Lent 2013

Saturday, Third Week of Lent

Come, let us return to the Lord; for it is he who has torn, and he will heal us; he has struck down, and he will bind us up.  After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him.  Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord; his appearing is as sure as the dawn.  Hosea 6:1-3

Dying is returning home.  But even though we have been told this many times by many people, we seldom desire to return home.  We prefer to stay where we are.  We know what we have; we do not know what we will get.  Even the most appealing images of the afterlife cannot take away the fear of dying.  we cling to life, even when our relationships are difficult, our economic circumstances harsh and our health quite poor. 

Still, Jesus, came to take the sting out of death and to help us gradually realize that we don't have to be afraid of death, since death leads us to the place where the deepest desires of our hearts will be satisfied.  It is not easy for us to truly believe that, but every little gesture of trust will bring us closer to this truth. 

Today:  Try to picture heaven as the fulfillment of your deepest desire.