Saturday, March 30 – Easter Vigil, The End of Lent

The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. (Luke 23: 55–56)

The women of Faith who followed were those who cared for Jesus on a daily basis, and did not cease their care once he had died. The practice of honoring a loved one in death with costly spices reminds me that we also must preserve Him in our own daily lives. In that void they must have felt, of uncertainty and loss, did they follow Him to His grave in a somber procession with Joseph? Did they busy themselves with this business out of cultural habit because it was the right thing to do; or did their sorrow cloud their faith? Did they think He would return and reassure them so soon? We speak of His return and hope that our words are fragrant and pleasing to Him and His children. These words may be our perfumes, and as faith must be intertwined with its offspring of works--our love for one another may be the spices we spread before the King’s coming. Despite whatever waver or doubt may creep upon us in dark times, let us always do the mothers’ work, the loving deeds that God sees.

Lord, God who is with us always, let us know Your presence and strengthen our faith that we may do what is right always. Amen.

Brittany Sorey

Friday, March 29 - Good Friday

It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, He breathed His last. (Luke 23: 44-46)

During my school age years, we were never in school on Good Friday, so you could attend church services from 12-3. I never gave much thought to the significance of this time period as it related to the crucifixion, but I do know that it was always cold, cloudy and very dismal on that day.

Upon doing some research, it seems that several scientific phenomenon may have occurred during this period when Jesus was crucified. First, “the sun stopped shining” may insinuate that the darkness was the result of an eclipse and secondly, the tearing of the temple curtain may have been from an earthquake. I find that often before our storms here on the OBX, there is calm and darkness before “all hell breaks loose.” This shows us that at the time of our storms, much like the crucifixion of Jesus – the presence of God can always be felt.

Tom Secules

Thursday, March 28 - Maundy Thursday

An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. When He rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, He found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” (Luke 22: 43-46)

This passage speaks to me of the complete aloneness Christ experienced in the garden. The devastating and ironic dichotomy he faced: the power given in being the Son of Man to teach, heal and enlighten; and, succumbing to the total powerlessness of His human crisis. It also reveals to me both the human and divine natures of our faith.

Regardless of his love, miracles demonstrated and lessons taught, Jesus’ closest friends did not stand with him. Engulfed by their own terrors, they escaped their burden of friendship through sleep. By their actions, Christ was stripped of both their comfort and diversion from singly facing this crisis. He was truly alone.

Searching through ardent, passionate prayer, Christ faced extreme fear, anger, humility, betrayal and other depths of emotions known only to one of human senses. Seeking deliverance came from his humanness - only to be answered by unearthly love and grace. No human - friend or power - could deliver Him from this agony. His human needs required divine grace. Upon receiving this through God’s angel messenger, he was strengthened and prayed more earnestly.

So to with us when confronted by fears, the recent loss of innocents, the stealing of human comfort by acts of nature, we face the same primal needs for clarity and deliverance. We demand answers, understanding, and comfort of others. While helpful, these too are only a diversion from embracing the test of faith these situations present to us. Ultimate clarity and deliverance come when we are completely alone, completely vulnerable, and ask for the Divine, the Spirit - a deeper level of faith to sustain and help us through what we face.

“I Walk Through The Garden Alone...” While we must be completely alone to truly experience both the human and divine natures of our faith, we are never without Divine love or the company of grace in delivering us from our distress.

Dorlene Evans

Wednesday, March 27

Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." (Luke 22: 39-42)

                 LENT 2004

Standing in line for The Passion of the Christ 

People chatting, laughing. Do they know the sacrifice?

I think of Jesus' words His final week

I am in the garden 

     tramping feet

     is it Judas 

"Not my will, but yours be done."

     the ultimate prayer

     total trust 

"Why are you sleeping?"

     a kiss, betrayal 

     swords, an ear removed

It's a long line, but moving now.

"Father forgive them." 

"Today you will be with me in Paradise."

     compassion

     healing love 

"Into Thy hands I commend my spirit."

     love involves suffering

     being spit upon 

"It is finished."

     obedience 

     Redemption

I am the crowd yelling 

"Crucify Him." 

I want to flee, but can't move 

I need to feel the pain, see the wounds

I buy my ticket and enter the darkness.

