Pastor's Pen

SEASON OF LENT
Mar 5: First Sunday in Lent - Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
Mar 12: Second Sunday in Lent - Genesis 12:1-4a
Mar 19: Third Sunday in Lent - Exodus 17:1-7
Mar 26: Fourth Sunday in Lent - 1 Samuel 16:1-13
Apr 2: Fifth Sunday in Lent - John 11:1-45

"Walking with God is walking with Jesus, restoring life to the bodies of the abused, making the wounded whole, healing the sick, touching the untouchables, and empowering women to their rightful place. It is weeping with those who mourn, releasing the life-giving power of God's love, challenging and confronting the powerful on the doing of justice and mercy in their temples and their palaces, and giving notice that the reign of God has come." - Allan Boesak
These words from Lenten Reflections on the Confession of Belhar are striking to me. They get to the heart of what it means to walk with Jesus as he carries the cross. They remind us that faith in the Jesus who bears our burdens calls us to solidarity with those who bear burdens today. This Lent I invite you to connect with someone in the spirit of Christian solidarity. Each day throughout the 40 days of Lent choose one person, cause, or issue where someone or some community is living under some form of personal or political burden. Once you have identified who that is for you, commit to praying for them daily and doing something to act compassionately on their behalf. This could mean reaching out to someone who you know is going through a really hard time, praying for them, and taking them to lunch. It could mean praying for the homeless in our community and committing to serve a meal at Hope Ministries in downtown South Bend. It could mean paying attention to how our elected leaders are making decisions that affect Muslims, immigrants, or refugees, praying for both our leaders and these affected communities, and making a commitment to call or write Congress reminding them that the call of Christian faith is to act with mercy toward the resident alien (Leviticus 19:10). Whatever you decide to do I pray your Lenten journey is blessed as you seek to walk with God.


Grace and peace be with you.

 
Pastor Travis