From the Pastor's Desk | March 22

Church Lighting
I’m sure you’ve noticed the lights above the sanctuary flickering.  It’s been quite annoying and has been that way since I arrived here in 2023.  At that time, Don Morgan had begun a project of switching the lights over to LED, but he ran into a bit of an issue with the spotlights above the sanctuary.  The bulbs were incompatible with the fixtures.  That should be rectified now.  Don, with the help of Mike Hull from Superior Electric, replaced the bulbs with ones that should be compatible with the fixtures thus solving the flickering problem.  Thank you Don, Mike, and the team from Superior Electric!  

Construction Project Update
The construction is moving forward, albeit slowly.  We ran into a couple of issues obtaining the building permit.  The first was a miscommunication between us and Meridian Township regarding our timeline.  We thought we were pretty clear that we wanted to begin the first week of March but the Township didn’t quite understand that.  So, the site review has taken a bit longer.  During the site review the Township also suggested some additional work which we are questioning if it is necessary or required.  So, we are working to resolve the issue.  This will move forward soon!  

Thank you to Don Morgan, Alan Olsen (Director of Building and Property Management, Diocese of Lansing), Nate Hebekeuser (Mayotte Architects), Jamie Corcoran (O’Neal Construction), and Kimberly Keefe for working through these issues.  
I also want to thank Tim Schmitt with Meridian Township for his patience with me!  Despite some conflicts throughout this process, Meridian Township has been quite good to work with.  
Diocesan Services Appeal (DSA)
Thank you to those who have already generously donated to this year’s campaign!  As I write this, I have yet to see the first report of the progress so I have no idea how much has been pledged, what our participation rate is, etc.  So, as we move through Lent, please prayerfully consider what you may be able to contribute and then make a pledge or donation.  You can do so via the QR code or using the envelopes in the pews.  

Gospel Reflection (John 11:1-45)
Here we are on the Fifth Sunday of Lent!  Next week we begin Holy Week as we eagerly anticipate Easter!

“I will open your graves and have you rise from them… I will put my spirit in you that you may live.”  Ezekiel is writing to the Jews who have been exiled by the Babylonians.  Israel was dead, defeated, ruined, and hopeless.  But, Ezekiel’s message is one of hope in future restoration and future life.  “I will put my spirit in you that you may live.”  

Our Gospel this weekend should be quite familiar to us here at St. Martha Parish and School.  It is the raising of Lazarus.  It’s quite a fascinating account.  And, one question I’ve always had was, why would Jesus wait two days - until his friend died - before going to see to him.  If it were you or me it seems that we would move heaven and earth to have been there.  And then, Jesus says something quite provocative, “Lazarus has died.  And I am glad for you that I was not there…”  What?!  

Jesus wasn’t afraid of death.  And, he certainly wasn’t afraid of Lazarus’ death.  Rather, he used the occasion to offer a foreshadowing into his own death and resurrection.  Interestingly, it’s this particular miracle that seals Jesus’ fate.

One of the most important things in this Gospel account that I think is worth pointing out is not necessarily the raising of Lazarus.  Rather, it is the suspicion of those around Jesus when he finally arrives in Bethany.  “Could not the one who opened the eyes of the blind man have done something so that this man would not have died?”  I love that this perturbed Jesus.  I don’t know why, so I need to pray into that a bit more…

When we look at the world around us, I’m sure we find ourselves falling into the same suspicion.  We see so many horrible things - murder, war, violence, destruction, hunger, disease, poverty, etc.  Do we believe that Jesus is who he says he is?  Do we believe Jesus is actually going to put his spirit in us so that we may live? 

Jesus most definitely conquered sin and death when he took on the Cross.  But, we still live with the effects of the fall - all of the things, and more, that I wrote above.  Jesus also promised that he will return and destroy all of those things forever, while at the same time bringing us into the Kingdom with him.

As we pray into this last week before Holy Week, let’s not be afraid to pray into our suspicions.  Let us honestly ask ourselves, do I believe that Jesus is the Resurrection and the life?  Do I believe that he will make me live?  

Know of my prayers for you all! 
Fr. Ryan