Kaye White

Tuesday, March 26

“It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment." The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That is enough," He replied. (Luke 22: 37-38)

‘God with us.’ For Luke, God’s effective presence in history goes beyond Jesus’ birth and the natural creation. He shows God engaged in the present and everyday. Jesus’ preaching, performing miracles, preparing and sending the disciples for missions changes the dynamic of the time and neighborhood.

Within this, the wonderful ministry is perceived as the fulfillment of Scripture, Jesus is the Messiah implementing God’s plan for salvation. Now, Jesus celebrates a last Passover with his followers. His parting message is the commission to go forth as they had before with the good news about God’s saving presence in every life, ‘the Kingdom.’ Jesus makes clear that his own mission, his earthly role, must now end. Throughout his ministry Jesus pointed to the role of servant rather than master as the key to his activities. Now Jesus’ death must be understood as fulfilling his mission as God’s Servant heralded in Isaiah 53. Here God is ‘with us’ in the basest humanity and history.

With the impact of these verses, we become aware again that facing the ordeal of the Passion, Jesus sends his followers, ourselves, into the world on his continuing business. That is, to engage and interact for good with community, individuals and happenings. Our personal involvement in nasty and challenging situations specifically makes God’s redemptive way present and transforming.

Why the swords? We are to take common sense precautions!

As prayer, read Isaiah 42 vs.1-4 and 53 vs.1-12, especially vs. 12.

Lilias Morrison

Monday, March 25

Jesus answered, "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me." Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Nothing,” they answered. He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” (Luke 22: 34-36)

Throughout his gospel Luke depicts Jesus teaching that the way to the kingdom of heaven is through love. He repeatedly teaches the disciples to reject the ways of the world.

When Jesus reminds the disciples of how he sent them out as his agents to declare that the kingdom of God is at hand, he says they went without purse, bag or sandals. They lacked for nothing. God provided for all their needs. So what is this noise about selling your cloak to buy a sword? And why two swords? What kind of battle against either the spiritual or temporal powers did the disciples think they could wage? With two swords? Not much fighting power there.

The disciples have been arguing among themselves about who will be the betrayer and which of them is the greatest. Their behavior is childish. They miss the point. Jesus is trying to tell them about his looming death. And what’s their response? “Hey, we’ve got two swords here.” Jesus says, “That’s enough.”

Some interpreters use this verse to justify violence and war against “God’s enemies.” Rather, Jesus rebukes Peter when he cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant. Jesus says, “No more of this!” He then shows love and heals the man.

Dear Lord, In these days of uncertainty and division in our country and in our world, please give us ears to hear your teaching. Close our hearts to fear. Teach us to trust in you and to follow your way especially in times of crisis. Amen

Vicki Parker

Sunday, March 24 - Palm Sunday

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." But he replied, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death." (Luke 22: 31-33)

The above verses come in the context of the Passover gathering of Jesus and his disciples just before his arrest and crucifixion, commonly referred to as “The Last Supper.” Jesus and Peter are not alone. The other disciples are present, and they all have been arguing over which one of them is the greatest. Jesus has had to remind them that his disciples must be humble servants, following his example. Perhaps Peter was especially obnoxious during this contentious exchange. That may be why Jesus singles him out and addresses him directly, warning him of the trials and temptations that are to come.

Apparently, Jesus is not at all sure that Peter will remain faithful, because he says that he has prayed for him that he not lose faith. True to form, Peter responds with blustery bravado. “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death,” he says. But Jesus knew Peter better than Peter knew himself. In verse 34 he says, “I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow tonight until you have three times over denied that you know me.” (NEB)

All of us know what subsequently happened. Just as Jesus predicted, Peter denied that he was one of his followers while Jesus’ fate was being discussed by the chief priests. When Peter was no longer being surrounded and supported by like-minded people, he felt vulnerable and fearful, and he lost his resolve. Not having searched his own heart and mind in order to know himself and honestly confront his own weaknesses in advance, Peter was unprepared.

