From the Pastor

My apologies for not writing last week. I hurt my thumb and thus typing has been painful. But I am back now. My thumb is actually numb so I may be hitting the space bar more often.

We are in our final week of the Lenten Pilgrimage. We named it a "pilgrimage" because it is a journey. Here is my question, "What has this journey been like for you?" Two thoughts to direct your answer. How has God revealed himself? And secondly, "What has been revealed about yourself?"

If your journey has been like mine, I have realized many shortcomings in myself and thus I need more grace from God. Although I have not accomplished all that I set out to do, I have been reminded that Lent is not what I have given up or my plan for spiritual growth –it is not about me. Essentially, it is about following Jesus. Lent is about putting myself in a position to receive more of him. I am grateful, that I have become more aware of this need.

LENT HISTORY
Lent is often associated with Baptism as seen in many Catholic parishes. Why is this? Baptism is the symbolic rite where one is baptized in death (dunking under the water) then baptized in life (the rising out of the water). Essentially, this is the journey of following Jesus.

As you reflect upon your journey ask two questions: What have I put to death? Secondly, What is God giving new life to?

PSALMS EXPERIENCE
Psalm 22 is quoted by Jesus as one of his last words. "My God, my God! Why have you forsaken me?" For the first time in eternity, the Father and Son relationship is separated. What a moment. The Scriptures say that Jesus who knew no sin, became sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). Relationship between God and Jesus had ceased.

But every God fearing Jew knew that the Psalm Jesus is quoting may begin in despair, but it ends in hope. It says, "For the LORD is king! He rules all the nations," and that "future generations will know him."

When Jesus uttered this Psalm, he not only was communicating his despair, but that his despair would end in hope –hope for all of us. What a moment.

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Did you know that Psalm 110 is the most quoted Psalm in the New Testament? As you read this today, discover why the authors in the New Testament used this Psalm.