Lord, may our observance of Lent help to renew us and prepare us to celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever. Amen.
Matthew 5:20-26
Jesus said to his disciples:
“I tell you,
unless your righteousness surpasses that
of the scribes and Pharisees,
you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.
“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.
But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother
will be liable to judgment,
and whoever says to his brother, Raqa,
will be answerable to the Sanhedrin,
and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna.
Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar,
and there recall that your brother
has anything against you,
leave your gift there at the altar,
go first and be reconciled with your brother,
and then come and offer your gift.
Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court.
Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge,
and the judge will hand you over to the guard,
and you will be thrown into prison.
Amen, I say to you,
you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”
God wants us – loves us – anyway. There is no way we can demonstrate our worthiness. God imputes worthiness to us – as a free gift, undeserved, impossible for us of ourselves. There is nothing we can do to change God’s mind about this. But just knowing and believing that unconditional love, guides us to want to be “more like” Christ. Oh, we fall short ..over and over, but Christ picks us up, again and again. And he wishes us to understand and return that love of his to everyone! In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus points out that forgiveness…love of one another… is the way to righteousness.
Almighty God, renew me: bring me to new life in you. Touch me and make me feel whole again. Help me to see your love in the passion, death and resurrection of your son. Amen.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Lenten Journey February 25, 2010
Father, without you we can do nothing. By your spirit help us to know what is right and to be eager in doing your will. We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever. Amen.
Matthew 7:7-12
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Which one of you would hand his son a stone
when he asked for a loaf of bread,
or a snake when he asked for a fish?
If you then, who are wicked,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your heavenly Father give good things
to those who ask him.
“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.
This is the law and the prophets.”
Jesus asks us to pray, “Ask … Seek … Knock …” There is persistence in this request! We know that sometimes our prayers are answered by a “NO!” Note that the last thought is the “Golden Rule.” We place our prayers humbly before the Lord, praying for our needs and the needs of others, knowing that the Lord is still full of mercy and compassion and will do what is best for us. Meanwhile we should continue to “Do to others whatever we would have them do for us!”
Lord, I’m not always eager to do your will. I’d often much rather do my own will.
Please be with me on this Lenten journey and help me to remember that your own spirit can guide me in the right direction. With a grateful heart, I acknowledge your love and know that without you, I can do nothing. Amen.
Matthew 7:7-12
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Which one of you would hand his son a stone
when he asked for a loaf of bread,
or a snake when he asked for a fish?
If you then, who are wicked,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your heavenly Father give good things
to those who ask him.
“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.
This is the law and the prophets.”
Jesus asks us to pray, “Ask … Seek … Knock …” There is persistence in this request! We know that sometimes our prayers are answered by a “NO!” Note that the last thought is the “Golden Rule.” We place our prayers humbly before the Lord, praying for our needs and the needs of others, knowing that the Lord is still full of mercy and compassion and will do what is best for us. Meanwhile we should continue to “Do to others whatever we would have them do for us!”
Lord, I’m not always eager to do your will. I’d often much rather do my own will.
Please be with me on this Lenten journey and help me to remember that your own spirit can guide me in the right direction. With a grateful heart, I acknowledge your love and know that without you, I can do nothing. Amen.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Lenten Journey February 24, 2010
Dear Lord God, our strength, the struggle between good and evil rages within and around us, and the devil and all the forces that defy you tempt us with empty promises. Keep us steadfast in your word and when we fall, raise us again and restore us through your Son, Jesus Christ, Our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Luke 11:29-32
While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them,
“This generation is an evil generation;
it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it,
except the sign of Jonah.
Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites,
so will the Son of Man be to this generation.
At the judgment
the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation
and she will condemn them,
because she came from the ends of the earth
to hear the wisdom of Solomon,
and there is something greater than Solomon here.
At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation
and condemn it,
because at the preaching of Jonah they repented,
and there is something greater than Jonah here.”
Jesus says “there is something greater than Solomon and there is something greater than Jonah here.” We are being called to review our values. What is important to us? What is worth fighting for? What is worth holding on to during our “last days”? Is there a transgression we’ve done or a bad habit we perpetuate, for which we can repent? We do not know when Jesus will come again. But He constantly prods us to always be ready because Jesus Christ has chosen us and we are his! Halleluiah!
Almighty God, I know you receive what is in my heart. Let me be inspired by your words and by the actions of your son, Jesus. Amen and Amen.
Luke 11:29-32
While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them,
“This generation is an evil generation;
it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it,
except the sign of Jonah.
Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites,
so will the Son of Man be to this generation.
At the judgment
the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation
and she will condemn them,
because she came from the ends of the earth
to hear the wisdom of Solomon,
and there is something greater than Solomon here.
At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation
and condemn it,
because at the preaching of Jonah they repented,
and there is something greater than Jonah here.”
Jesus says “there is something greater than Solomon and there is something greater than Jonah here.” We are being called to review our values. What is important to us? What is worth fighting for? What is worth holding on to during our “last days”? Is there a transgression we’ve done or a bad habit we perpetuate, for which we can repent? We do not know when Jesus will come again. But He constantly prods us to always be ready because Jesus Christ has chosen us and we are his! Halleluiah!
Almighty God, I know you receive what is in my heart. Let me be inspired by your words and by the actions of your son, Jesus. Amen and Amen.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Lenten Journey February 23, 2010
Father, look on us, your children. Through the discipline of Lent help us to grow in our desire for you. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen
Matthew 6: 7-15
Jesus said to his disciples:
“In praying, do not babble like the pagans,
who think that they will be heard because of their many words.
Do not be like them.
Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
“This is how you are to pray:
Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
“If you forgive men their transgressions,
your heavenly Father will forgive you.
But if you do not forgive men,
neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”
Jesus’ teaching on prayer likewise instills great confidence. “Don’t bother trying to attract God’s attention by a lot of words,” he says. “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him!” Prayer’s purpose is not to inform an absent God of a present need, but rather, as St. Augustine suggests, to enlarge our hearts to be able to receive all the good God wishes to give us. We can count on his knowledge of us and our situation; we can count on his desire to give us good things!
As we let go of many useless and false things during these Lenten days, so may we pray to remove all that keeps us from confident prayer!
Heavenly Father, We know your love for us is limitless beyond imagination. You care for us as a loving parent. Through our smallest Lenten sacrifices, help us to become less selfish and more aware of your ways. Fan the flame of our desire
to draw ever closer to you. Amen
Matthew 6: 7-15
Jesus said to his disciples:
“In praying, do not babble like the pagans,
who think that they will be heard because of their many words.
Do not be like them.
Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
“This is how you are to pray:
Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
“If you forgive men their transgressions,
your heavenly Father will forgive you.
But if you do not forgive men,
neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”
Jesus’ teaching on prayer likewise instills great confidence. “Don’t bother trying to attract God’s attention by a lot of words,” he says. “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him!” Prayer’s purpose is not to inform an absent God of a present need, but rather, as St. Augustine suggests, to enlarge our hearts to be able to receive all the good God wishes to give us. We can count on his knowledge of us and our situation; we can count on his desire to give us good things!
As we let go of many useless and false things during these Lenten days, so may we pray to remove all that keeps us from confident prayer!
Heavenly Father, We know your love for us is limitless beyond imagination. You care for us as a loving parent. Through our smallest Lenten sacrifices, help us to become less selfish and more aware of your ways. Fan the flame of our desire
to draw ever closer to you. Amen
Monday, February 22, 2010
Lenten Journey, February 22, 2010
God our Savior, bring us back to you and fill our minds with your wisdom. May we be enriched by our observance of Lent. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen
Matthew 25: 31-40
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne,
and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me,
naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.'
Then the righteouswill answer him and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?
When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?
When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?'
And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.
It is powerful to re-learn this wisdom - Jesus identifies with each of these "least" cared for. Who might we feed, welcome, clothe, comfort or visit this week? We have been baptized into Jesus, we all take on this shepherding, feeding, serving, uniting mission as well. However we use our gifts, as parents, business people, elderly - whatever our state of life and way of life - we all share this role of helping our Lord's desire come true.
Loving God, you call us back to you with all of our hearts. We feel your call for us deep in our hearts and we know you want us back
as much as we want to return. Please, Lord, give us the wisdom to know how to return. Make our journey back to you this Lent one of grace, forgiveness and gentle love. Amen
Matthew 25: 31-40
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne,
and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me,
naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.'
Then the righteouswill answer him and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?
When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?
When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?'
And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.
It is powerful to re-learn this wisdom - Jesus identifies with each of these "least" cared for. Who might we feed, welcome, clothe, comfort or visit this week? We have been baptized into Jesus, we all take on this shepherding, feeding, serving, uniting mission as well. However we use our gifts, as parents, business people, elderly - whatever our state of life and way of life - we all share this role of helping our Lord's desire come true.
Loving God, you call us back to you with all of our hearts. We feel your call for us deep in our hearts and we know you want us back
as much as we want to return. Please, Lord, give us the wisdom to know how to return. Make our journey back to you this Lent one of grace, forgiveness and gentle love. Amen
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Lenten Journey 2010 February 21
Father, through our observance of Lent, help us to understand the meaning of your Son's death and resurrection, and teach us to reflect it in our lives.
Luke 4: 1-13
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan
and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days,
to be tempted by the devil.
He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over he was hungry.
The devil said to him,“If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.”
Jesus answered him,
“It is written, One does not live on bread alone.”
Then he took him up and showed himall the kingdoms of the world in a single instant.
The devil said to him,
“I shall give to you all this power and glory;
for it has been handed over to me,
and I may give it to whomever I wish.
All this will be yours, if you worship me.”
Jesus said to him in reply,
“It is written:
You shall worship the Lord, your God,
and him alone shall you serve.”
Then he led him to Jerusalem,
made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him,
“If you are the Son of God,
throw yourself down from here, for it is written:
He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,
and:
With their hands they will support you,
lest you dash your foot against a stone.
Jesus said to him in reply,
“It also says,
You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.”
When the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time.
Much has been spoken and written about how we too are tempted with offerings of power, domination and possessions, as was Jesus. Those are worthy temptations about which to consider all right, but in this context of Lent, the more important reality to consider is how we are tempted to deny our own having been also baptized. Jesus lived out His “I am” because He had listened and believed He was the Beloved. We are preparing to enter again the water and grace of being reminded of who God in Christ has said in the indicative mood and spirit, who each of us really is. Our forty days have begun. Our preparing to celebrate our identity has begun.We are who God has claimed us to be and we are called to do those actions appropriate to that name.
“The Lord will overshadow you, and you will find refuge under his wings.” Ps. 91-4
Lord God, you who breathed the spirit of life within is. Draw out of us the light and life you created. AMEN
Luke 4: 1-13
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan
and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days,
to be tempted by the devil.
He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over he was hungry.
The devil said to him,“If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.”
Jesus answered him,
“It is written, One does not live on bread alone.”
Then he took him up and showed himall the kingdoms of the world in a single instant.
The devil said to him,
“I shall give to you all this power and glory;
for it has been handed over to me,
and I may give it to whomever I wish.
All this will be yours, if you worship me.”
Jesus said to him in reply,
“It is written:
You shall worship the Lord, your God,
and him alone shall you serve.”
Then he led him to Jerusalem,
made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him,
“If you are the Son of God,
throw yourself down from here, for it is written:
He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,
and:
With their hands they will support you,
lest you dash your foot against a stone.
Jesus said to him in reply,
“It also says,
You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.”
When the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time.
Much has been spoken and written about how we too are tempted with offerings of power, domination and possessions, as was Jesus. Those are worthy temptations about which to consider all right, but in this context of Lent, the more important reality to consider is how we are tempted to deny our own having been also baptized. Jesus lived out His “I am” because He had listened and believed He was the Beloved. We are preparing to enter again the water and grace of being reminded of who God in Christ has said in the indicative mood and spirit, who each of us really is. Our forty days have begun. Our preparing to celebrate our identity has begun.We are who God has claimed us to be and we are called to do those actions appropriate to that name.
“The Lord will overshadow you, and you will find refuge under his wings.” Ps. 91-4
Lord God, you who breathed the spirit of life within is. Draw out of us the light and life you created. AMEN
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Lenten Journey Feb. 20, 2010
Father, look upon our weakness and reach out to help us with your loving power. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen
Luke 5: 37-42
Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post.
He said to him, “Follow me.”
And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him.
Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house,
and a large crowd of tax collectors
and others were at table with them.
The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying,
“Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
Jesus said to them in reply,
“Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do.
I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”
Jesus came to heal all of us because we all sin. He loves all of us despite our flaws. He refuses to be as small as we are when we choose up sides and say God is on OUR side. With Jesus, there is no side – just common, struggling humans who need help and healing to greater or lesser degrees. We’re on a common journey as “one body in this one Lord.”
Loving creator, We are not asking to overcome our weakness, but to use it in some way to glorify you. Let us be aware of the many ways you reach out to help us today and let us stand in awe of the power that you use in such loving ways.
Luke 5: 37-42
Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post.
He said to him, “Follow me.”
And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him.
Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house,
and a large crowd of tax collectors
and others were at table with them.
The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying,
“Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
Jesus said to them in reply,
“Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do.
I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”
Jesus came to heal all of us because we all sin. He loves all of us despite our flaws. He refuses to be as small as we are when we choose up sides and say God is on OUR side. With Jesus, there is no side – just common, struggling humans who need help and healing to greater or lesser degrees. We’re on a common journey as “one body in this one Lord.”
Loving creator, We are not asking to overcome our weakness, but to use it in some way to glorify you. Let us be aware of the many ways you reach out to help us today and let us stand in awe of the power that you use in such loving ways.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Lenten Journey, February 19, 2010
Lord, with your loving care guide the journey we have begun. Help us to persevere with love and sincerity.
Psalm 51
For you are not pleased with sacrifices;
should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it.
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
Isaiah 58: 5-9a
This, rather, is the fasting that I wish:
releasing those bound unjustly,
untying the thongs of the yoke;
Setting free the oppressed,
breaking every yoke;
Sharing your bread with the hungry,
sheltering the oppressed and the homeless;
Clothing the naked when you see them,
and not turning your back on your own.
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your wound shall quickly be healed;
Your vindication shall go before you,
and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer,
you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!
So, for our prayer today, let us look, carefully at what Isaiah tells "is the fasting that God wishes." Let us give God the only thing God wants: our hearts, contrite and humbled, meek and peaceful, kind and just. Then will the glory of the Lord be fully revealed as, fully alive, we give true thanks to God, Who announces to each one of us, "Here I am!"
Lord,
We know how much you love us. It’s hard for us to feel it sometimes, but we know your love is always with us. Help us to use your love as a way to persevere in our Lenten journeys. We am weak, but we know with your help, We can use these small sacrifices in our lives to draw closer to you.
Amen
Psalm 51
For you are not pleased with sacrifices;
should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it.
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
Isaiah 58: 5-9a
This, rather, is the fasting that I wish:
releasing those bound unjustly,
untying the thongs of the yoke;
Setting free the oppressed,
breaking every yoke;
Sharing your bread with the hungry,
sheltering the oppressed and the homeless;
Clothing the naked when you see them,
and not turning your back on your own.
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your wound shall quickly be healed;
Your vindication shall go before you,
and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer,
you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!
So, for our prayer today, let us look, carefully at what Isaiah tells "is the fasting that God wishes." Let us give God the only thing God wants: our hearts, contrite and humbled, meek and peaceful, kind and just. Then will the glory of the Lord be fully revealed as, fully alive, we give true thanks to God, Who announces to each one of us, "Here I am!"
Lord,
We know how much you love us. It’s hard for us to feel it sometimes, but we know your love is always with us. Help us to use your love as a way to persevere in our Lenten journeys. We am weak, but we know with your help, We can use these small sacrifices in our lives to draw closer to you.
Amen
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Lenten Journey February 18, 2010
Lord, may everything we do begin with your inspiration, continue with your help,
and reach perfection under your guidance. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, you Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Luke 9: 22-25
Jesus said to his disciples:
“The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected
by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes,
and be killed and on the third day be raised.”
Then he said to all,
“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself
and take up his cross daily and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
What profit is there for one to gain the whole world
yet lose or forfeit himself?”
The immediate point of Jesus’ image was this: Follow me, and you can expect to be targeted for some rejection and shaming. Identify with me, and some will reject you as they rejected me. Stand for life in the way I’m teaching you to understand life, and those elements of society who support deathly things (like ignoring the needs of the poor, or acting as if might makes right), and some people are sure to reject you. That’s the bad news. But, if you remain faithful to my way nonviolence and of love of enemies, you will gain the fullness of life—now and hereafter. It is in that sense that whoever loses his life for my sake will save it (Luke 9:24b).
Just three chapters before this scene, Jesus put the same thing in the form of a Beatitude: Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you and denounce your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way (Luke 6:22-23).
God has revealed himself in Christ. Let us praise his goodness, and ask him from our hearts:
Remember us, Lord, for we are your children.
and reach perfection under your guidance. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, you Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Luke 9: 22-25
Jesus said to his disciples:
“The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected
by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes,
and be killed and on the third day be raised.”
Then he said to all,
“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself
and take up his cross daily and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
What profit is there for one to gain the whole world
yet lose or forfeit himself?”
The immediate point of Jesus’ image was this: Follow me, and you can expect to be targeted for some rejection and shaming. Identify with me, and some will reject you as they rejected me. Stand for life in the way I’m teaching you to understand life, and those elements of society who support deathly things (like ignoring the needs of the poor, or acting as if might makes right), and some people are sure to reject you. That’s the bad news. But, if you remain faithful to my way nonviolence and of love of enemies, you will gain the fullness of life—now and hereafter. It is in that sense that whoever loses his life for my sake will save it (Luke 9:24b).
Just three chapters before this scene, Jesus put the same thing in the form of a Beatitude: Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you and denounce your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way (Luke 6:22-23).
God has revealed himself in Christ. Let us praise his goodness, and ask him from our hearts:
Remember us, Lord, for we are your children.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Ash Wednesday, Lenten Journey 2010
Let us pray in quiet remembrance of our need for redemption.
Joel 2:12-13
Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God. For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment.
Lent is an invitation to be open, to be transformed, to be loved. To be open to Love’s love, to Love’s invitation, to Love’s challenge and it is not always easy. Lent is a get-away time. A time to spend together, the Lover and the beloved. It is a time to relax into the relationship, to enjoy, and to refresh and to grow within our unique and intimate bond. Lent is an invitation to trust. Lent is an opportunity to allow Mystery to reveal truths about who I am and who I am called to be. Lent is about inner healing, inner growth. Lent is not a season of doing something, but of experiencing something.
Heavenly Father,
Help us to honor this day with the ashes on our forehead. May they help us remember where we have come from and where we are going. May we acknowledge to you our sins and our deep need for your loving forgiveness and grace. We pray that this Lenten season will make us so much more aware of how much we need your healing in our lives.
Amen.
Joel 2:12-13
Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God. For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment.
Lent is an invitation to be open, to be transformed, to be loved. To be open to Love’s love, to Love’s invitation, to Love’s challenge and it is not always easy. Lent is a get-away time. A time to spend together, the Lover and the beloved. It is a time to relax into the relationship, to enjoy, and to refresh and to grow within our unique and intimate bond. Lent is an invitation to trust. Lent is an opportunity to allow Mystery to reveal truths about who I am and who I am called to be. Lent is about inner healing, inner growth. Lent is not a season of doing something, but of experiencing something.
Heavenly Father,
Help us to honor this day with the ashes on our forehead. May they help us remember where we have come from and where we are going. May we acknowledge to you our sins and our deep need for your loving forgiveness and grace. We pray that this Lenten season will make us so much more aware of how much we need your healing in our lives.
Amen.
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