Wednesday, March 4 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 10 of 40

Jesus challenges us to see defilement as not necessarily coming from the outside-in but from the inside-out (Matthew 15:11). What are those things that come out of our system that disrupt a life lived in harmony with others? Are there words, are there emotions, perhaps expressions of anger and hatred, that are destroying us? … that are discouraging others or even in ourselves? These expressions can rip apart relationships and kill the people closest to us. Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said …, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment. But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.” (Matthew 5:21-2) Words are the articulation of our emotions.

Sunday, March 1 – Lent 2020 Day 7 of 40

Each Sunday of Lent has its unique and special name. The first of these is called “Expulsion Sunday” reminding us of the disharmony between humanity and God. We are given paradise to enjoy along with the gift of freedom to choose good or bad. We are given the beauty of nature and in return we pollute our environment, we choose our addictions and we opt for war over peace. We enter church and quickly notice the Lenten environment with a pulled curtain across the altar, reminding us that our sin – as the curtain symbolizes – prevents us from seeing the fullness of God. Sin comes about when we decide our will is greater than God’s. Expelled from paradise we live with hope for we know that there is a redeemer who says, “Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.” (Matthew 9:13)

Saturday, February 29 – Lent 2020 Day 6 of 40

Bringing order out of chaos explains the beginning of the Universe as God’s Spirit moved through it. True beauty is a reflection of that order. Once every four years a day is added to our calendar to sync the movements of our life with the order of the universe. Walking in harmony with God and our fellow creatures is our goal. When Jesus came to this world, the proclamation of the angels explained this harmony precisely, “Peace on Earth, good will among all.” (Luke 2) Peace and goodness with one another is in our hands. Adjustments are regularly necessary to put us in sync with the beauty of God’s love.

Tuesday, February 25 – Lent 2020, Day 2 of 40

Fasting is a physical condition which reminds us of our spiritual growth. By fasting we abstain from foods and pleasures and thereby find what is truly necessary to survive, to live and ultimately to walk in peace and harmony with our family, with our friends and our neighbors. When hungry, Jesus was tempted to change the stones to bread. “Man does not live by bread alone,” says our Lord, “But by every word that comes from the mouth of the God.” (Matthew 4:4) Take an inventory of your life and find what is essential and what clutter can be tossed.

Wednesday, February 26 – Lent 2020, Day 3 of 40

Time is marked by the second-hand ticking on the surface of a clock. It is also marked with the change of scenery as winter melts into spring. All around us life changes and with it, so do we. Do not fight the change but find yourselves journeying through Lent observing the small and subtle ticks and changes taking place in your life. Jesus reminds us, “The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8) The Spirit is guiding you.