In this reading
from Joshua, the Israelites have finally found home. After wandering through the
trials and uncertainties of the desert for decades, where they were provided
with the daily arrival of manna for sustenance, God brought them through.
Even after the significant transgressions of their ancestors, they found
themselves in the land of Canaan where the old manna was no
more as they now ate of the new produce of the land.
The “new” in Paul is that when we find our way to
Christ, who is gifting us with the ministry of
reconciliation from God, we become a new creation:
everything old has passed away. Further, we are now ambassadors
for Christ. In returning to the joy of forgiveness, we are now the vessels
God uses to appeal to the lost in spirit, the displaced in faith, and those who
have become complacent in their faith, to return and be reconciled with
God.
The “new” in Paul is that when we find our way to
Christ, who is gifting us with the ministry of
reconciliation from God, we become a new creation:
everything old has passed away. Further, we are now ambassadors
for Christ. In returning to the joy of forgiveness, we are now the vessels
God uses to appeal to the lost in spirit, the displaced in faith, and those who
have become complacent in their faith, to return and be reconciled with
God.
Luke's Gospel gives us the grumbling Pharisees and
Scribes complaining of Jesus' dinners with sinners, and so he told them about
the Father, Lost Son, and Angry Brother, also known as the parable of The
Prodigal Son. Of course, everyone everywhere, in and out of Christianity, knows
this one very well.
For a fresh new perspective, try a role-play experience, alone or
with others, by choosing one of the three characters to inhabit. Read it aloud
as if you are the lowly son and discover what you learn about his
feelings of hunger, fear, regret, and other emotions that may surface before
and after he humbles himself in returning home. Then read aloud again as the
welcoming father; know his tears of joy and relief at seeing his lost son
appear in the distance, and then ponder the father’s feelings about his elder
son’s frustrations. Once more, read as the elder brother. Who of us cannot
appreciate his feelings of betrayal, anger, jealousy? He's been steadfast and
true and who gets the glory ~ little spoiled brother! How might the father’s
love and compassion for both of his sons create a new and reconciled home? Turn
your refreshed understanding into a new prayer for your understanding of
yourself and the understanding of others, especially those annoying others!
As with the Israelites and the Prodigal we, too, are new,
again and again, when we return again and again to Christ and repent of our
sins and whatever earthly idols take our attention from the call of Jesus ~ not
in despair, but in the joy of feeling cleansed and whole, feeling true
of heart. God always welcomes us home and always celebrates our return, no
matter how many times we wander off thinking we can manage everything on our
own.
In the happiest times, let us take care to remember
that God in Christ is still, and always, walking with us. In the darkest times
of life, when we turn toward God amid loss, regret, or hopelessness, God knows
us, comforts us, and forgives us. God is never the one who
turns away. Even when we can't forgive ourselves, we are forgiven and redeemed
by God in Christ ~ so, if God forgives me, who am I not to forgive myself?
Ever feel L ST? We cannot find what we
do not seek. Turn toward the Lord and you will soon
feel FOUND, and everything old [will have] passed
away. God in Christ with the Holy Spirit will celebrate and rejoice
when we who are lost re-turn ourselves [around] to be reconciled, forgiven, and
still and always loved. Our forever Home is always ready for our finding.
In the Church’s tradition, the Fourth Sunday
of Lent has been known as Laetare Sunday [lay-tare-ray]. The term
"Laetare Sunday" is used by most Roman
Catholic, and some Lutheran,
and Anglican churches. Laetare is
Latin for "rejoice!" It is also known as Mothering
Sunday [Mother’s Day] in the UK, and in other places Refreshment Sunday, mid-Lent Sunday,
and Rose Sunday as rose-colored/pink,
rather than violet vestments, is permitted on this day.
Laetare Sunday is exactly 21 days before Easter Sunday, a moveable
feast based on the
cycles of the moon.
LET
US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY
Leader: ~ O
Lord, Most Faithful, when we seek Your mercy in faith and trust, we are
found, forgiven, and reconciled by You and through Christ. Help us to truly
embrace our calling as Ambassadors for Christ, encouraging all who feel lost to
find themselves in You.
Loving,
Patient God
RESPONSE:
We
make our prayers to You
~
O Lord, Most Faithful, infuse the leaders of our Planet, our Nation, and
our Community, with the wisdom and understanding to govern all Your people with
integrity, justice, and compassion. We pray especially for: add your
own petitions
Loving, Patient God
We
make our prayers to You
~
O Lord, Most Faithful, restore hope and wholeness to all who are
seriously ill, addicted, or victims of violence, and renewed energy for all who
give them care. We now join our hearts together to pray for those in
need… add your own petitions
Loving, Patient God
We make our prayers to You
~
O Lord, Most Faithful, soothe the hearts of those who mourn, as all
of Heaven rejoices that those lost to mortal existence, are now found with new
and eternal life. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
Loving, Patient God
We make our prayers to You
~ O
Lord, Most Faithful, we pause in this moment to
offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and
memorials, aloud or silently… add your own petitions
Loving, Patient God
We make our prayers to You
~
O Lord, Most Faithful, may all who are called and anointed in Your
service, seek continual refreshment in Your unwavering Presence, as they
persevere in guiding us always to You. We pray especially for: add your
own petitions
Loving, Patient God
We make our prayers to You
The
Celebrant adds: God
of the Lost and of the Found, release us from earth-bound snares, bits and
bridles, to be reconciled in Christ as a New Creation. Spare us from all that
we think we deserve, to discover our inner selves, our hearts, and our souls
freely at home again with You. We ask through Jesus, our Compassionate Savior;
and the Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier of our Souls; who together with You, are
One God, now and forever. Amen.
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