Friday, March 29

Friday, March 29

Today’s Prayer and Reflection:

“Return, O Israel, to the Lord, your God. (Hosea 14:2)

The Book of Hosea can be especially moving for us: it portrays God’s relationship with Israel through Hosea’s heartbreaking marriage. Through Hosea’s stubborn love for his adulterous wife, God reveals his unchanging covenant love for unfaithful Israel. “Return to the Lord,” he pleads over and over again (Hosea 14:3).

Today, just as in Hosea’s time, God continues to plead with his people to come back to him. Since Lent is all about God’s call to come home, let’s listen for his voice in the words of Hosea.

You have collapsed through your guilt (Hosea 14:2). We all know how oppressive the burden of guilt can be. Even if we gloss over our offenses, unrepented sin can weigh us down like a heavy chain tangled around us. Sometimes we even carry guilt over sins we have already confessed. Still, our faithful God calls to us, Let me lift this weight that exhausts you and drags you down.

Take with you words (Hosea 14:3). God knows that the act of confessing our sins is the first step toward freedom. Naming them aloud is the best way to bring them into the light, where the Lord can free us. Isn’t this what happens in Confession? Our words of repentance have the power to unlock the chains that have dragged us down. It’s not always easy, though, to find the right words. But that doesn’t matter to the Lord. We can begin by saying, “Father, I have sinned” (Luke 15:21). Confess your sins, God implores. I am ready to forgive.

I will heal their defection (Hosea 14:5). This promise can give us the courage we need to return to God. Not only will he forgive us, but he will heal us of the urges and drives that cause us to sin. Every time we turn to him in Confession and encounter his love, our hearts melt a little bit more, and we find it a little bit easier to act out of love instead of selfishness. He cries out, Come and be healed!

Whether it has been a short while or many years since your last Confession, go. Go this weekend. Return to the Lord your God.

“Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

Reprinted with permission of The Word Among Us, 7115 Guilford Dr #100, Frederick, MD 21704, wau.org.

Today’s Announcements:

  • Happy Birthday to Claire Weatherly and Coach Camps! Celebrating a birthday this weekend are Emily Moran and Marie Seicshnaydre!
  • Remind your parents and relatives to buy tickets to our school fundraiser, Shamrockin’ the Coast, which is this Saturday night. We will be taking a fun trip to Margaritaville soon for those who buy or sell a ticket.
  • We will be meeting with sophomores and freshmen this morning to discuss scheduling for next year. Students, you will need your PowerSchool username and password before our meeting.
  • Seniors and juniors – as you know, prom is fast approaching and will be an excellent evening! We will begin selling prom tickets today. Tickets are $45 per person and may be purchased from Mrs. Collier or Mrs. Edwards in the front office by Tuesday. Also, prom will be held from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. – all students must arrive no later than 6:30 p.m. and must stay until at least 9:00 p. m. We would love for you to get the most out of this very special and memorable event! If you have any questions, please see Mrs. Tavel.  Also, if you would like to request an outside guest for prom, the completed form is due to Dr. Buckley by the end of the day today.
  • Seniors, graduation announcements have been delivered to the front office. If you ordered, please see Mrs. Collier to pick them up. If you missed the deadline to order also see Mrs. Collier for information.
  • The American Red Cross and Tradition Family YMCA are offering lifeguard classes during Easter Break. If you are 15 years or older and are interested, please pick up a flyer from the front desk.
  • Tickets for the spring musical Sister Act are on sale! Advance sales are $12.50 and tickets at the door are $15. Get your tickets from any cast member or Mrs. Trahan. The show opens on Friday, April 5, at 6:30 p.m. This year’s musical is going to be a sell-out, so get your tickets soon!
  • On Thursday, the fighting irish esports teams were all victorious in their matches. Stephen, Robert, and Dale led the way for their teams. The Gold team improved to a 3-0 record, while the Shamrocks are now 1-1 and the Luck are now 2-3.
  • In yesterday’s St. Patrick Invitational Track Meet the ladies took second place team trophy honors with 152 points, and the men took first place in team honors with 126 points. The top places/events will be forthcoming on Monday morning.
  • Class officer applications for the 2019-2020 school year are now available in the front office. Applications are due Monday, April 8, to Mrs. Buckley in room 200. There will be a short campaign rules meeting Monday, April 8, after school in room 200.