We seem to think that we have a monopoly on asking God questions. Why do some die young? Why are there tsunamis and hurricanes and earthquakes and volcanic eruptions? Why cancer, heart disease, strokes, AIDS? Why does God not stop hatred, evil, wickedness? Why do we still feel guilt, shame, greed, lust? How can there be one God in Three Persons and how can Jesus be true God and true Man? How could people have lived so long in the past? Aren't people basically good and don't we have free will? When will this all end and when will the Lord return? How do science and theology and philosophy and psychology all interrelate?

Jesus has questions too. In the Gospel of Mark there are a hundred questions. Many of them are posed BY Jesus. He asks questions as He probes our world view to show that our natural view of things is full of holes. We might think God has to explain how HE fits into OUR world. Jesus asks questions by and large about why humans think their world is so perfect that God is the one on trial.

We will listen to our Lord's questions during this Lenten season that begins on March 1.

Ash Wednesday: Which is easier? To forgive sins or to say "rise and walk"? (Mark 2:9)
Second Wednesday: Why are you so afraid? (4:40)
Third Wednesday: Why all this wailing? (5:39)
Fourth Wednesday: Who do YOU say that I am? (8:29)
Fifth Wednesday: How long shall I put up with you? (9:19)
Sixth Wednesday: Could you not watch with Me one hour? (14:37)
Maundy Thursday: Can you drink this cup? (10:38)
Good Friday: My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? (15:34)

Our Lord seeks to bring our hearts and minds into His world of love. I pray that you will walk with your fellow members as we worship our Lord who also offers answers that bring us restoration and peace. I would encourage you to read Mark's Gospel many times during this Lenten season.

In Christ our Lord and Savior,
Pastor Thomas Trapp