Reflections: March 2020

A sermon preached at Kowloon Union Church on Sunday 29 March 2020, the fifth Sunday in Lent, by Dr. Hope S. Antone. The scripture readings that day were Ezekiel 37:1-14; John 11:1-45.

Dear God, as we reflect on your word today, may the words of my mouth and the thoughts of our hearts bring us closer to you. Amen.

“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” These words speak of the great love of two sisters, Martha and Mary, for their brother Lazarus. There is great sadness and grief though in these words, for they had sent a message to Jesus saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” They must have hoped that Jesus would respond quickly to their call for help.

I think we can identify with the sisters. We can easily replace the word ‘brother’ with sister, or mother, or father, or any loved one who has died. We can also rephrase the whole statement to say, “Lord, where were you when I needed you most? Then I wouldn’t have fallen ill, met an accident, failed an exam, messed up a relationship, or lost a job.” These are some ideas that naturally come to mind when we look upon God as our refuge, helper, healer, and savior.

During this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, many can relate to this story. And perhaps we are not just thinking of our own loved ones. We are thinking of those infected and those who are vulnerable to the virus because we are worried that we might be infected, too. We are thinking of those directly dealing with the outbreak, the frontliners as we call them. They include the medical personnel attending to the sick; those cleaning and disinfecting equipment and facilities; those serving/delivering food and needed supplies; those transporting people; those collecting/disposing the garbage, and what have you. We have realized that whatever happens to one member of the community affects everyone. We are all connected; we are one family.

“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” These words also reflect the sisters’ frustration and disappointment in Jesus. After all, the family of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, was very close to Jesus. They had great expectation that he would quickly respond to their need. But after Jesus got their message, he simply said, “This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” And he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. How could he delay his coming in the face of their urgent need?

During this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, we also have to deal with various delays – delay in finding treatment or vaccine; delay in the replenishments of stocks of new necessities, like surgical masks, hand sanitizers, even toilet paper; delay, postponement or cancellation of work schedules and travel plans; uncertainty about when we can get back to our normal life. We may be feeling tired of being holed up in tiny apartments, of missing our precious day-off, and of just not being “in control” of our lives.

Can we imagine Jesus saying, “This illness (Covid-19) does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it”? Yet every day we hear of more infections, more deaths.

We know from experience that certain illnesses could lead to death. This Covid-19 is the new addition to the list. We also know that finite as we are, our physical existence will, at some point, come to an end. But I think that coming to terms with the reality of death enables us to turn our illnesses into vessels of grace, thereby glorifying God.

A story has been told about two men who shared a hospital room in the Jefferson Memorial Hospital. Vincent, the man whose bed was near the room’s only window, was not doing well after a lung removal. He was made to sit up for an hour each afternoon to help him drain fluid from his lung. Parker, the man away from the window, had to lie flat on his back because of severe dislocation resulting from an accident. The two men, without really getting close to each other, bonded well and shared stories about life, job, family, and experiences in the war. One day, while Vincent was propped up, he started describing the things he could see outside the window. Each day he told a different story about the lovely park with ducks playing, children sailing their model boats, young lovers walking arm in arm, and even a parade passing by.

One afternoon, a nurse found that Vincent had died peacefully, about 30 minutes earlier. Parker grieved the death of his roommate. How he missed his vivid descriptions of the view outside the window. Hoping to have a peek of the beautiful world outside, he asked to be moved to Vincent’s bed by the window. As soon as he was settled in his new bed, Parker painstakingly tried to take his first look at the world outside. To his surprise, he saw only a brick wall outside the window. [Source: “The Man by the Window,” by Harry Buschman]

Based on this story, I can say that Vincent must have come to terms with the reality of death so that he could turn his illness and his pain into vessels of grace for his roommate Parker. Vincent’s illness may have ended in his death, but his hopeful disposition had encouraged Parker about life.

This reminds me of Jesus’ own life. When he finally arrived at Bethany, he assured Martha that her brother would rise again. Martha, however, understood that resurrection would happen on the last day. So Jesus replied: “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” With Mary, Jesus wept, asked for where Lazarus’ body was laid, and performed the miracle of raising him to life.

The act of raising Lazarus to life is the sign pointing to what would soon happen to Jesus himself. The gospel according to John describes this act as the last straw that leads to Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. But just as Lazarus arose, Jesus would be resurrected for he is the source of resurrection and life. This sign of raising Lazarus is not a promise that believers would never experience death; or that all believers would be brought back to earthly life if they died. Rather, it is an assurance that, with Jesus, death is not a barrier to the life he offers. It is a demonstration that resurrection happens not only in the heavenly afterlife but also in the present earthly life.

