Unclenched Hearts

This first week of Lent in my Mennonite faith community Mark 10:17-21 takes center stage  in our human drama.

21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

The rich young man who thinks he has done everything right is disappointed in Jesus’ response.  I would be too except that Jesus looks at me and loves me.

Imagine this sacred bowl as the womb of the divine.  Toss in all those grasping ego trips we hoard.  Keep digging down until you get them all, and then you will be poor of grasping and rich of spirit.

My bowl is ready.  My Lenten practice will be to root out the unhealthy ego manifestations that hold me in a death grip, write them down and toss them into my bowl.  At Easter they will become my whole burnt offering.

Peace to you friends,

Rita