Lent (Page 2)

Following our faith will inevitably demand that we take a position which may cost us. What are we willing to sacrifice for it?

In order to heal from what ails us, we must face things - just as the Isrealites did in the desert when bitten by snakes.

In today's readings, we are invited - and especially men - to get more active in countering violence against women.

When the religious leaders bring a woman before Jesus for judgement, he refuses to play their games and offers everyone a new way of relating.

The prophets - who often come from the margins of society - often make us uncomfortable with their clarity and calling.

Hatred and violence are realities that we must contend with in this world and in ourselves. Jesus offers us a new way to address them.

Jesus said that God sent Moses, the prophets, John the Baptist and him to guide the people. And, yet, the people still asked for guidance.

We are encouraged by our scriptures to remember how deeply we are loved and how God longs for us all to be one.

In both Ezekiel 47 and John 5, water plays a central role. Our faith joourney must find a way to reconnect us to the water of life around us.

God is ever-working in our world to bring about the new heaven and earth. To what degree do we trust and recognize it?

Jesus' message of welcome was specifically directed at those who did not feel welcomed. God would even run to meet them.

God tells us clearly in the Hebrew and Christian scriptures that humility and heart-level change are what God wants from us.