Knowing ourselves better should be an important part of our spiritual journey at all times of the year, but, especially at Lent. That is what I think “soul searching” actually is. We need to recognize the ways in which we deceive ourselves. We need to question the depth of our commitment to the principles of our faith to see if, in fact, our actions are congruent with our words. We need to evaluate what role ego plays in our interactions with others. Do we express sympathy for the poor and needy but not do anything to help alleviate their suffering? When we have a disagreement with another person, are we really interested in the truth, or, are we only trying to prevail in order to stroke our own ego. Do we express shock and dismay when we learn of instances of injustice or discrimination but fail to support people and organizations that work to correct these inequities? Where does our behavior fail to live up to our own perceptions of ourselves as followers of Jesus?

We live most of our lives unconsciously following patterns - patterns that can limit potential for growth. Breaking free from these patterns requires self-knowledge, and self-knowledge requires self-awareness. Self-awareness allows for choice, and choice brings us freedom.

Carol Kightlinger

Saturday, March 23

You are those who have stood by me in my trials. And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Luke 22: 28-30)

This is a hard passage for me because I'm not a bureaucrat or a politician and I've never wanted to rule anything.

Having now studied ancient history and been to Israel, however, I get the importance of Jesus words to a people whose nation was fractured, occupied, and whose people longed for unity. Israel is similar today in these regards.

This issue is so important to Israel and their neighbors that I feel unqualified to weigh in. But what stands out as I'm writing this is Jesus words, "I confer on you these things." It's a done deal.

I long to feel truly home, but as a traveler, that seems unlikely in this lifetime. Yet as Christ's disciple, the kingdom has already been conferred. Here and now. As He also said, "the kingdom of God is within you.”

He tells the disciples they have stood by Him in His trials. They eventually floundered and failed, but always returned true to their King, even unto physical death.

May we do no less, for we know the kingdom is ours. 

Sharon Keene

Friday, March 22

Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” (Luke 22: 24-27)

THE GREATEST AMONG YOU SHOULD BE LIKE THE YOUNGEST, AND THE ONE WHO RULES LIKE THE ONE WHO SERVES

I know a person in his fifties, who has little respect for authority. Be it a traffic speed sign, police officer, or court judge, he plays the aggressor. He, when faced with the consequences of his actions, is always the victim. In conversations he relives past confrontations and feels that he has been cheated and abused. I believe that behind his mask lies fear and on a deeper level, Paranoia --- that situations he experienced in childhood with those who exercised authority over him caused personal trauma that controls his adult life and leads him today --- to the point of no return.

Please read again the heading above. I believe the message of Luke 22: 24-27 is that a person of power and authority controlled by their egoism can bring evil consequences on others. May I always remember that Jesus tells us, “I am among you as one who serves.” I pray that I will also serve while being conscious of my actions and words especially to the young and most vulnerable.

Paul Hanson

Thursday, March 21

“But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who betrays Him." They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this. (Luke 22: 21-23)

The betrayer’s “...hand...is with mine on the table.” This phrasing to me underlines the closeness, the intimacy of the relationship between Jesus and he who would betray him. Judas was his friend and trusted associate. Indeed for something to be a betrayal, it presumes a trusted relationship.

Although Judas was paid for his act, he was not just a hired informant. Something changed in him. As Luke puts it earlier, Satan entered into the heart of Judas. What might this really mean? What was Judas feeling? Was it jealousy? Did he think Jesus had gotten too big for his britches?

Those are all rather familiar feelings. I know I have felt so at times about a friend or family member, and may have wanted to, or said something to cut that person down to size. And I also have felt as if I was cut off at the knees by someone whom I cared for. Have you seen a child’s spirit of exuberance being squashed by even well-meaning adults? How may that affect our ability as adults to let our light shine. Have you seen adults who cannot give voice to their own life spirit?

Perhaps Judas was afraid that Jesus’ actions would bring the wrath of those in power down on all of them. How often do I fail to stand up or speak up for what I believe is right out of fear or embarrassment.

When I begin to question myself I can see ways in which I do this, this betrayal.

God, You have invited me into a loving relationship of living Spirit. Enter into my heart, take my hand, and help me not betray Your trust.

Roisin McKeithan

Wednesday, March 20

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’’ (Luke 22: 19-20)

This passage, referred to as “the Institution of the Lord’s Supper,” is full of meaning on many levels for many: it signifies the renewal of the old covenant as well as the establishment of a new covenant with God; it makes us aware of the suffering and agonizing death that Christ is about to undergo. It also establishes for us one of our most important sacraments we have which is repeated each Sunday as we celebrate Holy Eucharist.

