So tell me, how has Jesus shown up in your life during your Lenten journey, and how has reality matched your expectations?

Throughout Lent, we’ve heard of miracles and conversations with Jesus that changed lives – sometimes entire communities.  All of these stories have something in common. In every case, God shows up in unexpected ways. And the signs Jesus performs all point to one truth: Jesus is the Son of God.

Jesus might be asking us, “Well, what did you expect? Didn’t you think I would show up? Don’t you know that I am with you, even to the end of the age? And shouldn’t you expect me to be faithful to work in your lives, just as I did then?

If nothing else, the season of Lent teaches us to be alert to God’s presence as we grown in faith. That growth doesn’t just happen – we cultivate it through service and solitude, prayer and study, fasting and feasting. And we have to expect God to use us in unexpected ways. Continue reading →