The story in the book of Ezekiel (37:1-14) is a vivid illustration of the possibility of resurrection during the earthly life of a biblical Judean community. Their forced deportation to and exile in Babylon meant crises of physical suffering, communal identity, and faith. Uprooted from their homeland and deported to the enemy country, they lost the key symbols of their identity: Jerusalem, its temple, its people, and the Davidic monarchy. The vision of the valley of dry bones is not about a people who died physically. It is about a people who died spiritually because they lost hope, purpose and meaning in life. God is instructing the prophet Ezekiel to prophesy to these dried up bones so they would live again. God brought them out of their graves of hopelessness and despair, and put God’s spirit within them.

In a way this period of the Covid-19 pandemic is like being in the valley of dry bones. It is like walking through the darkest valley, the valley of the shadow of death.

Reflecting on this, Penny Aquino-Domogo, an Indigenous Filipino doctor, wrote: “God loves us. I am sure God did not send covid-19. But there’s a message in this global disease outbreak for all of us. The world needs to slow down and reflect on how we are living. Perhaps we have reached a breaking point. We cannot go on doing what we are doing. We have to rest at some point. We fight covid-19 by retreating, literally, just like the turtle. It’s been a long time that we have been out gallivanting, trampling on forests, diving into the deep seas, and dumping our wastes everywhere we go. Enough is enough! Mother Earth needs to breathe.”

As many have realized, healing from an illness always takes time. It is not instantaneous. There may be delays. Genuine healing requires that we don’t only heal the sickened part of our body, but that of our whole being. Genuine healing demands that we understand the root cause of the problem rather than just addressing its symptoms. Covid-19 is a stark reminder that something has gone wrong with the web of life, of which human beings are just a part.

Some say that when this will be over, life will not be the same again. We have seen inspiring videos and messages that during this time of lockdown and travel ban, the skies are clearer again; the dolphins can be seen in the canals again; the chirping of the birds seem louder again; the families are getting closer again. We hear of stories that the military in different countries are helping in the prevention and control of the outbreak, mobilizing their medical equipment and facilities for the treatment of the infected patients. This reminds me of another prophetic vision (Isaiah 2:4) of turning swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks. Perhaps leaders of nations should critically look into the current models of economic development they have been following; and to look for more sustainable models based on what truly matters – such as food and health.

For me, these realizations are some signs of the resurrection and life in the midst of today’s valley of dry bones, valley of the shadow of death. Let us claim and proclaim these signs. Let us participate and contribute in living out these signs of resurrection and life. In Christ’s name. Amen.

# posted by Kowloon Union Church : Sunday, March 29, 2020

Encountering Our Blindness

A sermon preached at Kowloon Union Church on Sunday 22 March, 2020, Fourth Sunday in Lent, by the Rev. Phyllis Wong. The scripture readings that day were Psalm 23; John 9:1-41.

Prayer:

Dear God, may Your Word guide us to reflect on our own blindness. Holy Spirit, come to open our eyes to see Christ, the light of the world. May we be transformed and live a life like Christ. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, our healer and redeemer. Amen.

In my social work training, I learnt a theory called ‘Johari window’ which is talking about communication and relationship with others. There are four zones in this window. The first zone is called ‘arena’ in which both I myself and others know; the second zone is called ‘hidden’ in which I myself know but other people do not know; the third zone is called ‘blind spot’ in which other people know but I don’t know or I don’t see it. The fourth zone is called ‘unknown’ in which both I myself and others do not know. In this zone, I think only God know.

We all have our own blind spot. The only difference is whether if we are aware of it and how much we wish to change. If we are honest, we would admit it. If we are reflective, we will understand it. If we are courageous and faithful, we will change it for the sake of love, for the sake of God.

The gospel story about Jesus’ healing of a man who was born blind and several conversations between the blind man and the Pharisees, between Jesus and the Pharisees, between the blind man and Jesus, between the Pharisees themselves, between the parents of the blind man and the Pharisees, are all interesting and rich for our reflection in life and faith. The texts are all worth taking more time to read and reflect for this week.

Encountering our blindness.

Today I have prepared four points to reflect together.

1^st reflection:

Jesus saw and came to the blind man. Jesus took the initiative to heal. God is always the first one to act. When the blind man was kicked out from the community by the Pharisees, again it was Jesus who come to him and make him see God face to face.

