Lent 2017: Turn My Heart of Stone into a Heart of Flesh
Lenten meditation
Friday, March 24
Mark 12:28-34
It is more important to obey these two commandments than to offer other sacrifices to God.
The West Tennessee Haiti Partnership has just returned from another successful medical mission. Given this year’s Lenten theme of turning our hearts of stone into hearts of flesh, I do not know how anyone who has spent time at St. Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children would not have their hearts quickly converted from stone to flesh the moment one stepped through the door.
These children, some with multiple physical challenges along with being orphans have nothing to call their own except the vision of a better life patterned after the legacy of Sister Joan, the founder, who sought out truly the least of the least of God’s children.
Yet in their extreme poverty, their gifts to each other and to us, fills our hearts of flesh to the bursting point. Is this not what our Lord and Savior did, just by standing in his presence? Jesus had nothing the world considered valuable but what he had, he gave it all to us.
When we are given everything these children have to offer and we in turn give them a few days out of our year, our time, our talent, and our treasure, how can we return to our lives in the States and not seek with prayer and determination to change other hearts of stone we encounter by our children’s example given so freely to us without any reservation? Please join us on an upcoming mission trip. You do not have to be a medical person but beware! You will be changed when you enter our Cathedral for Children.
Friday, March 24, 31, and April 7
Stations of the Cross, 6 pm, Cathedral Nave
Sunday, March 26 & April 2
Why did Jesus Die? Adult formation, 10 am, Martyrs Hall
March 26-the Rev. Noah Campbell
April 2-the Rev. Canon Chip Davis
Friday, March 31
8:30 am-Lenten trip series: Shiloh Battlefield
Meet in St. Mary’s parking lot on Friday, March 31 at 8:30 am- General Grant and Colonel Lindstrom will be our guides as we make our way to the historic battlefield. The opportunity for a tour this detailed and personal is rare..don’t miss it! Cost of $25 includes transportation and boxed lunch. Space is limited so reserve right away: [email protected]
Tuesday, April 4
8:30 am-Lenten trip series: Civil Rights Museum
Meet in front of the Lorraine Motel at 9 am on Tuesday, April 4. This day marks the 49th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination. We will tour the museum then have lunch afterward nearby. Bring $15 for museum admission and lunch.
For full schedule of Lenten offerings, trips, formation classes, Holy Week schedule, clergy articles and more:
Lent 2017 brochure