Fr. Steve’s updates

Jesus prayed those words on the cross, and they sound so full of agony. But, when you read the entire psalm, after deep and honest soul searching the psalmist comes to a deeper trust of God.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Palm Sunday, and the readings focused on the Passion. The 22nd  Psalm, used as a Response, stood out most for me – “My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?”

Jesus prayed those words on the cross, and they sound so full of agony. But, when you read the entire psalm, after deep and honest soul searching the psalmist comes to a deeper trust of God.

When we’re sick or in trouble, it’s OK to bring our groaning and frustration before the Lord. And God can turn our cries into an experience of letting go and letting God.

God can turn our cries into an experience of letting go and letting God

Reflecting on the experience here, there is plenty of goodness, kindness and beauty, which helps. Yet, each day, I face the reality of the cancer and a serious surgery eventually coming up.

Like the passion, it’s ultimately about dying and rising. The cancerous part of me must die before new and healthy cells can be reborn.

On the spiritual side, Lent reminds us that we all have parts of ourselves that must die in order to produce new life – the self-centeredness and laziness, those areas where we are tempted and sin. That’s what I’ve been most aware of on this journey of 40 days and beyond.

Author: St. Joseph's Indian School

At St. Joseph's Indian School, our privately-funded programs for Lakota (Sioux) children in need have evolved over 90 years of family partnership, experience and education. Because of generous friends who share tax-deductible donations, Native American youth receive a safe, stable home life; individual counseling and guidance; carefully planned curriculum based on Lakota culture and individual student needs and tools to help build confidence, boost self-esteem and improve cultural awareness. All of this helps children to live a bright, productive, possibility-filled future.

3 thoughts on “Fr. Steve’s updates”

  1. The strenght of your words are very moving today. Thanks for the great message. As always rest, enjoy and be assured of my prayerful support!

  2. Dear Fr. Steve,
    I’ve been reading a lot of Henri Nouwen lately, particularly “The Road to Daybreak”.
    Daily devotions for Lent, “Christ Our Hope” has reflections from many of his texts. But “Daybreak” is special. You are special, just like him, caring hands on for those of us who are left in the margins of life.
    I’m touched by your entry today, “…letting go and letting God” Not an easy thing to do, but we keep on trying!
    You are in my prayers, constantly.

  3. Yes, always a meaningful message from you. You give soo much..and I am always waiting to grab what you offer..!
    Thnk you..
    Mia and Bob

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