Date: Saturday, Feb 17
Contributor: Ann Trapnell Readings: https://www.lectionarypage.net/WeekdaysOfLent/SatAfterAshWed.html One line really caught my attention in Psalm 86 from today’s readings: “Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth.” This is a good representation of my Lenten Practice this year. If you saw the documentary, “A Case for Love” based on our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s teachings, you probably know why studying his work is the basis for my current Lenten practice to Walk in God’s Truth – to walk in the Way of Love. Our world often feels filled with divisiveness, hatred, and anger. Yet, I truly believe if we turn off social media, cable news and other emotionally charged sources of information – if we Go together and find others to Learn with, to Pray with, to Worship with, to Bless and be blessed by – we will likely find the love and positive human connection that we need to thrive as individuals and communities. And so, that walk is my current journey, my Lenten Practice this year. Wherever your Lenten journey takes you, I hope you will find the time to learn from Bishop Curry and his work. I will be learning right alongside you – and I hope to make positive strides down the path toward the Way of Love. Click here for a brief overview of the seven practices of the Way of Love: Turn. Learn. Pray. Worship. Bless. Go. Rest.
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Date: Friday, Feb 16
Contributor: Joel and Leslie Norton Readings: https://www.lectionarypage.net/WeekdaysOfLent/FriAfterAshWed.html In Matthew 9:10-17, the theme of transformative change is vividly portrayed, making it a fitting focus for a Lenten reflection. The passage begins with Jesus dining with tax collectors and sinners, an act that defies societal norms and religious expectations of the time. For Episcopalians, this scene is a powerful call to embrace change in our approach to community and fellowship. During Lent, a season marked by self-examination and repentance, we are invited to reflect on our own practices of inclusion. Are there individuals or groups we have excluded, perhaps even unintentionally, from our circle? Jesus' example challenges us to broaden our perspective, to rethink who we welcome at our table. This Lenten reflection offers an opportunity to reconsider our own attitudes and actions, striving to mirror the unconditional acceptance and love that Jesus demonstrates. The second part of the passage, where Jesus discusses the need for new wineskins to hold new wine, further emphasizes the necessity of change. This metaphor is particularly resonant during Lent as it speaks to the readiness to undergo personal and spiritual transformation. Where is God calling us to change? As Episcopalians, this is an invitation to examine the 'old wineskins' of our lives—outdated beliefs, practices, or prejudices that no longer serve us or align with our spiritual growth. Lent provides a sacred space for this introspection, urging us to shed these old skins in favor of new, more flexible ones that can accommodate the growth and change God is nurturing within us. As we journey through Lent, let us embrace this call to transformation, preparing our hearts and minds for the newness that comes with resurrection and the promise of Easter. Date: Thursday, Feb 15
Contributor: Marilyn Baldwin Readings: https://www.lectionarypage.net/WeekdaysOfLent/ThursAfterAshWed.html I recently saw a meme online that made me smile, and I shared it. A group of monks is gathered around the Buddha, and one asks the question, “Buddha, what makes us human?” The answer: “Selecting all images with traffic lights.” Now, that may qualify us as human online, but we know that there is far more involved than just that! No doubt, AI will soon learn how to “fake it” so it will cease to be a valid test. The real test comes to us more often - and sometimes way too often. Decisions, decisions! We have been granted free will by our Creator, and God wants nothing more than to have us prosper as whole and healthy people, loving God and each other. “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live…”. Choosing life is for every decision we make, from the least significant to the most. Every part of our life depends on whether we make God our first choice, or somewhere farther down the line. Our life depends on it. Choose life, that you may live fully and abundantly. Date: Wednesday, Feb 14
Contributor: Robert Allen Readings: https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearABC/Lent/AshWed.html Today’s appointed Psalm 103 is Joyful, and has proclaimed for some 2 1/2 thousand years the benefits from the Lord. "He pardons all my guilt and heals all my suffering” (verse 3). "He surrounds me with constant love, with tender affection” (v. 4). “he contents me with all good in the prime of life, and my youth is ever new like an eagle’s” (v 5). "He has not treated us as our sins deserve or requited us for our misdeeds” (v. 10). Psalm 103 starts and ends with “Bless the Lord, my soul” (vs. 1 and 22), so in this spirit let us bless Lent at St. Christopher’s. Our Lenten Reflections will begin on Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Each reflection is provided by a member of our Faith Community. If you would like to offer a reflection, please contact Marion Hunner at Marion@StChristophers-MN.org |
AuthorThese reflections are written by members of our Faith Community ArchivesCategories |