"This season of Lent has us linger in the doorway between death and life, to imagine, again and
again, what it is like to have the Spirit breathing life into us, to rise."
The story of the raising of Lazarus from the dead has always been one of my very favorites. I remember being mesmerized by this scene while watching JESUS OF NAZARETH when I was in elementary school. Though I probably couldn't have articulated the reasons why it filled me with awe, I'm guessing that it had something to do with seeing the full range of WHO Jesus is, both fully human and fully divine in this one story! He loved his friends, and he cried as he witnessed their pain, and he contemplated his own death with perhaps some fear and sadness... we all can relate to these emotions. And then, he showed who he is in all of his divine glory by conquering death and raising Lazarus!!! "Lazarus, COME OUT!!!" WOWEEE! And with a twist, Jesus invited those with him to participate in this divine action by telling the people present to unbind Lazarus and set him free. And that just made me think about how Jesus is continually asking us to participate in his divine work of Building the Kingdom and helping others to live a life of freedom from all that holds them bound from knowing God's grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness. Even with my human limitations, I am called to participate in this divine work.
Of course that made me think of a song! Have a listen and then I'll tell you why I chose this tune to go with this story:
Lauren sings, "I will send out an army to find you..." and that made me think about the war in Ukraine and how very different God's saving army is from our human armies that often destroy life. When I think of God's army I envision an army of angels and though angels are a different class of beings from human beings, and we don't become angels when we die, I believe that God sends us angels all of the time in the disguise of the people around us. After all, what is an angel but a special messenger from God. So this last full week of Lent I encourage us to think about what message we are putting out into the world through our words and actions. Do our words rescue people from doubt, despair, hatred and fear, OR do our words keep people bound, wrapped in fear and sealed in a tomb? I'm inviting us to be extra careful with our words on social media, to stop ridiculing people who think differently from us, and to lead with love in all we say and do. We share in the humanity of Jesus, wouldn't this be a beautiful way to participate in his divinity as well?
TWO OPPORTUNITIES
Faith Beautifully Crafted
PRAYER BOWLS
We hope that you will join us on April 11, from 1:00-3:00 as Anne Boyd encourages us to tap into our creativity and spirituality as we use Scripture to create beautiful prayer bowls/plates. Anne will provide a list of Scripture verses, or you can highlight your favorite and creatively decorate it as the Spirit moves you. For all of the details and to register, please click the link:
https://www.blessed-midland.org/2022/03/21/faith-beautifully-crafted/
PERFECTLY IMPERFECT:
Finding Beauty and Wholeness in Our Stories
April 23 from 8:30-1:00
Ladies, we hope that you will set aside this time to join us at the Parish Center for this retreat style morning that is all about finding balance and wholeness in our lives. We are blessed to have three awesome women, Kate Gallihugh, Ashley Ghose, and Kristin Allen, to share their stories with us and encourage us in our own unique life journeys. During our time together, we will hear stories, reflect on our own lives, journal, and engage in small group discussions. The cost is $20. Breakfast, lunch, a journal and devotional are all included with the registration fee.
For more info and to register visit the website:
https://www.blessed-midland.org/2022/03/07/perfectly-imperfect-finding-beauty-and-wholeness-in-our-stories/
A PRAYER
"Good and gracious God, creator of light and darkness, You who move the sun and the stars, move us into the place of light, a light so large it will absorb all the darkness. Help us to be awake and aware, so that we might experience true freedom, and life to the fullest, right here, in your Kingdom on earth. Untie the bonds that confine us, and call us always into the light. Amen."
St. Mary's Student Parish Prayer for March 29, 2020
If you have struggled with your Lenten practices, no worries, we still have some time to do a little extra prayer, fasting, and almsgiving this week. Don't forget to bring your RED BRIDGE BAGS to Mass this weekend. Sorry for all of the words this week. Obviously, I was doing A LOT of thinking which turned into A LOT of words.
With hope and joy and unbinding love,
lyn