Pray, Fast, Give: Fourth Sunday of Lent

Fourth Week of Lent: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

This week, we encounter the familiar story of the Prodigal Son who experiences the abundant and unconditional love of his father. Jesus tells this story to illustrate the depth of God’s love for us. Wherever we are, God is ready to meet us and invite us into a deeper, more intimate relationship. Like the father in today’s Gospel, God doesn’t just wait for us to come, but runs out to meet us with welcoming arms and great joy. And, like the Prodigal Son, we can be changed and transformed by this love.

Welcoming God,

Thank you for your steadfast love and ready forgiveness.

Help me to recognize that you are always waiting for me to turn or return to you.

Show me the way to share this same mercy and love with those around me.

Amen.

Sometimes it’s easier to identify with the steadfast but resentful brother in the story of the Prodigal Son. We are set in our ways and sure of our truth. Perhaps we need to fast from these thoughts. If, instead, we feast on the abundant love of God, how are we changed and transformed? An excerpt of this beautiful take on Lenten Fasting and Feasting by W.A. Ward may help.

Fast from judging others; Feast on the Christ dwelling in them.

Fast from emphasis on differences; Feast on the unity of life.

Fast from bitterness; Feast on forgiveness.

Fast from self-concern; Feast on compassion for others.

Fast from personal anxiety; Feast on eternal truth.

Fast from discouragements; Feast on hope.

One of Solidarity Bridge’s taglines is Life-Changing Surgery: Transformative Mission. We understand that at its heart, mission is about transformation for all who are involved - lives transformed through needed and previously inaccessible surgery; a health system transformed through enhanced equipment and teaching; and missioners transformed as they encounter and build relationships with Bolivian colleagues, patients and families.

Volunteers - those who travel as missioners or volunteer in the US - are the heart and soul of Solidarity Bridge. They give generously of their time, talent, and resources in healing partnership with the people of Bolivia. Their actions and experiences transform their own lives and the lives of others. We’d love to have you join us!