Psalm 46:10

Monday, March 31
Genesis 48:8-22
Psalms 19, 46, 66, 67
Romans 8:11-25
John 6:27-40

“Be still, and know that I am God;” (Psalm 46:10)

Lent is a time for reflection, a time for intentional conversations between us and God. This semester I’m taking a wonderful religion class called Christian Spirituality. One of our challenges (ok...assignments!) has been to make time every day for God – ten minutes of quiet time – no noise, music, talking or anything else that can distract us; what we do in that time is optional but suggestions were journaling, meditating, or walking quietly outside and enjoying nature. It has been amazing, and here is the thing – it is not difficult to manage or to schedule – you just do it. Sometimes (shhhh!), I have even done it twice in one day!

We hear from the experts all the time that taking quality time for ourselves is part of a balanced and healthy life, and will make us more available to our loved ones, our friends and co- workers. This is not a $150 day spa, or a shopping spree, or an expensive lunch – this is the one thing that God gives us all to spend as we see fit - time. Maybe you will want to take five minutes, or fifteen, or an hour!

So here is your assignment ... turn off the phone, turn off the radio or the TV; get up from your desk or your ironing or your whatever – and just “Be Still!” for a few minutes with God. It is awesome!

Vicki Cravens 

Psalm 95

Sunday, March 30
Exodus 17:1-7
Psalm 95
Romans 5:1-11
John 4:5-42 

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! Psalm 95

I started singing in choirs when I was in the 4th grade. I met my husband at an annual week-long choral camp in northern Indiana. Imagine, an entire week of doing little else other than sing morning, noon and night! In fact, with the exception of a few years while I was in college, I have sung in choirs since I was 8. Usually, I am a member of a church choir, which I enjoy because there is so much beautiful music that has been written the last 2000 odd years that praises God and his son.

Frequently, if I am talking to someone at church about them joining me in the choir I am frequently told don’t sing well enough. The Parish choir works hard to sing well, and hopefully we are pleasing to listen to, but our main job is to praise God. All the beautiful sounds in the world are wasted if we fail to praise God and his son.

Even during the penitential season of Lent, we need to do what this Psalm tells us to do, make a joyful noise!

Lyn Morris 

Psalm 136

Saturday, March 29
Genesis 47:27-48:7
Psalms 87, 90, 136
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Mark 7:1-23

I've noticed a trend in the world today, a trend to downplay all of the wonderful things in our lives. Rarely do I give a compliment that it isn't met with "thank you, but..." followed by some reason that the complimented isn't worth the compliment. When we talk about our families we include a laundry list of bad for every one stellar story. When we talk about our accomplishments we have to temper them with failures. When we talk about our jobs we rehash all of the annoyances. It is as if our culture is so worried about fitting in that we all try to put our lives in the worst light so no one feels bad about themselves.

We are not honoring God when we behave this way. God showers us with blessings each day, and downplaying those blessings demeans God and God's grace. Paul warns us against grumbling in 1 Corinthians 10:10 and Psalm 136 certainly does not downplay the grace of God. In fact, the blessings of the Israelites are clearly stated, without a "yeah, but" tacked on anywhere.

This Lent I'm trying to turn the trend around in my life. I'm choosing joy. I'm choosing to rejoice in the fact that God loves me and has heaped blessings upon me. I'm choosing to honor God by being thankful for the grace I live in. I may not be able to shout the "H-word" from the rooftops for forty days, but I can prepare my heart to feel that joy by sweeping out the negative and focusing on the positive.

If it takes twenty-one days to make a habit, by the end of Lent I should have a new habit, one of owning my blessings and giving proper thanks for them. Then when the time for saying hallelujah comes again, my heart will be ready to hold all of the joy that it can.

Krystal Weiss 

Corinthians 9:16-27

Friday, March 28
Genesis 47:1-26
Psalms 88, 91, 92
1 Corinthians 9:16-27
Mark 6:47-56

This passage in the Bible, Corinthians 9:16-27, struck me as I read it as coincidentally I have been watching some of the Sochi Winter Olympic Games on TV. The message ties well with the Olympics speaking about athletes training hard in order to win above all, the ultimate accomplishment of years of hard work. However, the goal is a shiny medal, only to collect dust and be forgotten in the future, along with their fame and sculpted bodies. With all the athletes' striving for perfection, it will all be faded away with life still to live.

