- Ezekiel 37: 12-14
- Psalms 130: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
- Romans 8: 8-11
- John 11: 1-45
- Of the people and their land
- Increasingly, our world is populated by refugees. Families, whole villages, tribes forced to move from their homeland by famine, political unrest, acts of God, persecution ...
- What are you attached to about the place that you inhabit today?
- If you were forced to leave there, what would you want to take with you?
- Would those things be keepsakes, people, tools, ...?
- What purpose would those things serve for you?
- Where might you find God in such a displacement?
- Healing kindness
- God proves His greatness in kindness and mercy, freely given, undeserved.
- How has God been kind to you?
- Did you expect that of Him?
- How did that kindness affect you?
- How have you passed that along?
- Spirit of belonging
- Hopefully all of us have a place where we feel that we belong, where the very best in us is not only free to be expressed, but encouraged.
- Where are a couple of those places for you?
- How did you find each "house of belonging"?
- Is that house a place that continues to be welcoming to new comers?
- What is your role in that welcoming presence?
- Lenten Journey
- This Sunday, the 5th Sunday of Lent, marks the third and final Scrutiny of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Each Scrutiny offers the members of the Elect an opportunity to truly understand themselves, their strengths and weaknesses, where God is leading them in their lives, and what God is offering them this moment. It is in this context that we enter into Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, and just as importantly, we see Jesus showing us His true nature and mission.
- What do you expect of Jesus in your life today?
- What makes you say that? Is it past history, your reading of Scripture, something someone told you ...?
- If Jesus had something else, maybe even better, in mind, would you accept it?
- Preparation for Reconciliation
- Where has God chosen me to be?
- Where is God calling me to share His kindness and mercy?
- Who needs a welcoming?
- Where is God broadening my expectations?
The Old Burial Cloth
Mommy, where did this cloth come from?
Come here, sit on my lap, and I'll tell you a story.
When did it happen?
Years ago, in Bethany, when my grandfather Lazarus died.
Is this going to be a sad story?
You can only tell if a story is going to be happy or sad by how it ends. Listen and decide for yourself.
Long ago, in the hills above Jerusalem, my grandfather lived with his two sisters, Mary and Martha.
They were happy together, living devout lives dedicated to God and their community.
They had a friend, an itinerant preacher named Jesus, from Nazareth.
Who told of God's mercy and kindness, and everlasting love for all of us.
They found great consolation in Jesus' words and His life.
Jesus and His disciples were guest at their house on many an occasion.
At those times, the house rang with laughter, sometimes tears
As they all shared their lives together, finding and sharing God in and with each other.
One day, Lazarus woke up feeling weak and giddy.
His sisters sent for Jesus to come and help however He could.
Jesus got there too late to heal Lazarus, and he died.
Ooooh, so it's a sad story. Why didn't you tell me?
It's not over yet, be patient. This cloth you're holding was wrapped around him.
Jesus comforted the family, prayed over Lazarus, and brought him back to us.
Ooooh, so it's a happy story. Why didn't you tell me?
It's not over yet, be patient. The eyes of many were opened that day, and they realized who Jesus was.
His followers multiplied, His popularity soared,
Until the religious leaders of the day decided that Jesus was a threat, and had him executed.
This is very confusing. Does it end well, or not?
Jesus, himself, came back to us, from beyond the grave.
And now it's your turn. We've shared the Life that Jesus offers with you.
What will you do with it? Will you have the courage to share it with others?
So, is this a happy ending?
That's up to you.
Shalom!
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