Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

As we enter into this final week of Lent, our readings leave us with the distinct feeling that something big is about to happen. The disparity between the Old Testament and Gospel readings is unmistakable. The Old Testament readings from Ezekiel and Jeremiah are ones of hope in God’s protection and peace, yet the Gospel reading from John darkens this hope as the plot to kill Jesus is revealed.

This contrast between hope and despair rings true in our own lives and in the lives of those we serve. When life is good, we sense God’s nearness to us. We recognize his fidelity to his covenant, trusting that “The Lord will guard us, as a shepherd guards his flock.” But what about in the hard times? Where is God in our suffering? Where is he in the lives of our clients who just can’t seem to catch a break? Where is he in our sin and brokenness?

In this final week of Lent we will walk with Jesus through his darkest time as he journeys toward his crucifixion. In these darkest of days, we know that God does not abandon us, but that he is leading us to something, or someone, greater than we can imagine. We journey with the hope that only Christ can give – a hope in the true joy that comes through the resurrection. 

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