Good morning SJSP! I hope God is blessing you with a slow, peaceful morning. Today's reflection comes from Leo Racine. Leo is a student at B.C., earning his Masters in Pastoral Ministry. He has been with us all year in a contextual education placement. It's been a total blessing to have him with us in the office, to learn from his unique perspective as a retired social worker, and for some of you to share in his small group work. Leo defended his Master's thesis yesterday- so please be keeping him in your prayers!
A little spiritual challenge for today: find one place where God is visible to you today! xo K
The first reading today is from the book of the prophet Hosea. Hosea was a prophet of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and he prophesied just before the Northern Kingdom fell to the Assyrian conquerors. Hosea is calling for the people of Israel to return to God, to worship and rely on God alone. The book of Hosea compares Israel to an unfaithful spouse, one that is received back in love, however, after repenting of infidelity. Hosea thus speaks a message of hope to the people of Israel, saying that God will love them freely and cause them to bear fruit. This message of hope is meant for us today as well, as we seek signs of God’s presence in our ravaged and fearful world. The calendar and the weather tell us that Spring is here and soon we will see the signs of new life all around us. And so, we are confident that God is with us, loving us and promising to lead us to blossom once again. In a Lenten spirit of repentance and longing for God we therefore pray to hear the words of God amidst all of our troubles: “Long have I waited for your coming home to me and living deeply our new life.”
--Leo Racine
Click on the link below to hear the Weston Priory’s song, Hosea.
Here are the words:
Come back to me with all your heart.
Don’t let fear keep us apart.
Trees do bend though straight and tall;
so must we to others’ call.
Long have I waited for your coming home to me
and living deeply our new life.
The wilderness will lead you
to your heart where I will speak.
Integrity and justice
with tenderness you shall know.
Long have I waited for your coming home to me
and living deeply our new life.
You shall sleep secure with peace;
faithfulness will be your joy.
Long have I waited for your coming home to me
and living deeply our new life.