Here is this week’s bulletin.

A LENTEN REFLECTION – SHARING WHO WE ARE: TALKING THE TALK AND WALKING THE WALK – What better example could we have of true sharing than the daily life of Jesus and the band of disciples he gathered around him? Jesus was not a lone ranger. Despite all his wisdom and power, even despite his closeness to the God who sent him, Jesus needed others to share in his mission. Imagine the conversations they must have had together!

The disciples probably followed Jesus with mixed hopes and expectations. Peter, Andrew, James and John had been fishermen. While at their fishing, they had time for thinking about how much better life could be. Matthew was a tax collector, probably cooperating reluctantly with the Roman oppressors simply to make a living. What dreams might he have had about freedom and dignity? Simon was a Zealot, a political activist. They must have had great conversations among themselves.

Often though, we learn of Jesus? sharing with them, providing some of the answers they sought. He led them to a higher vision of what their divine mission had as its goal. It was not deliverance from the Romans. It was the realization that inner life has potential even when outer life is restricted. It was a message that God wanted not the empty show of religion, but the devotion of the woman, who gave two small coins, all that she had, as an offering in the temple. The whole Sermon on the Mount is filled with this kind of message. These ideas were shared as they talked the talk of faith and a creative relationship with God.

But they also walked the walk, both in long journeys along the road, and in helping those they met along the way. Jesus and his disciples talked with others who came near. They healed and cast out demons. Their message led people to flock out to see and to learn. Jesus and the disciples shared a great calling. They put faith into action. In our Lenten sharing, we are called to share with them in talking the talk and walking the walk.

Here is this week’s bulletin.

A LENTEN REFLECTION – SHARING WHO WE ARE: NEEDS AND STRENGTHS – What a confusing mixture we all have within us! We are strong and we are weak, wise and foolish, insightful and blind, honest and self-deceiving. In Lenten openness and sharing, all of these things are on the table. There is a risk. We may not want to know of someone else?s faults. We may hope that our own shortcomings are not discovered. But, if we are overly self-protective, we can miss out on some of the warmth and guidance that others can give. We can also miss out on their caring and love.

What are some of the needs that we share? Some people seem to need nothing. They appear to be self-confident and self sufficient. If their appearance is true to their real selves, they are fortunate. If it is a false bravado, they are to be pitied. If we are truly self aware, most of us admit our needs. We need to learn from others and we also need their acceptance – need to be appreciated for who we really are. God knows that we need these things and acts to provide divine acceptance. Those, who see God only as judge and not as one who cares and loves, need to go back and reread the scriptures. But we also need human acceptance. As a child is reported to have said “I know that God loves me, but I want to be loved by someone with skin on.” When we share, we receive love.

What are the strengths we share? People thronged to see Jesus, because he brought healing. Every one of us has the power to heal and relieve the pain of others. Even if weakened ourselves by some physical problem, our spirits can strengthen others. Jesus shared his sense of God?s nearness. If we share what God means to us, it may help others to have faith and trust. Jesus had a mission of love and compassion. We can share our own sense of purpose and meaning in life and strengthen those around us. Sharing the strength we have within us makes it grow. Sharing both our needs and our strengths with others enriches everyone?s life and moves us closer to what God seeks for us.

An Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Easter Sunday. We are looking for “eggs” – baskets are situated at all entrances of the church for your ongoing generous contribution.