The first reading for today from Isaiah is one of my favorites and as I recall my Friday companions I pray that they are indeed “held up” in the light of God’s love and formation. We are counting on the Lord’s loving response to the various unmet needs that have produced the situation: Homelessness for them and others. I wonder as I read further--Whose eyes need to be opened in order that the prisoners in our world, the homeless and others, may be brought from confinement and “from the dungeon of lives in darkness”? And what is my part in any of this? My individual piece and my piece as a member of my community? I picture Jesus in today’s Gospel as comfortable yet apprehensive. He is dining with Lazarus, his close friend whom He brought back to life. Yet Judas raises a fuss about the use of expensive oils on Christ’s feet, as a waste of money. And another source of foreboding is that the chief priests were plotting to kill Lazarus because his being alive was bearing positive witness to the power of Jesus. Many in power feared that and were threatened by it. The forces for Christ and against Him are lining up. How will we pray with Jesus during these days of Holy Week? Where will we take our place as these events are laid out for us? As I reflect on sides, I see that Christ has aligned Himself with the folks that I met last Friday. I have a lot to pray about and you may, too. For more information about Project Homeless Connect and hosting a similiar event in your community, click here. |