Sixth Sunday

of Lent

“We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something.” 



― Mother Teresa

Scripture

Matthew 28: 1-10

When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,

“Tell the daughter of Zion,

Look, your king is coming to you,

    humble, and mounted on a donkey,

        and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!

    Blessed is the one who comes 

in the name of the Lord!

Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Ritual Action

The words of Jesus we heard in this week’s healing story were many, but let us hone in on two words, “Take heart.” The French word for “heart” is “couer” and, besides its reference to the physical heart organ, it also means “courage.” Certainly Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem was a sign to people that they were worthy to be “saved”–the meaning of the cries of “hosanna!” Courage in the face of difficulty, and care in the face of being disheartened, go hand-in-hand. 

Healing is not always an absence of illness, but rather a trust that God is holding our brokenness and we can move on in life with assurance, making beauty in the midst of hard times. We have been reminded over these weeks that God restores us to life, wrapping and holding us. This week I invite you to pass on that reminder to someone else who needs it. 

As you look back on this season of focusing on healing, what is it you learned that you want to now “give away” to others… through your words and your actions?

Take a moment to think on this and then when you are ready, enclose some of that beach glass in your hand and hold it to your heart, breathing (“spirare”) deeply and inviting that Spirit to show you your next steps in furthering the healing of your corner of the world, even if it is just your household or neighborhood.

And keep your eyes open this week for the right moment, the right person, to receive the that reminder -- a gift of beauty from brokenness. Maybe even that little sachet of sea glass that was in your Hallelujah bag. When you offer it to them, you might say,

“Take heart. You are not alone.” 

Lenten Devotional

Emily Dickinson Poetry

Lent is a time of reflection and insight, a change of seasons - and Emily Dickinson, one of the world’s most beloved poets, was also an avid gardener and a careful observer of the natural world.

In this Lenten devotional, biblical texts and simple, accessible practices weave together with Dickinson’s poetic vision, creating a 40-day journey into the heart of the holiest week of the year.

All you’ll need is your favorite Bible and a collection of Dickinson’s poems. Week by week, we’ll walk through the garden together toward Easter morning - with Emily Dickinson as our guide.  

This devotional will be available every week during lent in our weekly email. Please email Krista if you would like a printed hard copy.