Today is Laetare Sunday, the 4th Sunday in Lent, a day which continues the stories which carry us on our Lenten journey.
Our invitation into worship tells us that Jesus is the bread that brings eternal life and through Jesus we have a life of meaning. Our Hebrew scripture from Joshua is the introduction of the Israelites into the promise land at the end of their wilderness journey and the end of manna from heaven. The Psalmist’s refrain tells a story of people being forgiven of their sins and restored to relationship with God and community. In the second letter to the Church at Corinth Paul describes believers as being part of a new creation, and being made new, we are restored to life. Our Gospel from Luke is the Parable of the Prodigal Son and an invitation to remember the extravagance of God’s grace and know that everyone is welcome as they are, emotions and all.
Reminders and things to ponder – God is more extravagant than we can imagine and welcomes people where they are. It is important for believers to live an authentic life and allow others to live their authentic life – with all the discontinuities based on the person they are. We need to remember that we are filled with emotions and preference as are others in the body of believers. Yet, nothing makes anyone’s emotions and preferences better – they simply are. How do we make room for others without acquiescing God’s truth for that relationship? Who is the one who offers a story which makes you whole?
I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: Joshua 5:9-12; Psalm 32; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32.
https://audiomack.com/fatherles-2/song/lent-4-sermon-1
