We are once again witnessing rain here in Southern California, which is great for the natural world and especially for the Garden Church. Last Friday, I heard so many positive and uplifting comments from people during Open Garden time about how clean and green everything is. The vegetables and fruit are also looking vibrant.
In this Second Sunday in the Season of Lent, we take a closer look at how Jesus helps to bind people together in community with one another. For anyone who has come through the gates during Open Garden or other events knows firsthand, The Garden Church is a radically open space where all are welcome. We not only demonstrate hospitality, we also hold people in compassionate relationship, especially through challenging times. Our Gospel reading this week sheds spiritual light on a parable that Jesus uses for God’s love for all of us that embraces us with tenacious love. A love that is fierce, and loyal, and personal. The reading below from the Gospel of Luke describes this love as a mother hen gathers her little ones, her brood, under her protective wings. Come as you can for Sunday Worship.
Luke 13:31-35 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'"
Blessings,
Rev. Dave
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