Take some time to reflect on these questions: do we see God coming to us or we too are absorbed in our own darkness and problem that we miss Jesus Christ, the Son of Man sent by God? Are we blind to God’s presence in our life?

2^nd reflection:

Jesus restored the sight of this man who was born blind. The healing process of this man was ‘he listened to Jesus’ instruction by going to the Siloam and washed his eyes.’ The healing was a mystery to this man. He experienced this miracle and yet he did not fully understand why and how it happened. What he did was to obey the words of Jesus and took action accordingly.

The blind man did not give up on himself after a long time of suffering – being blind and poor. He took part in the healing process. He did what he can.

Now take some time to reflect on these questions:

Are we blind to our own strength and not able to see we can make a difference in our life?

Would our broken life and broken world make us blind to the gift and strength in us? Are we blind to the grace of God when we are overwhelmed by the pain and suffering in life?

3^rd reflection:

When the blind man was questioned again and again about his healing, he was not blind to his conscience. He spoke the truth to the Pharisees that he was healed by the man called Jesus. He was even so brave to respond to the authorities in a sarcastic way - “why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” He further discussed faith and theology with the religious leaders about sin and defended Jesus Christ was not a sinner. The Pharisees condemned Jesus for not abiding to Law as he healed the blind man on Sabbath day. The response of the blind man really led him into trouble as he was removed from his community.

Let us spend time to reflect on the below:

Are we blind to our honesty and to the truth when we are challenged and threatened by people who are in higher position and power? Do I have the courage to speak the truth for the sake of justice and human dignity when it is needed?

4^th reflection

In the healing story toward the end (9:39-41), Jesus said, "I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind." Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, "Surely we are not blind, are we?" Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, 'We see,' your sin remains.

The statement Jesus said to the Pharisees is in a way to challenge and to enlighten them to reflect. The Pharisees were self-righteous and not reflective at all of themselves and the situation.

The Pharisees were more concerned about human traditions and religious rules. They cared about their status and religious authority. They had no compassion to the people who were suffering from illness and live in poverty. In this regard, they were blind at their heart but they were not aware at all. Jesus said their sin remains because they have missed the point, a very important point - that is God, that is Love and Compassion to others. According to the Greatest Commandment, it is to love God and our neighbours as ourselves that matter.

The Pharisees were blind to their self-righteousness and arrogance. As religious leaders, they were blind spiritually. As Christians we have to be aware of our blindness in faith.

Let us reflect:

Is there any area in our life we are blind to see the needs of others but only our own judgement?

Is there any encounter with family and friends we wish to prove ourselves right and they are wrong, and we end up to be self-righteous and spiritually blind?

In Lent, as we are encountering our inner struggles and darkness, and reminded to turn to the love of God, we need to honestly encounter with our own blindness within. We need to seek Christ of his light to open our eyes to see and guide us to a new vision to live and serve.

Christ, the light of the World and the Lord our Shepherd offers to us great promise in the confrontation of our blindness and lead us to see the new vision. In our very unsettled world now as we are facing tremendous threat and fear from the global crisis of Covid – 19 , the message shared by Pope Francis on St Patrick’s Day on 17 March, is a great inspiration enfolded to us for a new vision we have to work out in our life, in our church and in our world. I would conclude my sermon by reading it to you.

“Rivers do not drink their own water;

trees do not eat their own fruit;

the sun does not shine on itself and

flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves.

Living for others is a rule of nature.

We are all born to help each other.

No matter how difficult it is…

Life is good when you are happy;

but much better when others are happy because of you.

Let us all remember then that

every changing colour of a leaf is beautiful

and every changing situation of life is meaningful,

both need very clear vision.

So do not grumble or complain,

let us instead remember that

Pain is a sign that we are alive,

Problems are a sign that we are strong and

Prayer is a sign we are not alone!!

If we can acknowledge these truths and

condition our hearts and minds,

our lives will be more meaningful, different and worthwhile!!”

Amen!

# posted by Kowloon Union Church : Sunday, March 22, 2020

“Erasing Boundaries”

A sermon preached at Kowloon Union Church on Sunday 15 March 2020, Third Sunday in Lent, by Timothy Chan. The scripture readings that day were Exodus 17:1–7, John 4:5–42.

Good morning friends here in KUC, and to those who are worshipping with us through facebook. The Gospel reading we heard this morning is an unusual encounter between a Jewish man and a Samaritan woman, it’s not a story of condemnation or discrimination, but a story of transformation and affirmation. Before we take a closer look into the scripture, let’s pray:

God of all gender and all color, fill us with your living water, and let us have this encounter with you so that our life would be transformed and filled with new purpose. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

1 Jesus and his disciples were traveling from Judea to Galilee, and they had to pass through Samaria. About noon time, Jesus was tired and was sitting by the well, a well which their ancestor Jacob has left for them. Then a Samaritan woman came, Jesus was thirsty, and he asked the woman to give him a drink. The woman was surprised because of his gender and race. Jesus changed the dynamic of the conversation, from being the one who asked for water, he offered the woman to drink this living water which he can give, a spring of water gushing up to eternal life. Jesus somehow knew what this woman was craving for is more than physical need, he saw her spiritual need too. The woman, at that moment, realized he is not an ordinary man. She took a brave move, said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.”

In this conversation, we can find a lot of boundaries being removed, and positions being subverted. First of all, Jesus was breaking the tradition in order to speak to this woman. In the Biblical time, the Jews treated Samaritan as an inferior tribe which they have lost their pure tradition of faith, that’s why they don’t even interact with them. From the reaction of the woman and his disciples, we know it would be scandalous for a man with such high respect to interact with a foreign lady alone. However, Jesus broke that boundary to talk to her, not only he was talking to her, he was asking this woman for something. Jesus appeared to her as a vulnerable person, with a need. All over the Gospel readings, we read about Jesus feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and casting out demons, but he approached this lady with a need. On the other hand, this lady, who is a foreign woman, who has to draw water in the most unfavorable time, despised by the Jewish community, has something to give. The Son of God asked for water, and the marginalized woman had something to offer.

In our society today, we also see a lot of boundaries, let it be gender, racial, religious, socio-economic, or political view. According to some sociologists, these boundaries are created to help the society to allocate resources. In traditional Chinese culture, girls are not encouraged to pursue education, as resources are limited, families couldn’t afford to send all the kids to school. Gender, then has become a deciding factor of how the resources are allocated. This kind of example can be found in our society quite easily. More and more boundaries are created by the powerful to consolidate the uneven resources distribution, some are visible, and some are not. But in the face of boundaries, Jesus chose to look beyond it. While people are seeing the woman as a Samaritan woman with indecent history and bad reputation, Jesus does not look at her religious tradition, gender, or race, but he sees her yearning for the living water. Regardless of her background, Jesus offered this previous gift to her.

Today, as we are taking this spiritual journey in the Lenten season, can we come to God just as we are? To be truthful and open? Just as God has reached the Samaritan woman, disregarding the social taboos and boundaries, God would also reach to us, and find our thirst and need beyond these boundaries and masks we have. Let us be reminded this morning that our God “does not see as mortals see; we look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

2 After the woman said yes to the living water, then Jesus asked her to bring her husband. Then we learned about her having five husbands in the past. Interestingly, both of them did not elaborate and dwell in this topic. You know it can be a juicy topic, “why you had 5 husbands”, and “how did you ended up like this”, blah blah blah. After recognizing Jesus is a prophet, they just moved on and started talking about where to worship and the coming of Messiah. The woman questioned where should be the right place to worship, and Jesus was telling her the “true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth”. Later, Jesus revealed his identity as the coming Messiah to her.

Many people would focus on this woman’s private life and her past but missed the fact that she could stay in this theological conversation with Jesus that long. The questions she raised were right to the point, and she could even follow what Jesus said. Compared to the story we read last week, Nicodemus, as a learned Pharisee, was confused by Jesus’ answer. This Samaritan woman shows more potential in understanding God. For me, I don’t think she is as bad as many people think she is. Just because someone had five husbands, it does not mean all her other qualities are to be dismissed. Jesus did not even say something like “go and do not sin again”. Jesus made no judgement or comment on her past relationships. And by adding and saying nothing to her private life, he demonstrated to the woman that he is not like the others who would identify her by her marital status, nor he is taking advantage of her history.

