Lent 2013

John 1:29-32

The Lamb of God

29 The next day he saw Jesus coming towards him and declared, ‘Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! ³⁰This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” ³¹I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.’ ³²And John testified, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him.

Unlike John the baptist I did not see Jesus coming but today I buried ashes of 4 members of the church I am serving.  3 of them I actually got to know, visited them in their hospital rooms, at homes and 2 of them I prayed with/for.  I felt humbled, honored and privilledged to be the one who burried their ashes in the memorial garden of the Church.  Of course 2 elders helped me.  Every time I say, " ashes to ashes, dust to dust" I am reminded of how I am made and where I am going.  I become aware of my own mortality, how much a dependent I am of God, and my need for God's mercy, love and forgiveness.  My faith in God is renewed, my heart is made glad, my mind humbled.  That's what I need.  I thank God for this.  

Lord have mercy upon me for I am a sinner. In Jesus' name. Amen.