March 25th Reflection by Bill Lynch

John 12:1-11

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.

Reflection
The crowd came to see Jesus and Lazarus. In Jesus we see healing, teaching, miracles, salvation, passion and love. We see a man that is driven by something greater. In Jesus we see a person that has a different view of the person in need. Jesus values the small people and the lowly people just as much as he values the rich and powerful people. Jesus seems to draw all of the people to himself with a passion of love.

In Lazarus, we see healing from death. Now, how can this be? Does this mean that death is only temporary? We see Lazarus and witness a person that was dead long enough to be dead for sure. Yet, Jesus still brought Lazarus out of the tomb. Does this imply that there is life after the tomb? How the crowd, the leaders, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the politicians of the day must have feared Jesus with this notion.

If Jesus could raise people from the dead, what else might he be able to do. Could Jesus really be the Messiah? What kind of Messiah might Jesus be? Would Jesus be one to take away all of the power and authority of the people? Would Jesus be one to punish all people for the sins they had committed?

Or perhaps would Jesus be the one that we kneel before with our best offering and in humility offer ourselves to him in love? Yes, Martha and Mary show us how to love Jesus. We love Jesus in service to him and to those God has given to us. We love Jesus in adoration with our best perfume. In the serving of Jesus in humility with an offering of perfume, we wipe the hair of our head on the feet of Jesus. As we serve and love Jesus we also become an example of serving one another. And we serve other's because we love Jesus so deeply and passionately that we could not help but to do anything else.

Jesus seems to draw all of the people to himself with a passion of love.

Prayer
Father; I give you thanks for Jesus. The flesh and blood of a Savior. Take my very best... take my life... that I may serve you and those you give to me with the passion and love that you have shown to all the world. May all your people serve... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

March 22nd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Luke 23:1-49

Then the assembly rose as a body and brought Jesus before Pilate. They began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to the emperor, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king.” Then Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He answered, “You say so.” Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for an accusation against this man.” But they were insistent and said, “He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to this place.” When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him off to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had been wanting to see him for a long time, because he had heard about him and was hoping to see him perform some sign. He questioned him at some length, but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. Even Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him; then he put an elegant robe on him, and sent him back to Pilate. That same day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other; before this they had been enemies.

Pilate then called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us. Indeed, he has done nothing to deserve death. I will therefore have him flogged and release him.” Then they all shouted out together, “Away with this fellow! Release Barabbas for us!” (This was a man who had been put in prison for an insurrection that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again; but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” A third time he said to them, “Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no ground for the sentence of death; I will therefore have him flogged and then release him.” But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified; and their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. He released the man they asked for, the one who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished.

As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus. A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For the days are surely coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us’; and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last. When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, “Certainly this man was innocent.” And when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they returned home, beating their breasts. But all his acquaintances, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

Reflection


A bogus trial and an angry crowd led to the crucifixion of Jesus. People upset and shouting. People feeling tricked and betrayed. People expecting a political king with power to conquer but come to see only a man willing to save.

Jesus willing to save all peoples. The people don’t understand this. So instead they cry to release the murderer and crucify Jesus. After all Jesus isn’t going to do any of us any good like this. Jesus is weak and powerless. Jesus is nothing before Pilate and Herod. Jesus is a nobody.

Even on the cross Jesus is meek. Jesus is so humble he is useless to all people.

What a disgrace we have in Jesus! His ministry and miracles all for nothing. Jesus couldn’t lead anyone in power and strength. See how he hangs helpless on the cross! What a waste of flesh!

But the Jesus says something. Jesus says something just as he is dying. Jesus cries out in a loud voice! He says to his Father, who he claims is God, “Father, I give you my life.” And then… and then… and then… Jesus dies.

Jesus gave his life to God. Jesus came in flesh and blood not to rule with armies and weapons. Jesus didn’t come to kill and destroy. Jesus came to rebuild, to recreate, and to make new, to save. The Father sent Jesus not to do what we, the people, think needs done with our human bent on power and prestige and strength. God sent Jesus to save us from sin, death and the devil. God sent Jesus to save us. God sent Jesus to give his life first to the Father and finally to all people for the forgiveness of sin.