On the other hand, the Message of God's Word is ours forever, never to be faded, changed, surpassed, or forgotten. There are no demands, expectations, or medals to be had, only to be a humble servant of Christ in his never-ending Word. Leadership for Christ does not entail fame or a medal to stand on a podium to be recognized - the reward is so much greater, but not seen in this world and no fame involved! The reward will not tarnish or fade like a medal, and will never be forgotten. God's reward is eternal GOLD, nothing less! The finish line is meeting Him face to face after the race of life has been run! Stay vigilant! Stay alert! Stay in top Christian condition so that our GOLD is won eternally with Christ in heaven forever!

Lord, please guide me to keep my mind, body, soul, and spirit with the necessary practice and vigilance to stay in top spiritual condition to meet you when this life is complete and my forever life with You is won. These thoughts are the source of my enthusiasm and the reason for my being. 

Doug Hart

Mark 6:30-46

Thursday, March 27

Genesis 46:1-7, 28-34
Psalms 42, 43, 85, 86
1 Corinthians 9:1-15
Mark 6:30-46 

As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. When it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now very late; send them away so that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy something for themselves to eat.” But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” Mark 6:30-46

After reading through the passage from Mark, I laughed. I thought, geez, I got the passage with the loaves and the fishes? How many sermons have I heard over the years dealing with this very same passage? In the words of Wayne and Garth (see Wayne’s World), “we’re not worthy!” (Or, rather, I’m not worthy.) Despite the intimidation of tackling a passage raked over by oodles of Bible brainiacs (let’s call them religious scholars), I wanted to share with you a few words on what this passage means to me.

The loaves and the fishes is one of my favorite passages because in it, Jesus shows what a true badass he is. (Those who would like to PG rate this meditation should substitute “super amazing” or “awesomely cool guy” in your heads now.) The badass part is not just that Jesus feeds a multitude of people with five loaves and two fishes. (Don’t get me wrong...that in itself is pretty amazing...let’s even call it a miracle.) The badass part is that despite the fact that he’s tired, despite the fact that his peeps are annoyed and badgering him to stop, Jesus continues on.

Jesus sees people in need. He stops what he’s doing. And he helps them. Simple as that.

For me, this passage drills down to the very essence of being a Christian. Yes, helping people can be inconvenient. Yes, it may involve sacrificing time or sacrificing money. But, it’s what Jesus calls us to do.

I myself put up a lot of roadblocks when it comes to volunteering. Don’t get me wrong, with two kids, a husband and a full-time job, I have a very busy life. I have a whole slew of excuses for saying no to volunteer opportunities. But, every time I’ve volunteered and worked one on one with people in need—whether participating in an ESL class at MAM during Maundy Thursday, reading to kindergarten students or sitting side by side with Alzheimer’s patients with our old therapy dog—I have always come away full of joy and feeling grateful to have had that opportunity. And every time, I think, yeah, that’s what badass Jesus wants me to do.

Peace,
Susan Diemont-Conwell 

Psalm 81

Wednesday, March 26
Genesis 45:16-28
Psalms 81, 82, 119:97-120
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Mark 6:13-29

11 But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me.
12 So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels.
13 O that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways!
Psalm 81

“I’m in control” – isn’t this the unfortunate message here? Pity is, we are not in control, not even of ourselves, if we were we would be perfect and we’re not.

So what do we do? Well, we first need to acknowledge that we are sinners, that we need help and need to turn to the longstanding tradition for help -- prayer and trust.

Christ suffered, died and rose again that we might have that help and his undivided assistance in getting it right.

I once attended a church where some of congregation wouldn’t take Eucharist because they felt unworthy. That Rector struggles to this day with proponents of that principle. It is sad that these Church goers, despite years of the message that Christ died to forgive our sins, still want to carry their sins themselves - being in control - you know.

I believe the message is to trust in our hope in Christ. I get that message every Rite 1 post communion prayer
- “we are heirs, through hope, of thy everlasting Kingdom.”

I pray we can all Hope better.

