And so, another season draws to a close.
We prepared with Frodo and Sam in the Shire. We set forth from Rivendell on Ash Wednesday with the Fellowship. Throughout Lent we plunged through the depths of Moria and ran the fields of Rohan, fought for good things at Helm’s Deep and Minas Tirith, struggle through the sorrows the Dead Marshes and Mordor itself. On Good Friday we scaled Mt. Doom and saw the end of all things. And then Easter came and continues, and our tears of sorrow are now mixed with tears of joy.
Every year we have this opportunity to return: both to Middle-earth and to Lent. Every year we have a chance to reflect and muse, wonder and wander, to save the Shire. Every year we have another choice to embrace the good, true, and beautiful: to stand against the sin and hatred that would divide us.
It was a pleasure doing so this year with you. Until the next time, may the blessings of all the Free Peoples be with you, and may your Easter joy overfill your soul.