God sent Jesus! The Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit is, through the death of Jesus, now the path to salvation for all people. Adam sinned… we all sin… but Jesus didn’t sin. Jesus gave himself and his life to God for our sin.

An angry crowd… people upset and shouting… we didn’t have a clue did we. Yes, we… we all were there. We all have taken part in the crucifixion of Jesus. Thanks be to God, Jesus took part in the salvation. Thanks be to God for you… for me… and for all people that God loves us so much that he sent Jesus… humble… obedient… serving… and loving to save the world. Yes… Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Father; I am silenced by your grace. I am speechless. I sit… I listen… I observe you alone. I see Love. You are my God and my Savior… today… tomorrow… and forever. --- Amen

March 21st Reflection by Bill Lynch

Mark 11:1-11

When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,

“Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

Reflection
He came in humble. Not because he came in on a colt rather than a war horse. Jesus came humble and in peace. He came on a colt that had never been ridden. Something new for the colt and something totally new for Jesus. New for Jesus, new for you, new for me and new for the colt too. Jesus was doing something totally new and totally different. Jesus was doing something so different from what anyone could ever imagine, especially the people of the day. Jesus was coming to save all people from sin, death and the devil with an act of love so new that none of had any idea how deep and how wide this love would be.

Jesus in humility, yet the most wonderful power of God with him, was about to ride this colt towards the eternal destiny of so many people. Descendants of Abraham as numerous as the stars that God had Abraham witness one evening years ago in the night sky. Descendants that include so much more than the Hebrews but descendants that would contain all with faith in God.

Jesus was doing something new that would reverse the outcome of everything. And Jesus was doing this in humble servant obedience to the Father. Yes, a reason for all people to shout Hosanna!

Yet we are fickle. We change in a moment. Jesus on the other hand stays the course the Father has planned for him. Jesus stays the course and saves the world. Humble power displayed right in front of us all. Humble power and eternal love for God's created.

Then Jesus entered Jerusalem. Jesus observed the layout of the land. Jesus went to pray.

Prayer
Father; open my eyes to what Jesus did in humble service for you and for all people. Open my eyes to see this new "ride" you give to all people. Open my eyes to the love and passion. Open my eyes to salvation. Take me on that new ride with the colt to your will and your way, no matter the cost... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

March 20th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Philippians 2:5–11

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Reflection
Jesus was God. Jesus is God. Jesus is flesh and blood. Jesus is like me. Why?

Talk about an example of humility! I can remember a conversation I had with a friend, probably 25 years ago. We were talking about the word humble. Humility to this friend was a sign of weakness. My contention was that humility was a sign of strength. The passage above was the reason for our converstion. Jesus shows strength in humility, by becoming like me and you and living a life in the flesh in order to become one with us. Jesus does this not of his own need. He is God. Jesus does this out of love for me and you. Jesus takes humility and makes it an awesome quality for all of us to emulate.

The passage above is thought to be a hymn by some. Jesus shows us a few qualities of humility. He empties himself.. I can't be full of myself and be humble. It's not all about how great I am, how great a thing I've done, how smart I am, how rich or even how powerful I may be. In my humility, I must get over myself for the sake of myself, and for the sake of those God places me with.  I am a servant. I serve to the point of slavery.

I must be obedient to the task, the plan, the purpose that God has for me. Jesus came to do the Father's will. And we pray that God's will may be done in and through us day after day. This isn't about what I want but about what God wants out of me. So, I must listen intently and seek to do God's will in my life. I must stop and pray to hear God's voice and be attentive to Holy Scripture and alive in seeking God's presence in the sacraments and in everyday life to hear God's call to action.

