Rejoice with those who rejoice

 Lent V (April 6, 2025)

Who are people with whom you can share your joy and happiness? 

In our world of work, school, activities and even family, this kind of friendship and community is surprisingly rare.  Too many relationships have competition, jealousy and shame for this to happen readily.

As we wrap up the book of Ruth, we encounter a rejoicing Naomi.  She is holding a grandson.  Admittedly, it is not directly her grandson, but after the chaos, grief and loss of her life, she is rejoicing at this baby in her arms.  She is also surrounded by the women of the village, who rejoice with her.

A reflection on how the community of Jesus, the community of the cross and empty tomb, can provide this community of rejoicing for a hurting and lonely world.

The artwork comes from Gospel Images, https://www.gospelimages.com/paintings/115/naomi-receives-a-grandson  It was chosen because it emphasizes the whole community around Naomi and Ruth.

When Fairness isn’t enough

 

Lent IV (March 30, 2025)

We know well the look of the older brother in the painting.  His whole body shouts:  “It’s not fair!”

He is not wrong.  As the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-35) plays itself out, the story is unfair.  Which justifiably angers the older brother.

As humans, we all protest when we don’t think things are fair.  In order to make life together work, we need their to be fairness. 

Yet…  It turns out in life that we encounter situations in which we need more than fairness.  Sometimes the wounds and situations call for compassion, an unfair extension of mercy, an intentional bending of the rules to help someone.

A reflection on when life together needs compassion and where to go for the at compassion.

The painting is by Rembrandt, The Return of the Prodigal.