Interconnected
Due to the pandemic, we experienced Ash Wednesday differently this year. In past years, we've gathered as a community in observance of this solemn day's significance. Since it was a virtual gathering, we could not receive the sign of the cross on our foreheads. However, even without that tangible symbol, our gathering was still a reminder that we come from ashes, and to ashes, we will return. Ash Wednesday is also a day when we ponder our life without God's activity and presence. It is a very significant event in the life of the believer.
On this day, many of us commit to give up something for God or start a spiritual discipline to get closer to God. They are both equally important to intentionally experience Easter in a new and fresh way.
How are you experiencing Lent this season?
This year, Lent has had an even more significant meaning for me. More than ever, I understand having faith in God makes a huge difference in our lives.
On Wednesday, I was driving back from delivering groceries to a couple who had lost their daughter to cancer. The realization of their young son-in-law left to raise eight kids hit me hard. I couldn't hold back the tears as I thought about this family and how hard it will be to hold themselves together emotionally and spiritually amid their pain.
Between the pandemic and illnesses, life's journey has been difficult. It can be more difficult if we do life alone. However, this family is not alone. They are strong in their faith, and they have a church community that loves them and has been showing their support in many different ways.
I took comfort in the words of the Apostle Paul to Titus when he said:
"While we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." Titus 2:13-14
Paul teaches Titus how to instruct the congregation in Crete to live and lead by example as chosen and saved people. He gives Titus the authority to encourage the Cretans to transition from believing in God's grace to living a life full of grace.
I witnessed firsthand how our church community reacted when they heard the news that this couple was suffering. They immediately came alongside the family and supported them in every way possible. I was overwhelmed by the number of people who responded to the need even during a pandemic.
The time leading up to Lent has been difficult for all of us. Still, others suffer at a deeper level from the pandemic's outcome and the loss of loved ones. Many have not been able to be with their loved ones in the last minutes of their lives.
There will be times in our lives when we won't know how our prayers, texts, calls, and support will impact a life. We cannot remove the pain, but we can comfort and support them with small things that become significant acts of love. We are a chosen people, redeemed and ready to do what is right, and we are the hands and feet of Jesus.
We received this thank you note from the family. Our acts of kindness and support have made a difference in their lives.
"To all who have brought food and donated money, we want to say thank you so much! We are overwhelmed with our daughter's loss, and your kindness and generosity have wrapped us in love through this awful time. Specially thank you for your prayers. We appreciate and love our family of God and know that we are not alone while we are in a very dark time. Thank you for being Jesus with skin for our family. We love you all. We stand firm in our faith and feel the arms of our dear Lord wrapping around us. He will sustain us and use you to make our journey through the loss of our daughter a bit easier. Thank you all, again for helping us and loving us."
As you journey to Easter, my prayer is you set aside extra time to pray for those hurting the loss of a loved one in these difficult times.
Blessings,
Grimelda Sanchez