Throughout his ministry Jesus found refuge in the town of Bethany at the home of three siblings, Mary, Martha and Lazarus. This was the place where he could put his feet us and relax; a place of security and peace, a place where he could simply relax and have a good home-cooked meal. This was a place where he felt safe and secure.
We are in the last stretch of Lent and head toward Holy Week and Easter. Often times I see the “finish line” of Easter Sunday and forget to reflect on what I learned about God, my spirituality and myself during this Lenten Season. I have talked to a few others, and I guess I am not alone. This year I don’t want to miss the opportunity to miss the gifts I received during this Lenten Season, because the “prize” of Easter Joy overshadowed the blessings received during these 40 days.
Life-changing experiences are often few and far between. Sometimes they occur and we don’t even notice them until we stop long enough to let the events sink in and realize that God has brought us to a new point in life. Our understanding of God’s presence is enhanced. Patience as clay in the potter’s hands as we are molded and shaped more and more into the image of Jesus the Son is the life-changing experience awakened during this Lenten season.
Again, I wish to thank Tim Messenger, the Director of the Office for Youth and Young Adult Ministry of our Diocese for his reflection on ministry and encouraging us all to participate in our Annual Partners in Charity Appeal. As we gather this Fourth Week of Lent, we will conduct our in-pew solicitation; pooling our gifts with those of the other parishes throughout the Diocese to continue the wonderful works of ministry, charity and education in Worcester County.
As we continue our Lenten journey, allowing God as potter to shape us and mold us more and more into the image of Jesus the son; and as we rise to the occasion joining in the Annual Partners in Charity Appeal, our Pastoral Planning Team seeks to continue to grow our vibrant faith community.