Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This morning, as I left the house, it was below freezing (after 60 degrees yesterday). The morning news informed me there would probably be some snow this afternoon. Then, a minutes ago, I got a text from a friend in the far north saying, “THE BEARS ARE AWAKE! THE BEARS ARE AWAKE! There was one on my porch last night.”
I was beginning to imagine that spring would NEVER come, because as soon as it started to creep in, the cold and snow would return. But there is evidence that I am wrong. And I am so happy to be. When I arrive at church in the early mornings, the robins are yelling loudly. (They are quiet during the winter. Sparrows make comments at me year round, so their racket doesn’t count.) My orchids at home are flowering (although the Christmas cactus is blooming again—what’s with that? More winter?). And I saw a willow whose branches were starting to turn orange—my sure and absolute omen each year that spring is on its way.
This Sunday, we will hear another long Gospel story, about Jesus’ raising his dead friend Lazarus. Every time I hear it, I find some new richness. This year, I think it’s all about hope. The disciples hope Jesus’ words about Lazarus sleeping means he’ll be all right. The sisters hope Jesus will come in time to heal him. Then, they hope he will be raised on the last day. They don’t even seem to dare hope that Jesus can do anything, because their brother has died. And Jesus has to remind them that if they believe, they will see the glory of God. Then, and then…..the ultimate miracle! New life comes to their beloved brother!
My yearly mixture of doubt and hope is, of course, a tiny thing compared to the wonder of wonders that is Lazarus’ raising. But it reminds me once again that even when things are hard, turning to God brings hope. Doubt is a normal human emotion, especially when faced with questions of mortality. But Jesus, the source of life, can change everything. The God who brings nature to life again in the spring, can also bring US to life again, in God’s good time. How can we not hope?
Praying daily with you, for our nation, our new diocese, our parishes, and the world,
Mo. Laura
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COMING UP!
- March 22: Gift card orders due//Wellness speaker
- March 29: Palm Sunday//Holy Week
- April 2: Maundy Thursday
- April 3: Good Friday
- April 4: Holy Saturday
- April 5: Easter
- April 12: Groceries Plus/Animal Food Bank Collection
- Mondays, Lenten Book Study via zoom at 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesdays, noonday prayer via zoom at 12:00
- Wednesday evenings, yoga class at 6:00 (discount for St. M members)
- Saturdays, Iglesia Luz de Esperanza, 9:00-3:00