Download this seasonal reflection as a bulletin insert (PDF).
Gospel Readings
Matthew 6:1-6,16-21 (Ash Wednesday), Matthew 4:1-11, John 3:1-17, John 4:5-42, John 9:1-41, John 11:1-45
Reflection for the Season
Lent is a time for deep contemplation about the cost of discipleship. Our scripture readings tell us not to store up our treasures on earth, that God will be worshipped without doctrinal barriers, that the blind will see and the dead will be raised. There are also the temptations of pride and power to avoid and the mystery of our redemption that following God has led Jesus to the cross.
The death of Jesus has many interpretations, but one stands out in my mind from theologian Edward Schillebeecx that “Jesus died as a consequence of his fidelity to the mission of God that broke all religious and societal barriers.” At ECS, we strive to serve faithfully those that Jesus and the prophets exhorted his disciples to serve—the widow, the orphan and the alien. We serve without regard for the religious and societal barriers that separate and divide. We all may struggle in some way with fidelity to this mission as it is much easier to say simply that Jesus redeemed me without doing the hard work of glorifying that grace through our actions. May the cross remind us not only of our redemption, but also the cost and give us courage to persevere in faith and action.
—The Rev. Mike Giansiracusa
ECS Story of Hope
Two years ago, when Savan came to her first ESL (English as a Second Language) class at ECS Urban Bridges, she was not sure she could keep up. She had come to the US from Cambodia the year before and says she was very insecure about her English skills. “I didn’t speak much English when I came to the class,” she said. In the two years she has attended classes at ECS Urban Bridges, however, Savan learned to speak, read and write well enough to earn a driver’s license last year and this year entered a training program to become a certified nursing assistant. She has also started volunteering with the Pennsylvania Migrant Education Program where she helps others who have recently come to the US. In addition to these accomplishments, Savan and her husband recently bought a house in Philadelphia. She credits her classmates and her teacher with helping her to improve her English skills. “The students and [ESL instructor] Mitch helped me a lot,” she said. Savan came to the US because she wanted a better life for her children. “The US is a very good country,” she said. “In Cambodia, my children can’t go to schools like these. People who go to school in the US become smart.”
Celebrate ECS Sunday!
Each year, parishes throughout the Diocese of PA invite ECS to worship with them and spread the word about our work to their parish community. This year, the official date for ECS Sunday is May 1, 2011, but you may select any date that works with your parish schedule. ECS will provide you bulletins and handouts with information about the agency, a DVD about our work and materials for including the people we serve in your prayers. Visit www.ecs1870.org/parish to access our ECS Sunday resources and to explore the other parish engagement opportunities available throughout the year. For more information about ECS Sunday or any of our opportunities, please contact Molly McAndrew at 215.351.1462 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .