Matthew 7:7-12

Several weeks from now we reach the end of Lent, moving through Holy Week and ultimately toward Easter – The Feast of the Resurrection.  The glory of the Resurrection can never be separated from the glory of the Cross.  “The Risen Jesus always shows us His wounds…” says author Henri Nouwen, who wrote the following prayer:

     How often have I lived through these weeks

     without paying much attention

     to penance, fasting, and prayer?

     How often have I missed the spiritual fruits of this season

     without being aware of it? 

     But how can I rejoice fully in your Resurrection

     when I have avoided participating in your death?

     Yes, Lord, I have to die –

     with you, through you, and in you –

     and thus become ready to recognize you

     when you appear to me in your Resurrection.

     There is so much in me that needs to die;

     false attachments, greed and anger,

     impatience and stinginess.

     O Lord, I am self-centered,

     concerned about myself, my career, my future,

     My name and future, my name and fame.

     I see clearly now how little I have died with you,

     really gone your way and been faithful to it.

     O Lord, make this Lenten season

     different from the other ones.

     Let me find you again.

     Amen.”

          From Show Me The Way, Henri Nouwen

May God give us all the grace to walk through the remaining time of Lent and fully enter into Holy Week so that we may experience the life-saving and life-giving events of Jesus’ Resurrection Life!

Meditation by the Reverend Canon Ronald N. Pollock
Rector, St. John’s Church, Somerville
Diocese of New Jersey