On another level it reflects Christ’s submitting and obeying God’s plan for him even if it meant the end of his earthly life. Not that death was necessarily “the plan,” but rather doing what was right and loving and charitable to all individuals (as God would have each of us do) even though those deeds got him in trouble with the Jewish and Roman authorities, and thus death was the result.

For me this scenario is also repeated in our present-day world when servicemen give up their time and, yes, sometimes their lives, to protect our country right or wrong. Or when any of us forget ourselves and go out of our way to help or treat another human being with dignity.

Thank you, Lord Christ, for these gifts to us. 

Mary Lou Beckett

Tuesday, March 19

After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." (Luke 22: 17-18)

This Passover, with his disciples, was so important to Jesus. It was his last on earth. He was saying Grace before his last meal. It was our Lord Jesus giving the blessing! I think about what might go through my mind if I knew I was going to die the next day, and I would probably be so afraid. But this was Jesus, with the burden of knowing his would be an awful death, having the weight of the world on his shoulders, and perhaps wanting more time to complete that for which he had come, but he put His trust in his Father’s will, not his own. He asked dear friends to share the cup of blessing with one another for a last time with Him.

But what jumps out at me more than anything in the passage are the words, “After taking the cup, he gave thanks.” Thanks is an acknowledgement, a show of gratitude and a spiritual connection, like a whoosh of air, a breath. I’ve taught our grandchildren that there are only two essential prayers: “Help me. Help me. Help me.” And “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!” When we ask, God always helps us find a solution to a seemingly impossible problem. And when he does answer, or opens a door, our saying “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!” helps us breathe in gratitude and then allows us to breathe it out also. In that moment I want to pass on that grace to someone else, maybe by letting that person go in front of me in line, or making lunches for the homeless, or sharing quality time with another. God keeps giving, forgiving and inviting us back. And when he does, let us do as Christ did the night before he died: give thanks.

Sandy Fricker

Monday, March 18

They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. When the hour came, Jesus and His apostles reclined at the table, and he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God. “ (Luke 22: 13–16)

A room prepared for a meal, all furnished. With what?

A low table, just above the floor, surrounded by cushions to lean on as you recline for the meal. Somewhere nearby was either a spit or a roasting oven; the lamb could not be boiled or stewed, but roasted and carved from a whole or part of the lamb.

The usual plates and utensils, chalices for wine and a stack of three matzos. A scroll of Psalms. And maybe a Seder plate like the one on the bottom of the previous page.

Why was this Passover so important to Jesus and to us? Passover, and this one especially, means freedom - years earlier for the Hebrews from Egyptian slavery; for us, freedom from sin, freedom to worship our God in a new way, with a new understanding, as His children.

The evening would start the usual way for a Seder with the lighting of candles (maybe by one of the women as was done in a Hebrew home on the Sabbath). Then the pouring and passing of a chalice of wine; the telling of Freedom’s Story, beginning with, “Why is this night unlike all others.” (And little did the disciples know how different!) Next a portion of one matzo placed in a covering and hidden. Another cup of wine shared. The meal. Retrieval by a child at the end of the meal of the hidden matzo for which he is paid in silver coins. And then!

“This is my body.” “This is my blood.” 

A psalm is sung as a final cup of wine is poured for Elijah.

Wow! What a “Freedom Story!”

Perry White

Sunday, March 17 - Fifth Sunday in Lent

He replied, "As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher asks: ‘Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' He will show you a large upper room, all furnished. Make preparations there. (Luke 22: 10-12)

Scripture tells us He foresaw is own death. Three of the Gospels have this same story about His predicting what the disciples would find in the city. But I don’t think this passage is about Jesus' ability to find a place in the city or see into the future. Rather I think it is more about the importance in which He held the ritual of the Passover meal and what became His institution of the Lord’s Supper. What follows this passage is the core of our collective worship – the bread and wine of a shared communion, the meal which gives us solace and strength. This passage about finding the upper room to share a solemn meal reminds us that we are to prepare ourselves for receiving this shared sacrament. Jesus was intentionally engaging his disciples in this task so they would all come together in that upper room. Together, they received His body and blood, as together we receive His body and blood. Together, they prepared for this feast, as together we prepare for this feast – an intentional act of faith.

