March 27th, Saturday, Fifth Week of Lent

Ezekiel 37: 21-28, Jeremiah 31: 10, 11-12abcd, 13, John 11: 45-56

These three readings are perfect for me as I write my reflection in December 2009. I am going through a time of confusion and fear of the unknown especially with health concerns and financial concerns. I feel like a lamb who has strayed from the flock and is lost. In my heart I know the Shepherd is nearby protecting me, yet in my head I am frightened for drifting away and now struggle with how to reconnect with God in prayer and meditation.

My heart was praying: “I am desperate Lord and seek your wisdom and guidance. Please open my eyes and ears to see you and hear your voice. I am sorry for withdrawing and hiding from you.” And then I read today’s scripture readings. In them God assured me that God would gather together the scattered parts of my self -- and that God’s protection would always be with me.

Like Lazarus bound in the tomb as dead, I continued to pray: “Please summon me O God, out from the darkness into the light. Enlighten me through your mercy and forgiveness, that I may once again serve you by seeing without fear the face of God in all the people in my life. May your Holy Spirit renew my strength and courage to trust in you Lord and believe more than ever that I am a Beloved Child of God who will never abandon me.

St. Augustine said: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in God.” I continue to pray that God will make my own restlessness a means of being closer to God. “Thank you Lord for shepherding me in your love and for restoring my faith in you as my Savior.”

Barbara Bychowski, wife with Howard 43 years, mother of 4 adult children, liturgical Eucharistic minister and care minister for homebound parishioners and hospital patients. Moved from Chicago with my parents in 1946 to Mt. Prospect. Met Howard in 1963 in Mt. Prospect. We married at St. Raymond's in 1966. Raised our family in Mt. P. and am at Home in St. Raymond's Faith Community where I feel loved and nurtured. I cherish these years and am grateful for kind support from the People of God within our St. Raymond Family. God bless us all with renewed Hope in our Risen Lord Jesus.