East Boston: Lessons at the End of This Lenten Journey

By Bro. Bob Metell, SDB

(East Boston, MA – April 15) – Here we are on our Lenten journey down to the final stages to the cross. Jesus entered Jerusalem to a king’s royal welcome with all the pomp and glory that goes with it, only later to be betrayed by his closest associates. The ultimate betrayals were by Judas, who sold Jesus out and handed Him over to the mob, and Jesus’ closest follower, Peter, who later denied him three times. When Christ needed the compassion and support of His followers, they all abandoned Him.

The Salesian Boys and Girls Club draws its membership from a wide range of social, economic, and religious backgrounds. During Lent we share our Christian values and beliefs, not only with the youngsters who are Christian, but also with non-Christian Club members in Don Bosco’s oratory spirit of making all youngsters and their families feel welcome. The greatest lesson or message we can offer youth is that they are welcome and are all equally important.

When I journey along the path of the Stations of the Cross with youth, I remind them that Jesus' final journey is ours, too. It is a journey of trials and tribulations and of ups and downs. It is a journey along the path of the unknown and a leap from the safety of the shallow end of the swimming pool to a plunge into the deep waters of the unknown. We participate in the Stations of the Cross with the hope that we will re-emerge, with God's blessing, from the deep waters to the shallow water of safety in the hands of our Father, who remains standing on the deck with his steadfast, loving compassion.

The Club and the Salesian community of East Boston wish everyone a great and blessed Easter. Stay tuned for more updates from East Boston.