John McGarvey 

Psalm 95

Tuesday, March 25
Genesis 45:1-15
Psalm 78
1 Corinthians 7:32-40
Mark 6:1-13

Psalm 95

"I want you to be free of all anxieties, promote good order in your life"

Not too long ago a famous movie star died of a drug overdose. He was seriously addicted to heroin, and died by his own hand, because of it. Father Josh talked about this in one of his sermons.

Addiction takes many forms doesn't it? How much time to you spend checking your e-mails on your I Phone? Texting? How about your I Pads? For the ladies it might be shopping or decorating. For the men it might be T.V. sports. Unfortunately for some it's drugs or alcohol.

Do any of these things bring us closer to God? Addictions can take over our lives, without us even realizing it.

This is a new year, maybe we can make some positive changes in our daily habits. I think becoming "addicted" to daily prayer is a good place to start, don't you?

Prayerfully,
Pat McDowell 

Mark 5:21-43

Monday, March 24
Genesis 44:18-34
Psalms 77, 79, 80
1 Corinthians 7:25-31 
Mark 5:21-43

Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came with fear and trembling, fell down before Him, and told Him the whole truth. “Daughter,” He said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be free from your affliction.”
(Mark 5:33-34 HCSB)

“Don’t be afraid; only believe.”
(Mark 5:36 HCSB)

What are your deep personal needs? When is the last time you prayed about them and truly believed? Have you asked Jesus first to take care of them or do you go and ask someone else for help first? I think we are all guilty at times running to friends and/or family for help. There are times we try to handle things ourselves. Our world today pushes self-sufficiency and being independent. Is it due to fear of letting go and letting God manage our lives? We manage our lives and give Him what’s left over but many times there is nothing ever left.

The Bible teaches us that we are to abide in Christ. He should be the center of our lives. We are to get close to the Him. Touch Him. Believe in Him. He is the answer. Ask Him for help. Just like this sick woman did in Mark 5. See the miracles that happen when we do abide and ask and believe. FAITH.

“If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this; that you produce much fruit and prove to be My disciples.” 
(John 15:7-8 HCSB)

Tina Davis
Parent, Holy Spirit Episcopal School 

Plans, Plans, Plans!

Sunday, March 23
Genesis 12:1-4a
Psalm 121
Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
John 3:1-17 or Matthew 17:1-9

I don’t know about you, but I have plans. Plans to attend a lecture, plans to have my hair cut, plans to travel, plans to go grocery shopping, plans to watch a lacrosse game ... plans, plans and plans. To keep up with all these plans, I have a calendar on my phone, at my desk and if that wasn’t enough, a large “family” calendar on our bulletin board. Everything on my “to do” list is scheduled, with digital reminders and alarms.

After reading today’s assigned scripture, I’m wondering ... did Sarah and Abraham have plans? Surely they did. Surely they had things on their “to do list.” Maybe those plans didn’t include a lacrosse game, but there had to be bread baking, sheep herding, council meetings, and family dinners, right? So how in the world did they drop every plan and “Go” as God directed? Ok, maybe that’s do-able, God says “Go” and maybe we all would drop everything to do just that. As we know, that’s just what Abraham and Sarah did ... but hold on ... here’s the part that makes me nervous. In Genesis 12, verse 1, we hear God say “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” Hold on, “to the land that I will show you”? In this language, God uses the present tense “go” followed by the future tense “will show.” Hmmm, that really doesn’t work for me. I need a plan, a schedule, a calendar. How can I “go” if I don’t know how or even the destination?

Our Romans reading (4:16) gives insight. “That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring - not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham ....” Faith. Each time I consider the word “faith,” I’m reminded of a necklace I had as a child. Hanging from the chain was the tiniest sphere with the tiniest mustard seed inside. “Even if you have faith as small as a mustard seed ....” I wonder now if Abraham and Sarah had this kind of faith. Small, tiny, but enough. This lent I pray that God would give me faith to actively “go” even when the journey or destination isn’t yet revealed. That He would release me from my calendar of plans so that I might drop everything to follow Him.

