Lenten Journey 2020 Day 10 of 40

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.

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 7 of 40

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)

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 9 of 40

Tuesday, March 3 – Lenten Journey 2020 Day 9 of 40

As the second week of Lent is unfolding we will intensify our Lenten Journey with the words of our Lord, “Listen and understand it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” (Matthew 15:11). The message here is a strong one. In Christian living, and especially during the Lenten period, we can be consumed with laws and regulations – the dos and don’ts – of life. We ask the wrong questions: Do we abstain from this type of meat? Or that type of food? Today we step-it-up by meditating on the reasons for those rules. What is it about a simplified life, of increased prayer and abstinence from food, that will yield a better person? Introspection begins with the right questions.

Lenten Journey 2020 – Day 8 of 40

Monday, March 2 – Lent 2020, Day 8 of 40

What is essential for life? As our second week of the Lenten Journey begins we seek simplicity in all that we do. The abundance of material wealth brings with it trappings that keep us confined to unexpected servitude. With acquisition of more and more things and with the accumulation of stuff there comes worry, stress and anxiety. Fear follows when we think of life without – or even worse, with the loss of – these material trappings. Seeking simplicity in our life clears away the misdirected energy we have exerted toward the accumulation of stuff. Two of Jesus’ friends, Mary and Martha, approached him with sincere devotion and love, yet he singled out the devotion of one, “Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10) This day, find the simplicity in Mary’s choice.

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 6 of 40

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.

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 5 of 40

Friday, February 28 – Lent 2020, Day 5 of 40

Jesus tells us that “Your heavenly Father knows what you need before you ask him,” which then begs the question, why pray? As much as prayer is a conversation with God, it is a equally a conversation with the self. It may sound strange that the self would not know its own needs, but too often we lose focus in life and fail to understand that many of our needs are within our grasp. The prayer to God awakens and strengthens our own resolve to actualize our dreams. “Pray then like this,” says Christ, “Our Father who is in heaven, may Your Name be holy, may Your Kingdom come, may Your Will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not to the test, but deliver us from evil…. (Matthew 6) Pray so that each word and each phrase connects you to God and His Kingdom.

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 2 of 40

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.

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 4 of 40

Thursday, February 27 – Lent 2020, Day 4 of 40

Lent comes with meaning and purpose. Far from a 40 day exercise in dieting, the Lenten Journey is a time to discipline ourselves with more concerted prayers and opportunities to exercise our giving to others. (Matthew 6) The Lenten Journey lasts 40 days but its effects are felt for the 325 days that follow. From the most athletic basketball player, to the most spiritual priest, from the most articulate poet to the most skilled surgeon, everyone who excels in their field does so through a consistent diet of discipline and focus. “I came that [you] may have life,” says our Lord Jesus, “And that you may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) Meaning, purpose, focus, and discipline are the foundations of this Journey.

Lenten Journey 2020 Day 3 of 40

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.

Lenten Journey 2020 – Introduction (Poon Paregentan)

Lenten Journey – 2020
Sunday, February 23 – Poon Paregentan – Day of Good Living

Welcome to the Lenten Journey. Lent is a period of time set aside by the Church for personal introspection and spiritual growth. During this 40 day period you’re invited to use the tools of Fasting and Prayer coupled with expressions of Love (see Matthew 6) to make overcome the challenges of life. Beginning today we will provide daily messages to help and encourage you through this Lenten Season. Today is a day of “Good Living” in contrast to the toned-down lifestyle we begin tomorrow. Enjoy the day and be ready to take the Lenten Journey.