Each of us is created a precious and holy vessel of embodied love. We have been through a harrowing time since last Lent that has shattered our sense of wholeness–body, mind and spirit–like a glass vessel fractured into pieces. Let us enter a Lenten “season of recovery” as we focus on Jesus, the Healer of our every ill. Beach glass begins as something whole and yet discarded. As it is tumbled by the sea, it is broken and polished until it becomes a treasured “mineral gem.” We do not embrace that suffering is necessary or God-given, but that suffering is a part of life. When pain comes and brokenness enters our lives, Jesus reaches out to touch and remind us of the Treasure that we all are–worthy of new life in the midst of hopelessness. In a year when pandemic has wreaked havoc on our world, we begin by affirming our journey to physical health. On Ash Wednesday, many of you received a piece of beach glass for our prayer time during Lent. If you did not receive a piece of glass and have one in your home, please bring it to your worship space. If you do not have beach glass, please find a small stone for your contemplation during prayer time.
Sharing from Community Leaders: Dr. Grace Lubwama, YWCA Kalamazoo
Led by: Rev. Julie Kline
Matthew 8: 1-4; 16-17