march 23, 2021 (tues in the fifth week of lent)

For today's readings, click HERE.

by Chad O'Leary

Yesterday, I turned the big 4-1. I was told many times this week that I "wear it well" but after having lost so many people in my life early in their own lives, it can be a bit hard to feel if 41 is old...young...neither...or both? So I'm just choosing to going with young but wiser. 

At any rate, my birthday has always fallen during Lent. I've heard that Easter *could* fall on March 22, but it won't happen during my lifetime. On two occasions it fell during Holy Week and in 2035 & 2046 it will again (better start eating my veggies to make sure I get there).

In 1996, on my 16th birthday, I was given the cross pendant that I still wear around my neck from my grandmother. Along with it was this Lenten prayer (and a McFish sandwich from McDonalds because it was Friday night and we were devoutly Roman!).

This project gives me the chance to share it with all of you:

Our steps are slow,
Our breathing ragged,
Our burdens heavy.

This walk to the cross,
It is not easy,
Yet Christ walked it for us.

For the joy that was set before him,
He despised the shame,
He bore our blame,
And share our pain,
Now let us build on the rock
That is Christ.

Let us walk the way of the cross together,
Moving forward without fear,
Into God's eternal purposes.
For Christ himself is with us
Every step of the way.

Let us trust in God alone,
And find the joy that Christ did
Relationship with our living God.