Fifth Sunday of Lent
Reading and Reflection
Giving life to Lazarus cost Jesus. This is the last of the signs in John's Gospel and this sign of power upsets authorities. They plot more seriously to get rid of Jesus. There is always a risk involved in helping someone. Most of the time it is inconsequential. Occasionally we are called on to take a chance. Whenever we serve meals at Siena/Francis House, I am concerned for my safety. If I am bringing communion to patients at Creighton, I worry about what germs or what horrors I might come upon. If I am praying at a protest, will someone throw a rock? If I give more to a worthy cause, will my family resent it? If I am openly Christian, will my neighbors judge all my behaviors, looking for hypocrisy? Giving life might cost us, yet the life gained is well worth it. If we have been holding back during this Lent, it's time to move forward.
St. James is offering you many chances to give life. This weekend the Community Concerns Committee asks you to consider filling the grocery sack you receive this weekend for the Stephen Center. The Stephen Center provides housing, food, and social services for the homeless. Participants sign contracts requiring them to make progress finding jobs, homes, education, and governmental benefits, while getting counseling. It is a place where Lazarus comes out of the tomb, often! Consider filling the sack and saying to these Lazarus', come out!
Today let us pray for St. James Parish and the
Pastoral Staff.