Today, even though we have been celebrating Women’s day for over 100 years, our society is still judging women based on their marital status. In Hong Kong, a friend of mine is warned that it is not recommended to have children if she is serving in the church as a pastor. No matter how much you want to serve God or how devoted you are, some churches and people would judge you because of your private life. Not only marital status, it can be your sexual orientation, racial and cultural background. But Jesus said to this woman “when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him.” God does not mind if you are woman or man, gay or straight, rich or poor. We all have our past and struggles, some of them are really dark and embarrassing, that you cannot even forgive yourself or move on, but that does not deny your love for God and desire to connect with God. We are not called to worship God with guilt and shame. As we read last week “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

God is seeking those who worship in spirit and truth, and the truth is that the love of God is breaking the walls that divide and judge. This will always be the motto of KUC, “where all are one”. By saying “where all are one” we are not erasing the stories and uniqueness of our community, but we are erasing the boundaries which separated us and categorized us. Jesus is aware of the Jewish tradition, as well as the Samaritan tradition, but instead of judging which is better or more correct, the radical love of God is transcending the differences. This is how we can keep and maintain our own identity, but at the same time, be united in the love of God which is superior to our own boundaries and identities. As we read last week “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

3 At the end, this woman, foreign, marginalized, and had a complicated relationship history has become an evangelist. In verse 28 it reads “Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?” and in verse 39, it says “Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I have ever done.” The source of shame has become this powerful testimony to proclaim Jesus. While the disciples were still puzzling over what they had seen and struggled to understand what Jesus said about harvesting, sower and reaper, the gospel was spread through the Samaria because of this woman.

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The slogan this year is “Each for Equal”, “An Equal World is an Enabled World”. For me, as an Asian male in Hong Kong, it is very difficult for me to fully understand what challenges and difficulties women are facing over the world. I am also reminded in my feminist theology class that even the experience of women can be very diverse. The challenges faced by women in different contexts can be varied. Some of the challenges are life-threatening, some of them are more subtle. Some of them are multi-layered, like this Samaritan woman we read this morning. However, this unexpected encounter with Jesus has changed her life. She might not be equal with the male disciples of Jesus, for what she has done has already transcended the boundaries of gender itself and could not be judged in the light of gender. All she did was to be true to her own experience and express her love and worship to God with her true self.

As Christians, we are reminded that women and men are both created in the image of God, that we are called to live a life to be like Christ, to live our life to its fullness and to glorify God. The world might have given us a lot of different identities, some of them could be really nice, like scholars, environmentalists, human right activists, or feminists. Good or bad, God will find us just as we are and invite us to respond the same way. Like the woman, our life will be transformed, and to be charged with new mission and meaning. With this living water of God which will become in us a spring of water gushing up to eternal life, we will have this vitality to achieve the unthinkable with Jesus. I pray that we would all find this well in our heart and let this encounter with Jesus change our life. Amen.

# posted by Kowloon Union Church : Sunday, March 15, 2020

“Lenten Encounters”

A sermon preached at Kowloon Union Church on Sunday 1 March, 2020, First Sunday in Lent, by the Rev. Phyllis Wong. The scripture readings that day were Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7; Mark 4:1-11.

Opening Prayer

Holy Spirit, come to open our heart to receive the Word. May we be inspired and transformed by your living Word O God. In Christ’s name we pray, amen.

Today is the 1^st Sunday of Lent. Ash Wednesday last week has kicked off the Lent season which lasts for 40 days until Easter Sunday. Every year in KUC and in churches all over the world, Lent has been highlighted as a special season for Christians to reflect and renew our faith and life as we remember the pain, suffering and death of Jesus Christ in his earthly journey before we celebrate his resurrection in Easter.

The church Worship Advisory Group fixed the theme of Lent this year as “Lenten Encounters”.

Lenten Encounters. What and how?

In early February when the city was in a bit of panic with the coronavirus outbreak and many people queued up to buy masks, within two weeks, the church received 2000 masks donated by a few generous people from our own congregation and outside for the grassroots and under-privileged like the refugees and asylum seekers. A dentist next door did not only donate masks, he and his nurses even came to the church to produce hand sanitizers for our refugee community last week. A German Church pastor and a member also came to distribute masks to the refugee families at the same time. With all these generous donations, we end up having extra to share with other churches and Christian organizations who are serving the needy such as the cleaning workers, ethnic minorities, single parents and elderly people.

In the past month since the coronavirus started, a few church members and friends have kept asking me if our church needs masks and hand sanitizers etc for the asylum seekers and refugees whom we are pastoring.

(A member from our church shared with me that she took extra masks to the streets. When she saw anyone especially the senior without a mask, she would give a few pieces to him or her for sharing.) In a health crisis like this, I see the beauty of human love. I am touched by these people who are demonstrating love in a very concrete way.

In actions of kindness no matter how small it seems to be, we encounter God, the Love.

In actions of sharing, we encounter God, the Generous Giver.

Lenten Encounter

Lent is a time God calls for repentance of all Christians.

Repentance is turning to God and refocusing our life in God.

Lent is a season we go through a process to nurture our spiritual life and faith in God through Jesus.

In Lent, Christians are encouraged to be more conscious in practicing spiritual disciplines.

One of the spiritual disciplines is giving.

I therefore encourage you to encounter God through your generous giving and services for those in need.

This year, the church has prepared almsgiving box for you to take home. You may put your money in the box. This money could be the saving after you skip a meal or purchase less for yourself or simply just make an additional giving. This giving will be given to people in need of help and we will collect the box on Easter Sunday. If you need one, please let us know. You may prepare your own box which is bigger!

To give is not just about money, it could be in the form of care and service. We may call up or WhatsApp family members and friends to share our love and concern. It is in particular meaningful if you go to be in touch with good friends you have not contacted for a long time or to be present for those who have special needs for care in this time. To offer service for individuals, churches or organizations in need is also something good to consider as a spiritual practice of giving.

By doing so, we may encounter God, the Relations, who cares for relationships and always serve his people.

Another spiritual discipline is fasting. It is to impose some constraints to overcome our biological desires. The traditional practice is to skip meals by just drinking water or no intake of meat.

In modern days, people try different creative ways of fasting, like taking no coffee or chocolate. I just heard about one way of fasting by using less plastic bags. This year I plan to select 40 items from home that are in good condition to be given out to people who may appreciate and benefit from it. My purpose of this practice is to fast from greed and possessions which are such great temptations in our human world. By sharing of personal belongings, I try to encounter the Creator God who loves all creatures and calls us to be stewards to care for others including nature.

Apart from giving and fasting, prayer is another key spiritual discipline in Lent. Jesus spent 40 days and nights with God in the wilderness. Prayer is being with God, listen to the Word and let our heart be opened to God. It is an important inner journey that allows the Spirit to guide and transform us to be more like Christ, and be in union with God.

Prayer in Lent is to examine our darkness and inner struggles within ourselves. These inner darkness and struggles are the temptations that hinder us to be fully present with God and they distract us from focusing our life and service to God.

In looking deeply to our inner self through prayer, we may address our hurts and wounds, our mistakes and guilt, our worries and fears, our failures and disappointment. By doing so, we may encounter the God of compassion and wholeness. Through Jesus Christ, by his grace and courage, we may receive forgiveness and healing.

In deep prayer, we may find our true self and have more clarity in our motivation including our acts of fasting and giving. In deep prayer, we may better understand ourselves. The more we know ourselves, the more we know God.

I would highly recommend a spiritual resource for your daily devotional called “Pray as you go” & go to our church Facebook for materials we adopt from Seasons of the Spirit as we journey together in Lent.

The gospel account on temptations Jesus Christ encountered with the devil enlightens us with these reflections:

1) Affirm our identity as God’s beloved children who are good intrinsically. The devil challenged Jesus twice, if you are the Son of God. Quite some times, we doubt our identity being God’s children and we tried to prove ourselves. No, we don’t have to prove our identity. We are made in God’s holy image, fully human and fully divine like Jesus Christ. Very true, we have our limitations and vulnerability as human beings. And yet God loves us and treasures our obedience to His words, our trust in His Love and our focus to His Service. Be with God by reconciling the broken relationship is our calling as long as we live.

2) Through Jesus, we are given the power to overcome temptations which are part of our life realities. We don’t have to avoid temptation but to take it and confront it with courage and responsibility like Jesus. Remember, the Spirit and angels led by God are always there with us. So, we have the ability to respond in God’s way.

3) Jesus’ wisdom and determination to overcome temptations has given us this assurance: for anyone who is committed to follow him is able to transcend humanity to divinity, and at the same time to transform selfish ego to selfless service for the glory of God.

4) Jesus was able to overcome temptation in the wilderness but his struggles and suffering did not end there. In Lent, we will continue to travel with Jesus to his passion and witness his victorious resurrection in Easter.

Lenten Encounter: What and How?

Sisters and brothers, are you ready to take up the challenge of suffering together with Jesus? Are you prepared to receive Christ’s saving grace of eternal life as our Lenten Encounters together?

Lenten Encounter: Jesus Christ is waiting to encounter you in His Love. Amen!

# posted by Kowloon Union Church : Sunday, March 01, 2020

Reflections...

Lord, if you had been here

Encountering Our Blindness

“Lenten Encounters”

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