Melissa Peter 

God's Presence in My Heart

Saturday. March 22
Genesis 43:16-34
Psalms 23, 27, 75, 76
1 Corinthians 7:10-24
Mark 5:1-20

As I read my Lenten readings, these words literally jumped off the page and warmed my heart. I truly felt God’s presence in my heart. It is such a simple but beautiful reminder that the Bible is not just another book, but words written and inspired by God. The words reminded me of other times in my life of my family and friends; the verses also inspire me with things going on now. Reading the passages made me feel like I was having a good cup of coffee with my friend Jesus and he was sharing his thoughts on how he has been with me, my family and friends in the past and he is very much alive with me now.

I encourage you to continue reading your Lenten scriptures and see what Christ has to share with you.

Eleanor Sheldon

Faith...

Friday, March 21
Genesis 43:1-15
Psalms 69, 73
1 Corinthians 7:1-9
Mark 4:35-41

Faith… 

It is in lost moments when see it

In our deepest fears and despairs In our sorrows

In our tears

When we think no one cares Faith is all we have

Faith is all we are

For the animated persons we become

For the strange indifferent being that we carry in our bodies

For the many sleeves we wear

A heaven of faith is always there

And when time comes to bargain with age

Before our conclusion to life

Before death opens the back door

Before we put on our carpet slippers and slide out of this earth

Faith is all we got…

Faith is all we are… 

Jeremy Jjemba
From Youth of Africa: Collected Poems by Jeremy Jjemba 

Psalms 70 and 71

Thursday, March 20
Genesis 42:29-38
Psalms 70, 71, 74
1 Corinthians 6:12-30
Mark 4:21-34

"May all who seek my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace." Psalm 70:2

"May my accusers perish in shame; may those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace." Psalm 71:13

When we read the psalms, we think of them as being in the first person, written by us to God. What if we looked at the psalms today from the other side? What if people who we don't like or those we harm are reading these psalms? What about those folks we try to outdo or those folks we talk poorly about? What if they are reading these psalms? How do those verses apply to us? Are we prepared to cast the first stone? Can we have a direct relationship with God while ignoring our relationship with any of His people?

Lent is a time for reflection and sometimes we forget that Jesus died for everyone, for those who believe and those who don't believe. He died for the fellow who cut us off in traffic and the neighbor who puts his trash out early. He died for those who step on us and for those we step on. We get bound up in our beliefs, our righteousness, our way. Perhaps now is the time to look closely at how we behave, what we do both when folks are looking and when they aren't. It's time to adjust our attitude to be more like Jesus and less like our usual daily routine.

Mary DiFiore Crowe 

Lead Me to the Rock

Tuesday, March 18
Genesis 42:1-17
Psalms 61, 62, 68
1 Corinthians 5:1-8
Mark 3:19b-35 

(Photo credit KariAnn Lessner) 

Growing up in a family that loves to sing meant road trips were like a musical on wheels.  And when my daddy was in seminary we had a 3 hour commute (one way) every weekend - so we sang. A lot. I learned the harmonies of the old hymns in the backseat of a gold Buick on the Kentucky turnpike. The words of those hymns are like old friends and singing them is often to me like going home.  In times of heartache, grief and fear those old hymns were the words I cling to - those melodies and harmonies rocked me through many dark nights of the soul. Those songs lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.

David cried out to the Lord in Psalm 61 begging God to hear his prayer... "Lead me to the rock that is higher than I."  He knew that all he had to do was ask, and God would provide the assurance he needed. Assurance that God was listening when David called to Him. Assurance that God would protect and defend him. Assurance that he was not alone.

This song by Ricky Skaggs is one I love to sing with my daddy - and when he isn't handy, I turn on the music and sing along with Ricky. We've got some pretty sweet harmonies, Ricky and I.  It must come from lots of practice clinging to a Rock that is higher than we are.

"Lead Me To The Rock" by Ricky Skaggs 

In seasons of grief, 

To my Lord I'll repair,

When my heart is overwhelmed,

With its sorrows and cares

To the ends of the earth,

To my God I will fly,

Lead me to the rock,

That is higher than I.

Higher than I,

Higher than I,

Lead me to the rock,

That is higher than I.

When Satan the tempter,

Rolls in with a flood,

To drown my poor soul,

From its fountain of good

I will cling to the Savior,

Who humbly did die,

Lead me to the Rock,

That is higher than I.