Tom O’Brien

Saturday, March 16

Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover." "Where do you want us to prepare for it?" they asked. (Luke 22: 7-9)

In the midst of a troubling time, when Jesus is being shadowed by the religious authorities, He keeps the Jewish tradition of Passover and entrusts Peter and John with setting it up.

Keeping a tradition in the midst of travail is very useful: having something to DO that we know how to do, e.g., the preparation and serving of food for each other. It is “doing the next right thing” when our lives are in turmoil, “faking it 'til you make it,” and trusting that we will meet God there. I wrote this to my mother several years ago:

You taught me more 

Than how to set the table, 

But honestly, I kind of like it now 

That I know how - 

When everything is wrong, 

To set a place and do it with some class . . .

This particular tradition for which we are preparing is symbolic for us. Historically, the Passover referred to the Hebrews' escape from Egypt, following God’s instruction to paint the doorframes of their homes with blood of a lamb so that the angel of death would pass over them. (Deut. 16:13, Ex. 12:24-27)

In our context, Jesus, who lived the way God created us to live and love, became the “sacrificial lamb,” leading us in our exodus from the slavery of trying to be acceptable to God by the law or culturally correct behavior, to realizing the freedom of knowing we ARE the beloved children of God and humbly living into oneness with God, each other and all creation.

Jane Kenneweg-Welch

Friday, March 15

Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money. He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present. (Luke 22: 3-6)

Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Him, was the only non-Galilean among the apostles. His name is the Greek form of the Hebrew “Judah,” an honorable Jewish name for centuries. The name Iscariot is not entirely clear. Some have suggested it derives from the zealot sect know as the Sicarii, the dagger bearing assassins who stalked Roman victims. Others argue that it came from the word saqar, the liar. But the most probable meaning is that it designates the town Judas came from, Kerioth, in Judea.

Judas had such outstanding promise that Jesus selected him to be one of the Twelve. His fellow disciples elected him to handle the funds from the common purse.

His motive for betraying Jesus was more than money. The forces of evil are also blamed for Judas’ betrayal. Scholars have suggested yet another motivation: disillusionment. Jesus had failed to become the leader of an insurrection against Rome, as many perhaps including Judas, expected.

Judas coolly attended the Last Supper and left only when Jesus identified him as the betrayer. Only Jesus and Judas knew what was about to happen. In John 15:27 Jesus says to Judas “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Some among the disciples thought Jesus was asking Judas, as the treasurer, to buy more for the feast or give alms to the poor. They did not think it odd that Judas immediately left the room.

This reminds me of an experience in my life. I was working in a K-Mart eatery. My boss was really funny about the handling of money and made my life miserable. I left the job. Sometime later that woman was taken out of K-Mart in handcuffs. She had embezzled a large sum of money, but not enough to be worth her job. I never suspected this!

Ruthie Charlton

Thursday, March 14

Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. (Luke 22: 1-2)

The “hot shots” in the Temple in Jesus’ day were “looking for some way to get rid of Jesus.” That penetrating phrase brought to mind a time when our youngest child was in her early teens. Proudly announcing her independence from her preacher parents, one day she exclaimed, “I don’t believe in God!”

Her spiritually perceptive Mom listened attentively. Then she lovingly suggested that our daughter might ask herself what God might be asking of her that she didn't want to do!

Isn’t it a lot easier to talk about “walking the walk,” than to face up to the shadowy side of our nature which continually tries to “get rid of Jesus?” That thing in us which keeps insisting on our own way runs deep! Getting rid of Jesus would make life so much less complicated!

No more having to listen to those with whom we disagree. No more having to struggle through to forgiving those who have hurt us. No more having to choose to prefer others before we coddle ourselves. No more getting to indulge ourselves in the whims of the world. No more being able to pat ourselves on the back when Jesus graces us to do the hard thing or the right thing. No more nursing our judgments or giving ground to our critical hearts.  In effect: “No more Jesus,” only our pitiable selves!

What a wonderful gift this season of Lent is to us. A chance to allow the Holy Spirit to probe us a little more deeply and to scrub us a little cleaner. But surely not without our active and willing cooperation!

