March 2017
Reflections of God's Goodness
As we begin Lent once again, I am glad to be reminded to stop – refocus – and find my center in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Change our hearts, this time – your word says it can be!
Change our lives this time, your life could make us free.
We are the people your call set apart, Lord, this time change our hearts.
These words from a familiar song truly express our prayer, that somehow God will finally get through to us with His love and His call and even more, that we will respond with a resounding “Yes”.
My hope for all of us is that this Lent will open our eyes to the kingdom of God in new ways. I pray that we will see with God’s eyes and live with God’s vision--that we can turn away from things that distract us and turn toward Jesus and His plan for us.
…we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.
He has good things planned for us to do! Look for them.
What do we need to turn away from? What are we spending our time on? The answers to these questions can help us to do the “good works” that God has planned for us. We can use our time to reach out, to listen, to love the people around us, the people in need of encouragement, the poor who can use a helping hand, and the homeless who want to be seen.
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Pray for these qualities, these gifts of the kingdom that will enable us to live the vision of God’s kingdom and bring it to life in our midst. Let us pray together in the words that Jesus taught us, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.”
Blessings and Peace,
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn
Director of Development
The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near, repent and believe
the Good News.
