today. Nevertheless, I choose to believe that we are on a journey of bringing the world to Christ and that someday all the world will believe.

About the author: Previously the priest at St. Francis of Assisi in Lake Placid for 21 years, Rev. Elizabeth L. Nelson is now the Priest at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in LaBelle.