Lent Journal – Day 14
 
“Take care” – what do we mean when we say that to someone?   Is it just an alternative to “Goodbye”?  Or does it carry a deeper significance?
My colleague Jim tells me that his Lent commitment is to be more intentional about caring for others.  He commented that as a priest, that’s what you do isn’t it – care for others?  But in any role, whoever we are, it’s good to remind ourselves of our vocation and our motivation; to notice when there is something lacking or if we are simply going through the motions without being truly present.
 
Today’s image reminds me of the way Jesus wants to care for us “…as a hen gathers her brood under her wings…”  (Luke 13:34), putting herself between her chicks and the fox.  It may not seem like much of a defence when all that’s left are feathers in the hen house.  But I believe that Jesus’ love is stronger than death: may we all love and care for others the way we are loved.