The Fifth Week of Lent
In preparation for this reflection, I read over the scripture readings for the fifth week of Lent. Two readings, in particular, spoke to me. The first reading was the story of Susanna and the second the Annunciation to Mary that she was to become the Mother of Jesus. Both were God-fearing women. The law of God had been taught to them and I believe had taken root in their receptive hearts. This left them open to God’s plans for them. Both women had to make crucial decisions that would deeply impact their lives. The decisions they made could have resulted in their deaths. Susanna and Mary chose to be faithful and trust God in their decision-making. This took deep faith and courage. God used the prophet, Daniel, to prove Susanna’s innocence and Joseph’s dreams to affirm that Mary had done nothing wrong. They had each made the right decision. Their decisions were not just for their time but have been read, reflected on, and have inspired believers for thousands of years.
It seemed appropriate that I am finishing this reflection on International Women’s Day. As a pandemic weary pilgrim, I am both inspired and challenged by these women. I am reminded of God’s promise to give me a new heart and so I find myself praying for the grace of a heart open to possibility and the unknown and the trusting faith to make the right decisions in my life.
As individuals and as a congregation we are involved in the decision-making process. We are discerning what is emerging for us as individuals and a congregation. Some of us are considering if this is the time to let our names stand for leadership and all of us are preparing to make decisions about who will take on the role of congregational leadership and the direction the congregation will take into the future. May we all move forward in this time of decision-making with open, responsive hearts that will help us make the right decisions for our time, the dear neighbour, and all of God’s creation.
-Sister Lucy Godfrey, csj