Thank God, Easter’s truth is that the Temple “hot shots” and we cannot get rid of Jesus, so why not give up trying and give in to the One who loves us far more than we can ever fully know, and longs for us to be fully given over to Him?

Craig Peel

Wednesday, March 13

Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple. (Luke 21: 37-38)

Each day teaching, each evening on the Mount of Olives. I wonder if Jesus ever got tired of the routine.

We are creatures of habit. Routine can be good – it can give our life balance and order, a sense of purpose and accomplishment. How many times have I congratulated myself when I’ve checked off another of my routines, done for the day? Routine can be bad – it can stifle our spontaneity and our exploring new opportunities. How many times have I missed out because it didn’t fit into what I had planned?

We are more than half-way through Lent. Have we embraced our Lenten routine? Have we studied our previous life routines? Both the good and the bad. Have we spoken with God about our future routines? Have we listened to God to discern what new opportunity may be awaiting us?

It’s never too late.

Gary Kimmel

Tuesday, March 12

“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21: 34-36)

God is a god of new beginnings. The opportunity for renewal is at the heart of the Christian faith. Each person, no matter what the past has held, is faced with the opportunity for a new beginning in life this very day. Jesus is telling us that we must be vigilant then, in every season, entreating that we might be accounted as worthy. We must be ready at all times to stand before the Son of Man.

Events are always transforming us and it is good to take personal responsibility to keep us alert for transformation. Being part of Christ’s body on earth, as members of our Christian community, is a responsibility we re-affirm during Lent. Acting in that responsibility, we are useful to God. May we continue to learn and accept our role, even as we acknowledge that we’re not in charge of it.

Kaye White

Monday, March 11

He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Luke 21: 29-33)

FINGER PAINTING

There is a big, white, sheet

In the middle of a big, white, room 

In the middle of a big, white, house. 

All is quiet.

Until the toddler arrives. 

He takes his small, innocent, clean hand 

And dips it into the big, red, paint bucket 

With a SPLOSH 

He draws a short, red, streak 

On the big, white, sheet 

And leaves. 

All is quiet.

Until the child arrives. 

He takes his soft, dirty, red hand 

And dips it into the big, blue, paint bucket. 

He splatters a whimsical, messy, spiral, 

On the big, white, sheet 

And Leaves. All is quiet.

Until the teenager arrives. 

He takes his big, clumsy, red and blue callused hand 

And dips it into the big, orange, paint bucket. 

He draws a question mark bigger than a mountain 

On the big, white, sheet 

And leaves. All is quiet.

Until the adult arrives. 

He takes his firm, rough, red, blue, and orange hand 

And dips it into the big, grey, paint bucket. 

He draws straight, sometimes slightly curved lines 

On the big, white, sheet 

And leaves. All is quiet.

Until the Old Man arrives. 

He takes his wrinkled, withered, tired,

     red, blue, orange, and grey hand 

And dips it into the translucent bucket. 

He begins to laugh, and to weep. 

He dances, he runs, and smiles

     with a face brighter than the sun. 

COLORS explode out of him 

And they cover the big, white, sheet 

And the big, white, room 

And the big, white, house. 

Then he leaves.

And all is quiet.

Lauren White , Age 15

Sunday, March 10 – Fourth Sunday in Lent

"There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." (Luke 21: 25-28)

This passage from Luke tells us that there will be signs in the sun, moon and stars, yet verses in both Mark and Matthew have Jesus saying “there shall no sign be given.”

Old adages say, “Look before you leap,” and “He who hesitates is lost.” It seems we are forever beset with mixed messages.

While travelling on this our earthly pilgrimage, perhaps the bumper stickers and billboards we’ll read along “the way” will be saying: I am Bartimeus – blind from birth, blind to the plight of my neighbor and indeed blind to recognizing who my neighbor might be.

You are Bartimeus – blind from birth, blind to the plight of the world around you and blind to the many opportunities given to you to show compassion and love.

We are all Bartimeus - blind from birth, blind to the completely unmerited, yet never failing Love of God.

From childhood we all can recite the biblical passage from John 3:16, but perhaps the good news of John 3:17 does not as easily leap from our lips: “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.”

Thank You, Jesus.