Higher than I,

Higher than I,

Lead me to the rock,

That is higher than I.​

KariAnn Lessner

Director of Parish Life, Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, and
Parent, Holy Spirit Episcopal School 

Mark 3:7-19a

Monday, March 17

Genesis 41:46-57
Psalms 56, 57, 64, 65
1 Corinthians 4:8-21
Mark 3:7-19a 

Somewhere along the way, we were told that we need to be in a "good place" to experience God. That if we can pray enough, think enough, or be moral enough, somehow we will know Christ more deeply. I think the season of Lent can highlight this belief in the worst possible way. We can think that by giving up something (chocolate, the internet, television), we will more deeply recognize Christ in our midst. And at the same time we can live in some denial about our real motivations (thinner waists and quieter brains). What I would say is that your "discipline" and even your motivation do not matter all that much to God.

Lenten devotions are not about God getting closer to us. They are about us realizing how close God already is. He took care of closeness to us when he came amongst us and died for us on the cross. He is at hand and present to us at all times and in all states of our sinsick souls.

When I read the passage from Mark I am always struck by the knowing of the unclean spirits. This is a common theme in Mark. Those who are healed and those who are unclean recognize Jesus Christ as the Son of God. I often feel like they are the unwanted backup singers for Jesus' miracles. All along they proclaim him Son of God, Redeemer of all, even when he keeps telling them to shut up.

We don't need to get it all right to know Jesus. In fact, in our most unclean places, our Redeemer lives and loves us no matter what.

The Rev. Sarah Condon
Chaplain, St. Luke’s Medical Center, and
Parent, Holy Spirit Episcopal School 

Matthew 4:1-11

Sunday, March 16

Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7 
Psalm 32
Romans 5:12-19
Matthew 4:1-11

Temptation is all around us. The important thing is not that it be avoided, but that it be faced with bravery. When challenged with a moral decision, more often than not we know what should be done. The question is whether we choose that which is right or give in to what we know is wrong. We make choices, for better or for worse, many times every day. This is true not only for major decisions in our lives, but also for small, seemingly insignificant ones. We need to realize that no choice is meaningless, and that each of them contributes to who we are and to who we are becoming. Jesus lived on this Earth not only as the Son of God, but also as a human being and was tempted in every way that we are. His response was one of courage and conviction. In God and by his grace, we find our moral compass and the strength of faith. We are not alone.

Mark E. Ramey, Jr. 

Put Your LIfe in God's Hands

Saturday, March 15

Genesis 41:1-13
Psalms 55, 138, 139
1 Corinthians 4:1-7
Mark 2:23-3:6

The readings for today have reminded me of the importance of putting my life in God’s strong and compassionate hands. Failing to do so leads to a life racked with worry and fear. This is Pharaoh’s story in Genesis. He has troubling and unsettling dreams. His advisors of this world cannot help him decipher the dreams. He remains unsettled because he does not understand his dreams and what he is supposed to do. When Pharaoh allows God, through Joseph, into his life, he is able to understand his dreams and chart a path forward.

The passages from Psalms and First Corinthians reinforced this message for me. Our call as Christians is to allow God to act through us. We cannot hide from Him or deceive Him. It is not our place to judge others on His behalf. Rather, Psalm 55:22 tells us to cast our cares on the Lord and he will sustain us; God will never let the righteous fail. To be sure, we must live righteously but righteous in accordance with God’s standards, not ours.
This is the downfall of the Pharisees in Mark; they have forgotten about God’s purpose and imposed their own, very human, interpretation on what it means to observe the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a day to renew – physically, mentally and spiritually. It is a day of goodness and joy; not a day of deprivation and burden. Doing good works, like healing a man’s hand, is totally consistent with the purpose of the Sabbath. Therefore, Jesus rebukes them. Then, in the ultimate ironic twist the Pharisees, after fussing at Jesus about Sabbath observance, begin plotting Jesus’ death with Herod’s minions on the Sabbath. Talk about missing the point!

Easter is the ultimate Sabbath. Jesus’s death and resurrection gave us the opportunity to be renewed forever. We only need to get out of our own way and put our life in God’s hands.

