Weekly Readings Reflections: 4th Sunday of Lent

Our readings for the 4th Sunday of Lent (using the Cycle A readings) are:

Preconceived notions save a lot of time. Doubtless our ancestors benefitted from them. If you see a saber toothed tiger walking up behind you, it's a safe bet that your on the breakfast menu. But sometimes preconceived notions get in the way of genuine growth.
How do folks get selected for ministry in your church?
If someone is shy, or uncertain of themselves, what are the odds that they will ever get invited to serve?
How do you think active discernment, like what we read about in Acts 6 might work in your communities?

During COVID 19, some folks have gotten news overload, and find themselves so depressed by all of the bad news, that they just stopped watching/reading.
As children of God, what do we need to be aware of in the world around us?
How do we know what it is that God wants us to "stay on top of"?
What sort of help can we expect from God in our efforts to bring about the Kingdom?

Every day thousands of children are born into this world with birth defects of one sort or another. It's heart-wrenching to see and can call into question our notion of a merciful God who loves all of us.
Have you ever had something befall you in your life or those close to you that made you wonder about why God would let that happen?
Did you ask God yourself?
How did He respond?
Do you think that he would like to hear your take on that event today?
What is stopping you?

Nothing to Lose

The old man shuffled back out into the sunlight with a weathered wooden bowl held proudly aloft.

"I found it" he said. "I knew it was back there somewhere! No one would believe me."

I felt the weathered curves on the bowl, imagined the beggars who have used it through the years,

Finding comfort in its familiar contours and tangible weight. A consistency in their lives.

"How much do you want for it?" I asked, little caring about the bargaining soon to ensue.

I only played the game to honor the old man, and let him know I was no tourist.

"It's yours." He said. "I can tell a mystic when I see one. You made a connection just now.

You would honor me and my family if you accept this as a gift and honor it in your home."

Knowing that to refuse would be an insult, I thought of a way to save face for both of us.

"A thousand thanks my friend. I am famished, and I was wondering if you would share my lunch?"

Passers by stared at us as an unlikely pair. I asked him "how did you come by this relic?"

"No one knows anymore. It's been in the family for generations. We passed it, and the story along."

"Why would the man born blind leave behind his beggar's bowl like that in the first place?"

The old man looked off into the distance and said "perhaps he used it to leave a lot of things behind.

Being a beggar is a hard life. No one wants to be seen with you, plenty want to be seen giving to you.

People make up stories in their own minds, and share them with others, to make sense of it all.

But the fact of the matter is, who is born whole and who is not does not make sense,

And it does not have to. Our God never guaranteed us that this life would make sense."

"Have you ever eaten from this bowl?" I asked on impulse.

"Yes, I have. To remind myself to be humble, to appreciate what I have, take nothing for granted."

"Then I shall do the same." I said, thinking that this would help me stay in better touch,

Touch with the world as it really is, touch with those that no one ever sees."

"Thank you for the gift. And the reminder that I, too, am a man with many blessings.

Who needs to share them with others.

Shalom!

Weekly Readings Reflections