Saturday, March 23
Jeremiah 31:27-34
Psalms 42, 43, 137, 144
Romans 11:25-36
John 11:28-44 or 12:37-50   

To know you is to love you.

The more I read the bible, the more I hear of the love that Jesus has for us.

In John 11:28-44 we read of Martha’s steadfast faith in Jesus, and in turn we learn of Jesus’ love and compassion as he raises Lazarus from the dead.

In John 12:37-50 Jesus tells us that he has come as the light, to lead us out of darkness, and he assures us of God’s love, because he speaks the words of his Father.

In Jeremiah 31:27-34 and Romans 11:25-36 we learn how God wrote his law on the hearts of Israel, how he forgave their sins and “remembers them no more.”  We see how great is his mercy.  If you have ever tried to forgive someone who has hurt you, you know how difficult that can be.  Yet, we see how much God loves us in his promise to forgive our sins.

In Psalms we read of a thirst for God during times of adversity and oppression.  Over and over we read of those who refuse to give up praising their God and Savior when their souls are suffering.  Satan wishes for you to doubt God’s love.  Know that Jesus is more powerful than our adversary.  He has proven this by canceling the debt of our sins by dying on the cross.  Even though I believe of this love with all my heart, I find it hard to comprehend the magnitude of it.

Although 60, 70, 80, 90 years may seem like a long time, our life on earth is short.  I encourage myself and you to live each day for God as he calls us to do, so that we may know His mercy and live with Him forever.

As I read the bible, I have moved from believing in God, to believing God; to believing His word and promises; to loving Him.

God knew you before you were born.

To know you is to love you.

Barbara Novelli

Staff, Holy Spirit Episcopal School

Friday, March 22

Jeremiah 29:1, 4-13
Psalms 22, 141, 143
Romans 11:13-24
John 11:1-27 or 12:1-10

John 12:1-10

Let Jesus Set Our Priorities

The poignant scene in which Mary takes an expensive ointment to the feet of Jesus, wiping them with her own hair, illustrates a vivid truth in our discipleship.  Judas objects to the use of such an expensive commodity--it could take care of plenty of more pressing needs--but Jesus rebukes him and delivers a lesson for his disciples.  John has Jesus saying, "You will always have the poor among you," which of course has been the source of countless theological reflections.  We can safely assume that Our Lord did not mean to minimize the needs of the poor.  He could just as easily have said, "You will always have resources available," something that is true for most of us today.  Rather, Christ calls us to be abundant in our expression of joy in his presence.  Even during Lent, we worship the Risen Lord.  Easter is in every breath of the believer.  As Mary was a humble and gentle servant, she was also uninhibited in her joy.  A good approach to our Lenten journey.

Fr. Bill Fowler

Interim Rector, Holy Spirit Episcopal Church

Thursday, March 21

Jeremiah 26:1-16

Psalms 131, 132, 133, 140, 142

Romans 11:1-12

John 10:19-42

 This day the lord has sent me to write about His glory in all the words you’ve read before.  The word came from the Lord.  It said, “tell the people about the Lord and perhaps some would change and listen to me.”  I answered and said, “I will give my life to be a song to praise your glorious name and to your name I will pray.”

Prayer…

I talk to myself

Praying to the invisible God

I talk to myself:

I say:

Almighty father,

Giver of life

True light, from true light

The one who made it all, seen and unseen,

For my salvation

For my soul

Come down, oh love divine

You who suffered death

You who rose in accordance with scripture

Come

For

My

Soul, come, never leave me alone

Humbly I yearn for your resurrection

Jeremy Jjemba

From Youth of Africa: Collected Poems by Jeremy Jjemba

Wednesday, March 20

Jeremiah 25:30-38

Psalms 119:145-176, 128, 129, 130

Romans 10:14-21

John 10:1-18

On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is our faith that Jesus is Lord?  In Romans today, we are told that we don't "get right with God" by keeping His laws, or doing good works, or giving offerings, or being a nice person.  All of those things are wonderful, important actions and qualities.  But as Paul explains, no one can earn God's favor.  It is only by putting our faith in Jesus that we will be saved.

Without faith we are lost.  Have you ever been lost when driving?   We may keep moving but have no sense of whether we are going in the right direction.  (I know that never happens to men!)  There is a feeling of helplessness that overcomes us.  We are irritable and angry.  That is also true in life.  We need meaning and purpose to give us direction.  That is what comes with faith. 

As the parent of two college students, I realize that I am not in control.  In fact, I'm not sure at this point that I ever was!!  But faith is what helps me sleep at night.  I know that Jesus is working in my life in ways that I know nothing about.  I can serve on church committees, cook for the poor, and give to the down-trodden all I want.  But without faith, I am lost.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I would say that faith is an 11.

Claire Martin

Tuesday, March 19

Jeremiah 25:8-17

Psalms 121,122,123, 124, 125, 126

Romans 10:1-13

John 9:18-41

“I was glad when they said unto me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’”

Psalm 122: 1

How true is the first verse of the 122nd Psalm!  Life’s events, such as illness, work schedules, trips out of town to see elderly parents, keep me from attending services every week, so I’m always so glad to come to church.  It is my touchstone, anchoring my life weekly no matter what turmoil may be going on.

Although I try to live in faith every day, coming into the house of the Lord means so much to me for many reasons.  In my journey of faith, the simple act of taking the bread and the cup each time leaves me with a feeling of being connected through the mists of time to the very essence of our faith, and to the countless followers of Christ back to the 12 at the last supper.  It is one of my spiritual touchstones that helps ground me. It times of personal turmoil it calms me. 

When I go to the house of the Lord I think of people around the world who, for whatever reasons, are unable to freely assemble and worship together and it reminds me how blessed I am to be able to come, unthreatened, openly, joyfully!

Coming to the house of the Lord reunites me with members of my church family and the life of my parish, my spiritual home.  When we, as a people, are struggling to make sense of some tragedy such as September 11, or the aftermath of hurricane Ike, the act coming together as a people of faith reassures and renews me. 

In fellowship with my church family I find myself eagerly wanting to do more for my parish and community.  For things I am already involved doing, I feel renewed and recommitted to the task. I also have the opportunity to connect with others that have become so dear to me, and to give them a hug along with words of endearment and encouragement. When I am low, I find I receive the same from others.

Granted, our faith should not dwell solely in the house of the Lord as we are to live it every day no matter where we are or whom we are with. But, to join others in His house is such a blessing and joy, that I am always glad when they say, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”

Amen and amen.

Lyn Morris