Tuesday, April 9
Today’s Prayer and Reflection:
When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am. (John 8:28)
When Moses lifted up the bronze serpent, the people who gazed on it saw two things. First, they got a graphic look at their own sins. Grumbling, blaming, and complaining are as deadly as serpents. They slither their way between people and interfere with God’s ability to take care of them. Second, they got a look at God’s mercy. Whoever looked at the bronze serpent was instantly healed.
In the same way, when we gaze at Jesus lifted up on the cross, we see ourselves and Jesus more clearly.
Looking at the cross, we can see ourselves as capable of wounding people by our indifference, our selfishness, and our pride. We see that we can be like Pilate as we wash our hands of responsibility for the needy. We are the soldiers mistreating the people we don’t respect. We are the mob, easily swayed by the fad or feeling of the moment, rejecting anyone who seems out of step. We are the would-be followers running away at the first sign of trouble. We are the faithful friends, helpless and disconsolate, immobilized by fear. We see how our own actions have caused the pain that Jesus is experiencing as he hangs on the cross, suffering for our sins. But that’s not all. Gazing at the cross, we also see a God who became man because he loves us. We see Jesus looking at each of us with great tenderness and compassion. We hear him promising forgiveness and eternal life to anyone who turns to him in repentance. We see a Messiah who loves us unconditionally, who loves us enough to endure and conquer not only our sins but death itself.
Spend some time in front of a crucifix today, either at home or in church. Don’t worry about whether you have anything to say to Jesus. Just kneel there, and gaze at him in wonder and gratitude. Have the courage to look at whatever he reveals about yourself, but don’t stop there. Keep on gazing until you feel his love driving out your sin and bringing you into the presence of Jesus, your brother and Redeemer.
“Thank you, Lord, for loving me enough to be lifted up on the cross.”
Reprinted with permission of The Word Among Us, 7115 Guilford Dr #100, Frederick, MD 21704, wau.org.
Today’s Announcements:
★ Happy Birthday to Conner Smith!!
★ Prom t-shirt orders are due today, please turn in your order form and $15 to Mrs. Edwards or Mrs. Collier in the front office. If you have any questions please see Mrs Tavel.
★ The Science Honor Society will begin meeting this week to plan the May blood drive. The meetings will have two options: Tuesday mornings in room 201 or Tuesday afternoons in room 202. This week we will be brainstorming themes and committee signups. Remember that your attendance is required for a Science Honor Society cord. Also, the red cord verification forms are available with Mrs.Worrel and Mrs. Lawson. Verification forms are due no later than May 5.
★ Congratulations to Sydney Thornton. She competed in the annual Harrison County student art competition against approximately 80 other students. She was awarded second place honors.
★ The Easter Egg Hunt planned for this Saturday has been cancelled as there are no children at the shelter!!! This is great news.
★ Those who are running for student council officer may start hanging posters today in the cafeteria only, all posters MUST be taken down by the end of day Thursday.