April 2017
Reflections of God's Goodness
These weeks of Lent seem long as we strive to pray more, reach out to others, deny ourselves and practice generosity. Can the hope of Easter Resurrection give us new energy for the Lenten practice?
The hope of Easter is just this. Jesus died. The apostles and disciples were devastated. Were they hoping for the resurrection? I don’t think so! - They thought it was all over! God had other plans then, and He has other plans now. No matter how many times we face death – or disappointment, or foiled plans, or failure, we can have hope in Him, because He loves us and is always with us.
From the very beginning, God planted the seeds of resurrection in all of creation and in our hearts. Our lives and relationships are full of dying and rising. Think about how many times God has already brought you back to life! God has spoken these words to us,
You know that in all things I work for your good when you love me, because I have called you according to my purpose
Where are we today on our journey? Are we focused on ourselves and our problems or issues? What do we need to do? We need a new perspective. An eternal perspective!
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will.
How do we go about this transformation? How do we get this new perspective? We look to Jesus. We look to His word. As we move toward Easter, let the reality of Easter resurrection encourage us when we fail. Jesus suffered – He got discouraged – He endured. He believed in His Father’s faithfulness, all the way to death.
Remember, God is for us. When we listen to God’s Word and God’s voice, we will get an eternal perspective that will allow us to see the world and everyone in it differently.
The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning…
I will hope in Him.
One of my friends says: “It’s never too late to have a good Lent!” So, hang in there, keep enduring because it’s coming – see it in all creation – new life. Celebrate the good news – Easter brings us joy and hope and a new beginning, a new life. Share your hope in the resurrection with others by loving them, encouraging them and sharing your own experience of the love and faithfulness of the good God.
Blessings and joy to you this Holy season.
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn
Director of Development
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,
the new creation has come:
The old has gone, the new is here!
