Monday, March 31, 2014

Lenten Reflections

Diocese of Newark

Thank you for joining us in prayer and reflection during this season of Lent. We will travel through daily scripture, reflection and prayer. Additional people have been joining us each day. Please feel free to forward these reflections to others. We invite you to explore the other resources for the season found at the bottom of the page as we continue the journey together.

Scripture

Jesus Honors a Syrophoenician Woman's Faith

Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an impure spirit came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. "First let the children eat all they want," he told her, "for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs." "Lord," she replied, "even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." Then he told her, "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter." She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

Jesus Heals a Deaf and Mute Man

Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him. After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man's ears. Then he spit and touched the man's tongue. He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, "Ephphatha!" (which means "Be opened!"). At this, the man's ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly. Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. People were overwhelmed with amazement. "He has done everything well," they said. "He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."

Mark 7:24-37 (NIV)

Reflection

When I first read this story I was appalled by Jesus' bigotry. He insulted and discriminated against this woman who only wanted to help her daughter. However, as a parent I can see the reality of his words though they hurt. He was only informing her of His true purpose, salvation for the Jews first; "for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs." But I love her persistence; "Lord," she replied, "even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." As parents we desire to take on our children's hurts and disappointments, so we don't take "no" for an answer. She came to get healing for her daughter and got it, despite the insults; "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter." She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone." This story just reminded me that I can't let my pride cause me to leave my blessings or healings on the table, just stay focused on what you want. So, how many times have you walked away from your blessings and healings because of your pride?

This next story amazed and astonished all these people involved. It's so wonderful to have friends who will bear your burden with you. They brought their friend who could neither hear or speak to Jesus, who healed him. His friends' faith, healed him. I'm not sure how Jesus expected them not to tell anyone of this wonderful miracle. We all want to spread good news.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,

At this time of Lent we are reminded that you came to give us victory over our personal demons, our pride and our lack of faith. Your death on the cross reminds us that we are light and salt of this world because of your shed blood. We're Victorious in Jesus Christ. Amen.

You are invited to click these links and explore more resources:

Lent 2014-Formation Ideas, Activities, and Resources - from Sharon Pearson

Praying Lent - Resources for Lent- from Creighton University (A Jesuit Catholic University)

Holy Week and Good Friday Resources - from The Episcopal Church

The Meaning of Lent - from Vibrant Faith @ Home

Prayers and Liturgies for Lent - from Faith and Worship

Lenten Meditations and Bulletin Inserts (English & Spanish) from Episcopal Relief & Development

Lenten Giving Calendar - from Jenifer Gamber

Love Life - from the Brothers of Saint John the Evangelist (SSJE)

Lent Madness

Resources for Lent 2014 - from Bread for the World

Lent 2014-Hunger:A Matter of the Heart - from the Upper Susquehanna Synod/Evangelical Lutheran Church