Compiled by: Georgeanne Falstrom, Intern
PARISH LAY MINISTRY ACADEMY
TABLE OF CONTENTS

FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2006
(Daily Readings: Psalm 22, 141 & 143; Exod. 9:13-35; 2 Cor. 4:1-12; Mark 10:32-45)


“A LIFE AND DEATH ISSUE"
By: Carol Court

We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:10-12

My daughter says I try to philosophize everything, and maybe she’s right. Of course, that may be her way of saying I lecture too much. Either way, I have had a sort of philosophy about my faith for the last couple of years. And that’s all it is, because it has never really been tested. It goes like this: “I don’t fear death, I fear life, and that’s worse.”

Maybe because I saw my parents and grandparents grow old, get sick and suffer before they died, I always thought of their dying as passing into a much-deserved and longed-for rest. I knew they had strong relationships with Christ so, for them, I saw only everlasting peace and joy in the arms of our Father. But so many people die every day “before their time.” Parents with young children, even young children and babies pass away and it seems so unfair. Maybe they weren’t sick or suffering, but alive and vibrant, bringing joy and energy to those around them. It is tragic when they die and leave such a void. But is it tragic for them, or for those left behind to suffer and struggle to live their life? Sometimes the grieving throw themselves into work or whatever busy-ness they can find, just to avoid the pain. Often they become so immersed they cut themselves off from anything that once mattered to them.

I’m not grieving or suffering, but that’s what I fear just the same--the mess and struggle of everyday living. I fear getting so caught up with the details of life—the responsibilities and commitments to family, church and community—that I’m cutting myself off from Christ’s real purpose for my life. I fear that, in my fervor to be useful, I over-commit and take on more than I can effectively handle. Pile on a little guilt, worry and stress, and that’s it. I am like Martha, Lazarus and Mary’s sister (Luke 10). I am more concerned with getting things done. I don’t want to be Martha, I want to be Mary. I want to open my eyes and see that the peace and joy of an everlasting life with Christ is mine now. I need to sit quietly at Jesus’ feet and listen to his voice, and reconnect to what matters. I need to release my fear and remember Christ is both my strength in life and my salvation from death.

Prayer: Merciful Lord, We praise your name, thanking you for your many blessings, especially for those we have loved who are now in your tender care. Strengthen our faith that life through Christ will be at work in us until the day we are all reunited in glory, and help us to remember your peace and comfort are never more than a prayer away.