Joe Beckett

Saturday, March 9

“When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” (Luke 21: 20-24)

Mom’s Poem for Church

Listen not to doom Sayers

The end will come one day

Do not beat your brow with prayers

Trusting God the only way

The way to the end is full of briers

Grabbing at us as we go

“Take no anxious thought” He tells us

Trusting God is all I know

“I will be with you” He whispers

We can’t be afraid of what we see

Allusions are all around us

Angels will carry you and me

Jane Williams

Friday, March 8

“For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. All men will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life.” (Luke 21: 15-19)

When we think of how we like to live our lives, having people who hate us and come up against us are not things we wish for. We want to be loved and respected. We do not want to spend our days being in fear. We want comfort and entertainment.

In this passage from Luke, the realities of adversarial relationships, of betrayal by family and friends, of pain and discomfort, even death, are not softened. They are put right up front. This was the life facing so many followers of Jesus at that time. It must have been confusing, and so dismaying. The choice was to love God, to live as Jesus wanted them to live and possibly be put to death for it, or to betray their faith and lose all that they had gained. It is hard for us to listen to this, much less understand how the early Christians faced their challenges with such seeming joy. What drove them and strengthened them?

In Syria, right now over 60,000 people have been put to death for what they believe. Many people today all over the world are risking their lives for freedom and change. Many Christians are losing their lives for their faith. They are facing difficult realities which are unimaginable.

What does the love of God have to do with this? It has everything to do with it. The promise of God in Luke is not that life will be easy. It is not that we will be loved by all. It is instead that, though it may seem so at the time, we will NOT perish. By standing firm we will gain life - now and into eternal life as well. This is a big thought. It is a hard thought, but may be our most important hope and joy when hard choices face us.

Lent is a time when we ask ourselves where we are in our faith and how far we are willing to go to serve God. It is a time if we are honest that we may not like what we see in ourselves. It may be painful just to ask ourselves the hard questions. But God does not expect us to be perfect or to ask for suffering just to prove ourselves. It is just the opposite. God just asks us to trust that the words we need, the grace and strength we need will be provided at the time, if we set our wills toward God.

Fran Peel

Thursday, March 7

"But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. This will result in your being witnesses to them. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.” (Luke 21: 12-14)

I'm in love with Jesus. Some have all but told me I'm a fool who believes in a book of fairy tales. Others suggest He was a good man, a prophet, whose example I should follow and not get hung up on doctrine.

I entered seminary to try and find words to express the Jesus I know, the God who is always with me, who has carried me in His arms a thousand times when there was no one else.

I stand at the ocean and sing, "Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature" and He answers that the same love that created those deep blue waves surging under a starlit sky created me.

I want so badly to defend my Jesus, especially to religious intellectuals. In my studies I learned that Jesus is taught from texts written by atheists. How could I witness against these brilliant theologians; how could I make a case they'd understand?

I can't because faith comes from soul, not head. I can only answer that I've staked everything on this lover of mine, that I know He loves us all with the energy of those waves and the heat of the sun.

The words to express Jesus began to flow when I finally let go religion, books, and teachings that had become idols. I looked full on His wonderful face and He healed my worry how to defend myself. Love has nothing to defend.

Sharon Keene

Wednesday, March 6

Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.” (Luke 21: 10-11)

As these words stare starkly at me, they seem anything but words of comfort. Yet war, rumors of war, famine, and pestilence seem ever present. Not surprisingly, we frequently hear people say that the events of our time signify that the end is coming.

Mostly, we attach Jesus’ warning to a specific unknown future date that will mark the end of time, the time of Jesus’ second coming.

Perhaps Jesus wanted to keep us on our toes, knowing that signs of the end will always be around us, and that we should live each day as if it were the end of time, because it might be.

Human life is fragile and human time, finite. Signs and endings are, in fact, all around us. I believe that Jesus wants us to be prepared for the journey. The signs remind us that our baptismal calling sends us into a world that needs good news. Jesus has called us to bear that good news in word and deed. No matter what happens. An ending may be near, but in the risen Christ, we are assured of a new beginning.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, throughout the rest of my days I will see many things that scare and sadden me. Help me to lift up my head in hope; for you do have the last word. Amen

Keith Dey