Here we are, more than five full weeks through Lent, on the precipice of Holy Week. After weeks of preparation, are we ready to gather? 

Each of the readings today references God’s intention to gather us into unity. “I will gather them from all sides;” “I will make of them one nation;” “He who scattered Israel, now brings them together;” “that Jesus was going to die…not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God.” I hear themes of reconciliation and unity. Easier said than done, I say to God! 

How have our Lenten practices brought us closer to reconciliation and unity in our most trying times and relationships?

Luckily, God does not say in today’s readings that it’s all on us to bring about unity. It’s something God intends to do. This, I think, is where the Pharisees get tripped up: like most of humanity before and since their time, they act as though it’s all on them. When they hear that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, they operate out of fear and scarcity rather than love and abundance. They could have said, “Life itself is within his gift! What wonders will happen if everyone believes in him!” But instead they worry, “What if everyone believe in him? Our people will lose everything. We must use any means necessary to save the land and the nation that God gave us.” 

How have our Lenten practices helped to cultivate generosity in us, rather than fear?

God seems to intend unity by gathering everyone to Godself, through presence with us. “My dwelling shall be with them; I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” Emmanuel, “God-with-us,” is his name. The people going to Jerusalem for the feast might have sensed that when they asked, “What do you think? That he will not come?” The Pharisees missed it. They wanted to defend the temple as the sign of God’s presence with the nation around it, and totally missed Jesus’ signs throughout his ministry: God was not only with them in the temple. 

How have our Lenten practices brought us closer to God’s presence with us in every aspect of our lives?

Emmanuel, “God-with-us,” and Yeshua, “God saves,” are two of Jesus’ names. This week we remember most intently how he journeyed with us and saved us. 

How will we be with him this week?

As we journey through this week, here is my “Passiontide” playlist again for your Holy Week soundtrack: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3301sbPp7fPTJNcU2izNJ6?si=d2a652ccef7b4432