Pastor’s Ponderings

April, 2022

While taking a look at our Sunday gospel readings for April, here is what I’ve been pondering:

• On April 3, the last Sunday in Lent, we will look on as Mary anoints Jesus in anticipation of his heading to Jerusalem and the cross. Judas criticizes Mary for using “costly perfume” that could have been sold and the money given to the poor. Jesus responds, “You will always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” Jesus is right, we get side-tracked, we do not always have Jesus in our hearts or actions, and so we ignore our duty to serve God by serving the poor.
• On April 10, Palm Sunday, we will walk alongside the crowd as they welcome Jesus into town shouting Hosanna! (save us!) Like his disciples, we too do not understand these things at first. But, when Jesus is glorified on the cross and the empty tomb, we too understand about this God who loves us so much he sent his Son to repair the rift between us. Thanks be to God!
• On April 17, Easter Day, we will walk with the women early in the morning as they go to the tomb and are amazed to find the stone rolled away and Jesus gone. Along with them, we will be “perplexed.” Along with them, we will be reminded of his words to us that he would be raised on the third day. Along with them, others will not believe us when we tell the story of this amazing God who loves us; loves us to death.
• On April 24, the second Sunday of Easter, we will be with the disciples as they are locked away for fear of what will happen to them. We, too, will tremble in fear when the risen Jesus stands among us. We, too, will embrace the peace that Jesus gives to them. We, too, will hear Jesus’ words of sending us out to tell others about this God who conquered the stranglehold of death so that they could be free and engaged in good works.

And so, I ponder; are we willing to do our part of elevating the poor? Are we crying to God to save us so that we can protect others? Are we remembering Jesus’ words of love, acceptance, and life that were meant for all people? Are we welcoming the risen Lord into our lives and then sharing that with others? Or, are we content to sit back and selfishly hoard all that Jesus did as if it was just for us?

I look forward to hearing what you’ve been pondering.

Graciously, Pr. William