Monday of the Third Week of Lent March 15, 2004 Scripture: 2 Kings 5:1-15B; Luke 4:24-30 Reflection: God dares us on in faith. The Lord constantly goes ahead of us, opening new possibilities for healing and fuller life, beckoning us forward in his grace. We need to pray for greater courage in our hearts to take the plunge into what God is offering. We need to pray for one another, that in this powerful Lenten season our Creator will make new room in us for that essential, life-long, sustaining “Yes!” So much grace is being opened before us; the only thing that holds us back is our fear, our timid and lukewarm lives, our lack of taking the great promises of our living God seriously. The simplest things in life can make for healing. We need to pray for eyes to see the familiar parts of our lives that are such blessings. We need a greater imagination, one that is baptized and open to the wonderful light of God shining through each day. We need to recognize that this great loving God, who calls us to abundantly full life, is absolutely offering us what is needed for healing, wholeness, growth and joy at every step. Bathe in the waters of life. Plunge in. Believe. Seven times seven jump into God; let your leap of faith be continuous and without limit. Be astounded at how you come out - healed, whole, new! Suggested Action: Create a prayer space of a morning or afternoon to go down and listen to the healing ways of God in your life. Let the Lord get at you with his dare to believe more deeply. Set a goal or two to live more bravely, and begin that very day. Plunge in! Paula Gallagher, IHM Santa Fe, New Mexico