I must be willing to feel the pain of it all. Jesus went to the cross out of love for me and in obedience to the will of the Father. I too must be willing to do what God has commanded throughout my life. God has placed me here to live to the fullest for God's purpose and plan and this may be some hard work. But this is not my home. Presence in Jesus and in God is my home. But for now, God has placed me here on this earth to carry out God's will in my life to the fullest extent. I'm here not to take a short cut but to fulfill God's plan for my life.

Finally, I can see through this passage about the humility of Jesus, that he alone is my Savior and my God. Jesus is to be praised and followed and adored above it all. In Jesus' act of humility, we are saved. So, being humble... what a great quality to emulate. Humility is a sign of Jesus' presence in life. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Father; you call me to true humility. You call me to serve. You call me to listen to your voice and hear your way in my life. Help me to understand and to do your will... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

March 19th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 31:9–16 
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from grief, my soul and body also.

For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my misery, and my bones waste away.

I am the scorn of all my adversaries, a horror to my neighbors, an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me.

I have passed out of mind like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel.

For I hear the whispering of many— terror all around!— as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life.

But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.”

My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.

Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.

Reflection
Dear Lord, I can't take this pain anymore.
   A pain so deep in my soul I cry out.
Lord; this pain in my body is too much for me.
   It seems as if my life has changed into nothing but this!

Help me Father for you are my only hope.
   My friends have left me to myself.
Comfort is far from me and I'm lost
   Lost in this broken body and soul.

I trust in you to save me from all of this.
   I look to your love that you give freely.
May the warmth of your Light shine brightly,
   and warm my body and soul with love.

Prayer
Lord; it's sometimes all I can do just to look at you. The pain can be unbearable at times. But you are always with me. Your love and attention warms my spirit. I slowly recover into you. I heal and become whole. Heal those this day in pain and suffering. Pain and suffering of body or soul. Come to their rescue, and heal. You are our only hope... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

March 18th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Isaiah 50:4–9a

The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens— wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward. I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting. The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. It is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty? All of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.

Reflection
This passage is referred to as the 'Servant Song.' A passage that depicts the Servant facing the evil of this world. Facing evil, yet intent and focused on learning and hearing God.

Jesus' journey to the cross screams to me in this passage of scripture. The focus on the goal of his purpose and mission to save all people. Here in this passage, the servant is set upon giving. Giving, even in the midst and through the pain. A servant that knows and fully believes that God is his help and salvation.

Yes, Jesus had this intent passion for God's mission for him. Yes, we too, as baptized Children of God, have a similar mission in this world. We are to live the call of God in Jesus and proclaim what God has done for us in full faith and belief. We serve those who are in need. We love those for whom the world hates. We come through the storm, knowing that God is with us. We listen to the voice of God and respond in joy. Morning by morning God wakens us and gifts us with a call to action. We must listen and willingly act upon that call.

Pain will happen. This world is not our home. We are here for a purpose with a home freely given to us in heaven. But, for now, God chooses us and gifts us with our presence here in this fallen creation. Someday all things will be like God intended. But for now... we sing together with Jesus and the Children of God... the Servant Song.

Prayer
Lord; this morning and all through the day, I listen for your voice. I need to hear your Word each day. Help me to understand my call to action. Guide me through this life... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

March 15th Reflection by Bill Lynch

John 12:1-8

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.’

Reflection
Such a short passage with so many highlights. Six days... six days for creation... something new is taking place... a new creation is forming.

Mary anointed Jesus feet. Why not his head as was the custom? And it wasn't custom for the female to be present or even to have her hair down. Mary wiped Jesus feet with her hair.

Then the few words that the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. This makes me think of how the Holy Spirit was surely present during this act. God's Spirit in place and spreading throughout the house. A sweet smell of love and action through Mary for the Savior of all the world.

But even with the wonderful fragrance of the Spirit, we still live with the presence of evil. Greed steps in and worry about the cost of this act. What about the cost of the act that was to follow this? What would be the cost of what Jesus would soon do for all the people? It would cost Jesus everything to die on a cross to pay for the sins of all of us.

Yes, that fragrance filled the room and we now live with the sweetness of salvation and grace. Even in the filth of this world and the stench of sin; we live in and with the fragrance of Jesus act of love. An act of love that he has taught his disciples to have for another.

Prayer
Lord; Mary has taught us such a wonderful example of adoration for you, our Savior. Hear our songs of praise and smell that wonderful love we have for you and what you have done for each and all of us. Thanks... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

March 14th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Philippians 3:4b-14

even though I, too, have reason for confidence in the flesh.

If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.

 Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
 Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.

Reflection
If you think you have your act together without Jesus, think again. Look at Paul. He was a religious man born of the heritage of his faith. Paul abides by the law, studies the law and did everything correctly, but without Jesus it's nothing. Whatever we think is a gain in our own righteousness, without Jesus, is nothing. We can't live without God. We need God. We cannot save ourselves or become so God that we earn God's favor. We must have Jesus. In no way can we rely on our own "goodness" to save us.

So, now what? On the the gift of belief in Jesus, we are made righteous through Jesus act of love for us. We have a relationship with Jesus because of what Jesus has done for us, not on what we have done for ourselves or even what we have done for Jesus. With this believing comes a deep desire to want to know Jesus more and more. We desire to follow Jesus as his disciple. We long to hear God's plan for our lives and to live in the faith and hope that God gives to us through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. We love to share in Jesus' suffering and are honored to give our lives to him because he gave his life to us out of love.

Love begets love. A love not bought with silver or gold, but rather a love that pays the price for our sin with sweat and blood. Jesus loves us with all he has and once we come to see this love, we return that love with all we have in faith and in service and in life.

In our baptism we daily die with Jesus and live a risen life right to the end of our earthly walk. Jesus snatched us from eternal death and we walk with him all through life. Don't believe you have arrived. You are on a walk of faith with Jesus. Our ambition is to live life with Jesus and hold on to him knowing that only through him and only when Jesus leads us to that final goal will we wear that wreath. So, as Paul does, we press on. We focus our sights on Jesus and live on with the knowledge that life, real life, is with and through Jesus. This is the joy and hope we live in with Jesus through belief that he is our only means of salvation.

Prayer
Jesus, I have you in my sights. Thanks for coming to me. Thanks for thinking of me. Thanks for living for me. Thanks for a life with you... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

March 12th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 126

A Song of Ascents.
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
   we were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
   and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then it was said among the nations,
   ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’
The Lord has done great things for us,
   and we rejoiced.

Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
   like the watercourses in the Negeb.
May those who sow in tears
   reap with shouts of joy.
Those who go out weeping,
   bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
   carrying their sheaves.

Reflection

It never seems to stop O Lord,
   you bring blessing and joy,
yet it's followed by more pain and sorrow,
   then we need you to act again.

You walk by our side through it all,
   you rescue us and joy returns.
As we live in the hope of eternal joy,
   we know of your saving grace.

Yet, it is a joy to live through with you,
   live through the testing and know,
that you bring eternal joy in the finality.
   Joy and laughter and strength.

Yes, it's true, that when we endure with you,
   we come home to you laughing.
We rejoice in the battle and the pain,
   knowing that through it all you shall save.

Prayer
Jesus, you are always there. In the midst of pain and sorrow, you are there. In the midst of illness, you are there. Jesus, you are always there. In the midst of joy and laughter, you are there. In the midst of blessing and honor, you are there. Be with me always... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

March 11th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Isaiah 43:16-21

Thus says the Lord,
   who makes a way in the sea,
   a path in the mighty waters,
who brings out chariot and horse,
   army and warrior;
they lie down, they cannot rise,
   they are extinguished, quenched like a wick:
Do not remember the former things,
   or consider the things of old.
I am about to do a new thing;
   now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
   and rivers in the desert.
The wild animals will honour me,
   the jackals and the ostriches;
for I give water in the wilderness,
   rivers in the desert,
to give drink to my chosen people,
   the people whom I formed for myself
so that they might declare my praise.