Mike Lennon 

Mark 2:13-22

Friday, March 14
Genesis 40:1-23
Psalms 40, 51, 54
1 Corinthians 3:16-23
Mark 2:13-22

I think it’s a really good thing that the Pharisees were around, because they give Jesus so many opportunities to teach us what God’s love is really like, and how we are supposed to share that message with others. In Mark 2:13-22, Jesus responds to the Pharisees’ questions and criticisms by telling them that his message is for sinners, the people who need to hear it, so that is where he goes. He also tells them it is right to celebrate and be happy that Jesus is in our lives.

Jesus is all about making us stretch ourselves, isn’t he? This is not a typical activity for me, but I recently had the opportunity to listen to someone’s story, someone that had a very different life than I have had. I would rate homelessness as one of the more positive things in his past. He barely knew us, but he told me and my friends his story, he included many details that he could have glossed over, and how his life was changed through God’s grace and the help of some people that answered Jesus’ call to serve those most in need. After his life was changed, he stayed and served along with the people that helped him. Needless to say, I was way more blessed by his time than he was by mine. I met this man at Lord of the Streets just a few weeks ago.

I don’t know if I can stretch as far, or as quickly as Jesus might like for me to, but I know I can stretch a little. I can make things less about me, and more about others, I can listen to people who need to share their story, and be more concerned with trying to understand others, and less consumed by asking to be understood.

Amen.

Melonye Suarez 

Genesis 39:1-23

Thursday, March 13
Genesis 39:1-23
Psalms 19, 46, 50, 60
1 Corinthians 2:14-3:15
Mark 2:1-12

Genesis 39:1-23 – The Lord was with Joseph and blessed him.

Really? Joseph was blessed and a favorite of God yet look at all that happened to him. Taken from his family, thrown into a well, sold to the Ishmaelites, put in prison, and never saw the promised land. In spite of all that God did indeed bless Joseph. He favored him with special gifts that allowed him to be reunited with his family and live a good life in Egypt and gave him the knowledge that those who came after him would see the promised land.

What is distinctively good about the good news of the bible is that the Living God is all we hope God to be. We all are blessed by God. He gave us whole lives by his death and resurrection. When I moved to Texas, in the heat of the summer, 34 years ago, I thought I landed in hell. That was so wrong to have so little faith in God’s plan for me. My life has been blessed and enriched by the Texas sun, the Texas citizens, and my Texas church home.

Easter and Lent are times for hearing the Good News and meditating on all our blessings, big or small.

Father, thank you for the joy may children have given me, the love of my husband, the many people I can count as friends, that there is so much more laughter than tears in my life and all the blessings in my life. Be with me this day and every day as I seek to have a closer relationship with you.

Susan Montgomery 

Our Secret Edge

Wednesday, March 12
Genesis 37:25-36
Psalms 49, 53, 119:49-72
1 Corinthians 2:1-13
Mark 1:29-45

One of the frustrations of life is that we must make decisions. Can’t avoid ‘em. From the earliest age, we have choices. Left or right? Yard work or the TV? More hours on the job, or more time with the family?

The answers to my problems, my issues, are usually obvious. Putting aside the details that may be involved, making a decision usually isn't as hard as it seems: Because inside, I already know what I should do. I know the answer. I’ve been empowered with an internal decision-maker known as the Holy Spirit. It was placed there before birth and affirmed at baptism and confirmation.

I remember sometimes as a boy being asked or nudged in a direction that was unfamiliar or daring or edgy. Sometimes I went along with the group and did the easy thing. I knew it was wrong because that internal spirit was telling me it was wrong. I just decided not to listen, decided to act in my own selfish way. Often to my regret.

In today’s reading from Corinthians, Paul tells us of the gift of the spirit. Verse 7: God’s secret wisdom, which he chose for us before the world began ... Verse 10: To us, God made his secret known ... Verse 12: As Christians, we have not received the world’s spirit, we have received the spirit of God.

We pray, we go to church, we have contact with other Christians to keep being reminded of this great gift. I’ve learned when I listen to that little voice, I’m more likely to make the right decision.

