March 21, 2023
Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.
“One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years…Jesus said to him, ‘Rise, take up your mat, and walk.’ Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked.” (John 5:1-16)
The Gospel readings during Lent offer us a number of healing stories. Last Sunday we heard the story of the blind man whose sight was restored. Today, a man who had been ill for thirty-eight years is healed with a few simple words from Jesus.
These stories remind us of our own afflictions, the baggage with which we are burdened. For some of us, it is baggage we have carried around for years. There may be shame that comes along with that baggage – “I am not worthy of forgiveness. My sins are too great.”
Our sins are not special. God has seen and heard it all.
Lent is a time to drop our baggage at the feet of Jesus. It is a time to confess our sins and be relieved of our burden. It is a time to “Rise, leave your burden, and walk.”
From the Deacon's Desk 