Reflection
God did great things in the past. In the past for the Israelites, in the past for the prophets, in the past for the disciples and in the present for all his people. And for those who believe, God does great things now and into the future.

God does even greater things now in the midst of the wilderness. God makes a way while we are in the wilderness and brings forth blessings of water and rivers that pour his grace and blessing abundantly while God is with us in the wilderness of our life. We drink from the blessings of God who chooses to love us and redeem us even in the midst of our wilderness.

In God's presence throughout the ups and downs of life we sing and declare praise to a loving God.

Prayer
Lord; you come to me in the midst of my human sin and walk with me. You come to me in the filth of life and counsel. You come to me in the pain and illness and soothe. Lord; you come to me in the joy and laughter of good times and party with me. I will continually praise you for your presence in my life... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

March 8th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’

 So he told them this parable:
 Then Jesus said, ‘There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.” So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and travelled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, “How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.’ ” So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his slaves, “Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!” And they began to celebrate.

 ‘Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.” Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, “Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!” Then the father said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.” ’

Reflection
We had no idea what this guy had gone through. Here we were all fat and happy. Every time he showed up in the fields with some corn, we were always glad to see him. Yet he was sad. He appeared so humble and in need. I don't know what got him to this point. You could tell that feeding all of us was the lowest point of his life. Here we were all fat and happy.

There was a turning point though. One day when he arrived to feed us as usual, I could tell that he was ready to move on to something else. He even practiced what we would say while he fed us. "Father, I have sinned. I'm sorry for what I have done. I took what you had and wasted it. I selfishly wasted all the good you have given me on silly desires. Desires that once fulfilled lasted only a moment in time. Forgive me, Father, I am dying full of myself." Then we didn't see him anymore. He didn't come back to feed us the next day, someone else did.

It seems to me and my family that all people need to be humble. We are created and given life for a purpose. We live our lives full of thanksgiving for all that God has given us. We are fed and cared for by the Creator. How much more these humans have, yet don't see it. I sincerely desire that this young man returned to his Father and was accepted through grace.

Prayer
Father; I'm overwhelmed and full of joy for your presence in my life. I humbly come to you and give you all the glory and honor and praise for the grace you have shown all people through your Son. I trust in you for my Daily Bread... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

March 7th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’

 So he told them this parable:
 Then Jesus said, ‘There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.” So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and travelled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, “How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.’ ” So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his slaves, “Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!” And they began to celebrate.

 ‘Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.” Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, “Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!” Then the father said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.” ’

Reflection
God just loves to go out and find the lost. That's you and me. We all were lost at some point in our lives. We all have sinned and have been lost in that sin. And God just loves to save the lost. God loves it so much he sent his son Jesus to come to us just like one of us and save the lost.

So in this passage we have a story of a young man that decided he would like to have his share of his father's estate prior to the proper time of awarding that estate by the Father. The Father agrees and gives his son probably about on third of what the son could expect to inherit. What a leap of faith by the Father. What if something would happen to his estate that would wipe it out before his death? Yet the love of the Father for his youngest son led him to give away the inheritance before the father had even died.

Now think of the older son. The Father still had the rights to the older son's inheritance until the Father died. The older son didn't have any guarantee that he would inherit anything at all. Who knows what the inheritance would be at the end of the father's life?

Yet, the younger son took what the Father gave him and turned it into cash and wasted it away from home and away from his parents advice and wisdom. Wasted it to the point that the youngest son needed a job feeding the pigs. How insulting for a Jew! The youngest son had lost all of his friends and all of his money. The youngest son was truly lost.

When we are truly lost, we are humble. Ask any man. The youngest son was lost and now knew that he needed to humble himself and repent. Repent of his separation from the Father. Repent of his selfish actions with what the Father had given him in love.

God just loves to go out and find the lost. That's you and me. That's the youngest son. We come back humble and repent of whatever we have done to separate ourselves from the Father. We come humble and repent. In this, the Father is joyous beyond belief. The Father was looking for the youngest son to return. The Father was waiting and willing to love once again. The Father receives the youngest son and throws a party. God just loves to go out and find the lost. That's you and me.