Ed Spaulding 

Mark 1:15

Tuesday, March 11
Genesis 37:12-24
Psalms 45, 47, 48
1 Corinthians 1:20-31
Mark 1:14-28

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” Mark 1:15

Lent, more than any other time in the church year, is a chance for us to reorient ourselves. Much of our day-to-day existence is spent going from one task to the next. We awake, eat, shower, dress, and hurry out the door. We stay busy all day. We hurry home from work to try to make it to our children’s soccer game, or just as likely, in hopes of being able to have dinner with our family. This may not be your exact experience, but few are left without many demands on their time. Through that busyness we drift. We do what needs to be done to get by. We don’t have time to consider and thus make quick decisions which sometimes lead to bad habits. We put off praying or catch up on the commodity of sleep on the weekend.

Lent is a time to try to start over. To repent means to turn around, to re-direction oneself. It takes some serious reflection and honesty. That reflection and honesty may come with the realization that our lives are not spent the way we would like. But that is OK for now because nothing is ever final. We have a chance this Lent to know that the Kingdom of God has come near to us, that God is here with you. Let’s turn to God. In doing so, we will receive the good news that we are welcomed back into God’s life. God forgives us. We are ever loved and embraced by God. What news could be greater?

The Rev. Josh Condon
Rector, Holy Spirit Episcopal Church and School, and
Parent, Holy Spirit Episcopal School 

Mark 1:1-13

Monday, March 10
Genesis 37:1-11
Psalms 41, 44, 52
1 Corinthians 1:1-19
Mark 1:1-13

Mark 1:1-13, from “The Message,” by Eugene H. Peterson:

John the Baptizer appeared in the wild, preaching a baptism of life-change that leads to forgiveness of sins…. John wore a camel-hair habit, tied at the waist with a leather belt. He ate locusts and wild field honey. As he preached he said, “The real action comes next: The star in this drama, to whom I’m a mere stagehand, will change your life. I’m baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. His baptism – a holy baptism by the Holy Spirit – will change you from the inside out.”

I love this especially from “The Message” John “I’m a mere stagehand.... His baptism will change you from the inside out.” How many times I have asked Jesus to heal someone or help someone and I fail to see it is me who needs to change from the inside out. It is so much harder to see ourselves and so important!

During this lent, let us delve deeper into our being and in so doing learn to be brighter for all others.

Lynn Mather 

Psalm 98

Sunday, March 9

Daniel 9:3-10
Psalms 63:1-8, 98, 103
Hebrews 2:10-18
John 12:44-50

We are in the season of Lent. I found the following on a website about Lent:

"Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. The purpose is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ - his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial and resurrection."

Psalm 98, when it was written, it was prophesy, one of hope, as found in verse 2 and 3. Also one of instruction as how to praise The Lord our God. It is also one of history for us - verses 1, 2 and 3 are facts placed in evidence to a Christian.

Read this short psalm and note it encourages us to pray to God daily with joy and praise. A wonderful invitation for a Lenten observer. Yes during Lent we are called to reflect, repent, fast, be restraint and be disciplined spiritually. Yet here in this psalm we are invited to be joyful and praiseful at the time of the new day. And the new day is each new day that we greet every morning of Lent. Raise your voice out loud, with conviction and courage, with purpose and clarity, and proclaim your faith in The Lord Our God each morning.

May we each find our praising voice, oh Lord, and may its strength reflect that strength which you demonstrated to us as you carried our sins in your cross to Calvary.

1. 1  O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvelous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.
   
2. 2  The Lord hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly showed in the sight of the heathen.
   
3. 3  He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
   
4. 4  Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
   
5. 5  Sing unto the Lord with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.
   
6. 6  With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the Lord,
   the King.
   
7. 7  Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell
   therein.
   
8. 8  Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together
   
9. 9  Before the Lord; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness
   shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.

Bob Felice

Psalm 32:1

Saturday, March 8

Ezekiel 39:21-29
Psalms 30, 32, 42, 43
Philippians 4:10-20
John 17:20-26

Psalm 32:1 – Happy are those who are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned

Tenacity – that is what we are encouraged to practice in the continuing expression of our faith. Being “tenacious” can be described as holding on or holding together in the face of all sorts of setbacks or difficulties and staying firm in resolve and in actions.

In this season of LENT we are especially called to repentance of our sins and our human failings, even when we can claim that “it is not our fault,” the fault lies with society, or with our parents, or our upbringing or anything else “outside of our control.” But are we not personally responsible for how we are reacting to these “outside” influences?

