As we journey through the season of Lent, the practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving help us deepen our spiritual lives in preparation for Easter. Almsgiving, the act of responding generously to the needs of others, is an act of joy. At Solidarity Bridge, we see this spirit of joyful generosity lived out through people like Margaret Flanagan and her family. Margaret has supported Solidarity Bridge for over 15 years. She became involved through her late father, Dr. Bob LaPata, a physician remembered not only for his medical skills, but for his compassion, humility, and generosity.

Through this Lenten program, together we get to be a living sign to our patients and partners that they are not alone in the wilderness. We can't avoid the harsh and rugged wilderness. We can't always prevent the people we love or those in our communities from experiencing it. This Lent, as we sit together in that wilderness, we are challenged to remain rooted in our conviction that God is here with us and we are never alone. May this place, indeed, be the promise of something new and life-giving for all of us.

In today’s gospel, Mary and Martha are confronted with their brothers’ serious illness. Their fear, worry and desperation are what many patients and their families feel when they receive the diagnosis of a surgically treatable condition, but are unable to access the needed operation.

Today, as Lent begins, you are invited to take time to read some of our stories – stories of patients in need of medical care they cannot access; stories of medical providers going to great lengths to change the health care realities in their communities; stories of hearts and lives transformed.