What’s Springing Forth?

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The image you see provides us with a focus for our Lenten journey, here at our Sinsinawa Motherhouse.  It points us to that powerful story in John’s Gospel, where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.  Lazarus had been in the cave for 4 days! “By now there must be a stench” Martha, his sister remarked to Jesus, when He called Lazarus forth and commanded those around to unbind him and set him free.
As I juxtapose this image against the changing images of nature I view from my window, I am filled with jubilant hope!  Winter is giving way to Spring.  The sun is rising earlier, the days are getting longer, the snow is melting from the trees and seeping into the earth.  And we have no part in this! 
The earth bound up under layers of snow benefits from the snow as it melts.  The very thing that holds earth bound, unbinds, moistening and softening the soil in the process making it ready for the sowing of new seeds. 
When Martha doubted, Jesus remarked: “Did I not say if you believe you will see the glory of God?”
What binds you? What’s springing forth?  Do you believe it will?

Gail Jagroop OP
Sinsinawa, WI

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