First it would be helpful to set our goals in life, including our prayer life and constantly seek forgiveness. It is too easy, and so human, to be captured by the social side of our life as Christians – the meals together, our church ministries, the friends we make, the fun our kids have – and to neglect the really simple process of regularly and intentionally giving thanks to God and asking for pardon for the many sins we have to confess.

Have we given enough thought, or sought out enough information on the changes taking place in our church, in our society and in the world, or have we “left that to others”? Are we ready to give a well reasoned Christian response to questions of ecumenism, poverty, human sexuality, evangelism and many others?

Perhaps through repentance of our own failings we can become more aware of our need for a better understanding of these issues and for finding solutions. This will require tenacity of purpose on our part; remember that God is tenacious, never giving up on us, and Jesus was tenacious to the end.

Ron Merrett 

Philippians 4:8-9

Friday, March 7
Ezekiel 18:1-4,25-32
Psalms 31, 35, 95
Philippians 4:1-9
John 17:9-19

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable,if there is any excellence and

if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and hear and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

Many of us spend time thinking about the things in life that make us angry or unhappy. It may be that someone at work is annoying us, or we don’t like what the government is doing, or we think the church is going in the wrong direction, or our kids are driving us crazy. Sometimes, we not only spend time with these problems, we absolutely wallow in them. We splash around in this puddle of misery until we feel awful about life, the universe, and everything.

Paul tells us to try something different. If we are going to wallow, we should wallow in good stuff. Spend time really thinking about the truth that you are loved. Think of people who behave honorably. Think about the purity of a crisp fall day. Think about giggling children. There is plenty of good in the world, if we open our eyes to see it.

I am putting this verse on my bathroom mirror this Lent, and I am going to try to spend time each day wallowing in pleasing thoughts. I’ve never before even thought about doing that with intentionality. I’m curious to see the results.

Susan Bowen 

Psalm 37

Thursday, March 6
Habakkuk 3:1-18
Psalm 37
Philippians 3:12-21 
John 17:1-8

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him, Do not fret over those who prosper in their way, Over those who carry out evil devices. Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret – it only leads to evil. Psalm 37

Do you fret? I do. I’d like not to, but I do.

The central message of Psalm 37 is that we are not to worry or be envious when we see others who seem to prosper through evil: dishonesty, selfishness, aggression, bullying. The psalm assures us, “they will soon fade like the grass, and wither like the green herb.” Instead, trust in God and do good. “The meek shall inherit the earth, and delight themselves in abundant prosperity.”

Well, fine, I say to myself, but when exactly are these people going to fade like the grass? How about today Lord? I want to see it happen! But wait – I fret – I spend my energy (and my grace) waiting to see justice. But the message of the psalm is to “be still before the Lord”, to “wait patiently for him.” I take a deep breath, become aware of God’s presence, his love.

I forget about justice. I find peace.

Bob Lowe 

ASH WEDNESDAY

Wednesday, March 5

Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 or Isaiah 58:1-12
Psalm 51:1-17
2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-20

“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your father in heaven.” Matthew 6:1

Lent 2014 begins like so many before, what do I give up, what do I take on? Is it really 40 days or can I cheat on Sundays? If you’re like me, every commitment seems to produce a little loophole. Just in case I slip, is all lost?

This little book of meditations is a small commitment in time, and if I do miss a day, I know I will catch up quickly. For you see each of these meditations is written by someone in my church family. A family I love. I look for inspiration and insight from those I know. I know they have read and prayed over that day’s bible readings and want to share something that inspired them. This beautiful collection is an incredible collaborative effort into our journey through Lent together.

In the above verse Jesus is introducing us to three acts of righteousness; giving, praying and fasting. He asks us to do them for ourselves and for him. How we do any good deed is as important as what we do. Who gets the glory is the daunting question. Each time I write one of these meditations I wonder if I should put my name at the end. Am I labeling it as mine, am I doing it “to be seen by them”? I justify my name below because it means so much to me to see other writers names. I love being in a collective family of believers. Traveling through Lent together gives me the confidence and security of facing the deep emotions of this season. Among other things, we give up the Alleluias during Lent as we ponder all that Jesus gives and went through for us. Supporting and praying for each other during this journey is in his name and to his glory. And I know soon we will again sing his praises with Alleluias, together.

On a journey with you,
Jennie Perry