This winter, it has been intriguing to watch the building project taking shape at the Benedictine Health Center. They have dug holes and laid foundations, put up walls and placed trusses…all in extreme cold and unrelenting snow. Who knew that you could construct something new and good during harsh conditions?
Jesus knew!
After all, the harshness of the desert is where Jesus went to prepare himself for his public ministry. The desert is where the Israelites went to prepare to enter the promised land. The desert is where Jesus invites us to go during the season of Lent as we prepare for the joy of Easter.
Just like the construction workers endured the harsh winter to construct something new and good, we are called to enter into the harsh desert of Lent construct something new and good.
With the help of God we are invited to construct new dreams for ourselves and our world along with good wishes and hopes. With the help of God we are lead to construct new relationships and good futures. With the help of God, Lent is a time when we are called to construct new works of charity and justice and good habits of prayer and reflection.
May the new and good things of this Lent come into place…just like roof trusses.
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Sister Lisa Maurer
Sister Lisa Maurer was born and raised in Sleep Eye, Minnesota. Before entering the Monastery in 2007, she taught and coached in Catholic Schools within the New Ulm Diocese. Sister Lisa Made her Perpetual Monastic Profession in July ll, 2012. Her first ministry as a Benedictine Sister was working at the parishes of St. Lawrence and St. Joseph in Duluth. Currently she is Director of Mission Integration for the Benedictine Health System.