Did the older brother ever come around in joy for his younger brother? We don't know. The older brother was like the Pharisees in this passage. Will you accept and be joyful for the lost that return to the loving arms of God?

God just loves to go out and find the lost. That's you and me.

Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord; we return to you humble and in need of salvation. You are our only hope for life. Forgive our selfish and sinful ways and restore us to your grace... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

March 6th Reflection by Bill Lynch

2 Corinthians 5:16-21

 From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Reflection
From now on... Something has changed! We have changed! We have been forgiven and live, from now on... We are now a new creation. We remember the past but we live, from now on... We live in the present and we live into the future, we live from now on... We live as a new creation into eternity, from now on... Our old sin has passed away and through Jesus Christ and with the forgiveness of sin and salvation, we live from now on... Our eternal life has begun, here and now and we live from now on...

So now what? What does this from now on... mean? We have been made right through Christ and given the ministry of reconciliation. Jesus became our sin on that cross. Our sin... he died in our sin... and he didn't even sin! Out of pure love, Jesus gave his life for our sin that we might be made right for God. So now, we are representatives of God. Ambassadors sent on a special mission. A mission to take this news of reconciliation to the world. Some to the world in other countries, others to the world in the message and still others to the world in which they live. A message of love, hope, joy and reconciliation. We take a message of forgiveness and freedom from sin, death and the devil. We take a message to all people that they can change. Anyone can repent and live a new life as a new creation and live eternal life from now on...

Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord; you change me when I turn to you and repent. You make me into something new. You graciously loved me enough that you made me your highest representative to take your message of life "from now on..." to all the world. The world in which I live in this day and at this time and to the world "from now on..." Prepare me for mission... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

March 5th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 32
The Joy of Forgiveness

Of David. A Maskil.
Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
   whose sin is covered.
Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity,
   and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

While I kept silence, my body wasted away
   through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
   my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
          Selah

Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
   and I did not hide my iniquity;
I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’,
   and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
          Selah

Therefore let all who are faithful
   offer prayer to you;
at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters
   shall not reach them.
You are a hiding-place for me;
   you preserve me from trouble;
   you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.
          Selah

I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
   I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
   whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle,
   else it will not stay near you.

Many are the torments of the wicked,
   but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous,
   and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

Reflection

You, O Lord have brought joy to my heart.
   I came to you with a heavy heart.
For I have sinned and deserve your punishment,
   but you forgave me and saved me.

Your love is beyond what I can fathom.
   I repent and change my direction,
And you bring joy as I face you once again.
   Face to face I feel the warmth of your love.

Now, day by day and all throughout,
   I pray to you and seek your will.
For I am yours now and forever.
   Hear my shout of joy always.

Prayer
Lord; oh, how I feel the joy of your presence in my heart. When I change and turn to you... you change me and fill me with joy. Help me to follow in your will and your way... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

March 4th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Joshua 5:9-12

The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt.’ And so that place is called Gilgal to this day.
 While the Israelites were encamped in Gilgal they kept the passover in the evening on the fourteenth day of the month in the plains of Jericho. On the day after the passover, on that very day, they ate the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. The manna ceased on the day they ate the produce of the land, and the Israelites no longer had manna; they ate the crops of the land of Canaan that year.

Reflection
Someday we will reach the promised land. Our need for manna will be over. We will be one with the Manna of life forever and ever. Until that time we have the bread and the wine, the body and the blood, the salvation of Jesus and our relationship with Jesus. We experience the gifts of the Spirit and live in unity with the Church Universal and Eternal.

Someday we will reach this land, this city, this promise. Someday... but for now... we live here and now. For now... we walk with the Spirit, we relate with Jesus, we depend on the Father, in our lives in this place and in this time. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord; through you alone can I come to that promised land... through you alone... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

March 3rd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Third Sunday in Lent 
Luke 13:1-9 (NRSV)
The parable of the fig tree 

At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them -- do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did."

Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, 'See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?' He replied, 'Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.' "

Reflection
Unless you repent... unless you repent you will all perish. To repent we need to remember our place in the whole scheme of things. We were born into a fallen race of people. People that chose to sin and separate from God. God did not choose to separate from us. We chose to turn from the will of God and make choices that God clearly told us was not his will. I'm talking about Adam and Eve and everyone since that time... except for Jesus. Jesus who is God.

We don't have to sin. But, we give in to the temptation and do sin. In this we establish our place in the whole scheme of things. We can only come to God through Jesus. To make this even easier for us, God chose to come to us in Jesus. Jesus came to us in flesh and blood to give his life to redeem us from our sin. This is the place of repentance. We turn from our sinfulness and change direction. We turn to face God. I remember a time kneeling at the altar rail doing this very thing with my Pastor. I repent... I change... through the Pastor's voice comes the gift of forgiveness from God. A change occurs. Not in God, but in myself. Was everything all simple and glorious after this. Well, sort of, but not really. You still pay the consequences of your sin. You still live with the reality of what you have done and the hurt you have caused yourself and so many other people that it's amazing to realize the spread of the cancer of sin.

Repentance is not like an elixir that makes all things hunk-dory. But it's what Jesus wants for us to do. Each and every one of us need to repent. What are you waiting for?

Prayer
Lord; hear my prayer and hear what I have to repent of this day. Be with me as I live the life of forgiveness. I know it's not all easy but you are always with me... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

March 2nd Reflection by Bill Lynch

1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Warnings from Israel’s History

I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them, and they were struck down in the wilderness.

 Now these things occurred as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not become idolaters as some of them did; as it is written, ‘The people sat down to eat and drink, and they rose up to play.’ We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did, and were destroyed by serpents. And do not complain as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come. So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall. No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.

Reflection
Note: A few days with the puny's!

Just because you are a Christian that believes that God saved you from sin, death and the devil; doesn't mean that you are free from suffering, or even that you won't encounter sin, death and the devil. It's not like some magical charm. We still live in a world full of sin, death and the devil. But we live as people saved. We live free to let God's Light shine in and through us as we suffer, as we live, as we proclaim the awesome power of God to a world of people living with us in this place and in this time. We are here for a purpose and that purpose is God's purpose, not our own. God has been gracious enough to place us in his eternal plan and purpose for all people through all time. What a wonderful opportunity! But it doesn't mean that it's easy. Just look at the life of Jesus. Was that easy?

Just as the Israelites were led through the Red Sea, we have been led through our baptismal waters to a life with God. Jesus has been the source of our blessing and support through all time. Today, Jesus comes to us and lives with us, he comes in the Word, he comes in the Sacraments and he comes to us through the bread and the wine and in the body and the blood. Jesus comes to us to save us and sustain us in this life and forevermore.

We are still tempted however by sin. We fall to sinful desires and lust of money, flesh, food and so many other desires that pull us away from God. None of us are exempt from this. We have all sinned and fall short. We need Jesus! We don't need to test God's patience and love in this way. We must repent and come to God. Acknowledge our sinfulness before God and one another. Don't test the love of God.

Once again recall the Israelites in the desert. Recall how they tested God's patience and love. See this as a warning. Read and study the Word of the Old Testament. See Jesus in God's faithful love to these stubborn people. Well, guess what? Count yourself as one of the stubborn. Count yourself as one of the people that test God's love.

But, also see the faithfulness of God. We experience testing and trials and God let's this happen, however, to the faithful, God promises salvation. God pulls us through and comes to us in the flesh and blood of Jesus and in the Spirit and love of the Holy Spirit. God our Father, comes to us and loves us to death. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Father, Son, Spirit, pull me through to you. Open wide your arms as I run to you. Help me in the trials of life. Help me through the temptation. I know that you tempt know one to sin. But I ask that you may come to me in the midst of temptation and save me from myself, sin, death and the devil. You are my God! You are my salvation! ... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen