Friday, February 24

Ezekiel 18:1-4,25-32

Psalms 31, 35, 95

Philippians 4:1-9

John 17:9-19

Oh Lent; the dark side of the church calendar.  I have been writing for the Lenten and Advent meditations since we started them at Holy Spirit.  Where they both call for soul searching and thoughtfulness, Advent is filled with wonderful anticipation.  Advent, for me, shows the profound and beautiful connections between the Old and New Testaments.  Lent certainly shows connections but it is also filled with the pains, sorrows and accountability of Holy Week.

As I look up the scripture readings assigned to me each February I wonder if I will get something so heavy I could never understand it.  Will it be so profound that I shouldn’t try and interpret it?  Or will my readings stab me in the heart with the pain of my own shortcomings?

Well in today’s readings, very early in this penitential season, Paul brings us in his letter to the Philippians the most beautiful word in the bible, “rejoice.” 

Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:1-9

All of our lives have pains, sorrows and dark sides.  God is just waiting to fill us with his amazing peace.  Rejoice!

Jennie Perry