Monday, the MBS Faculty and Staff started a Lenten prayer group. The reflection was entitled “A Cleansing and Renewing Flood.” It focused on Jesus’ crucifixion and spoke of how blood and water are alike – they both can be a sign of destruction and they both can be life-giving. After reading the reflection and taking a few moments to ponder it, the group shared the following thoughts.
First, several of our faculty were affected by the 2016 flood or the floods following Hurricane Katrina. In the consumer driven society of today where acquiring things seems important, the floods helped them to realize that stuff is stuff and though difficult, the situations helped them to focus on what is truly important – faith and family.
The second was a reflection on water and how it is a symbol of Baptism. In our world, we often go long stretches without hearing any affirmations. It can take its toll on a person. However, if we think of our Baptisms every day we realize that it is Jesus who is life-giving and that His Grace is what cleanses us and creates a new spirit within us allowing us to greet each day anew with a positive outlook.
I always find it uncanny how God can speak to me through prayer and reflection and this one spoke loudly. As we journey through lent let us remember that without Jesus’ death, we’d have no Baptism, no Communion.
“
Lord, flood us anew each day with your cleansing and renewing power. Amen”
Excerpts from The Saving Passion – Lenten Devotions by Henri Nouwen
In Christ,
Cheri Gioe
