Lenten M E D I T A T I O N S

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CONTRIBUTORS

Albright, Lynne

Bigglestone, Kay

Book, The Reverend Nancy Meister

Brooks, Toni Sue

Carr, Eric

Click, Jane

Cuneo, Pia

Dickson, Pat

Donovan, Don & Lil

Eastoe, Chris

Fitzgerald, Mary

Foley, Peter

Forshey, Carol

Graves, Aimee L.

Guard, Oma Lee “Sam”

Hannan, Chuck

Hanson, Rick

Hunter, Lynn Marie

Hunter, Spencer

Hutson, Linda

Keplinger, The Reverend Steve

LaBour, Chris

LaBour, Fred

Ledyard, Chris

Martin, The Reverend Bill

Martin, The Reverend Nadine

Schlumberger, Ann

Scott, Margaret (Peggy)

Shreve, Terry

Southwick, Susan

Whitaker, Martha

In the crazy, frenetic world in which we live, the idea of having a season of the year set aside for reflection and discernment is as counter-cultural as anything we do together. Lent separates us

from the society around us, but it can also be one of the greatest gifts we can offer to others. Never was there a time in our society that we needed to practice the lessons of Lent more so than now.

The danger, however, is that we fall into the Gnostic trap found in the dark side of Western Christianity. The Lenten experience for Jesus was not a time of self-denial and fasting so that he could segre-gate himself from the evil material world. The reason for his fasting in the desert was more akin to the Vision Quest idea found in many indigenous traditions. Those forty days for Jesus were about discern-ment, determining where his life was to go and how he should live into the vocation to which God was calling him.

All of us need the same opportunity. We need to carve out time in our lives to think straight, to be able to hear the still small voice of God amidst the cacophony surrounding us. That is our hope for all of you during this Lenten season.

To assist you in that effort, many folks have contributed to put to-gether this booklet of Lenten reflections and meditations. Our hope is that these meditations will provide each of you a window into the desert experience of Jesus. May each of these reflections deepen your awareness and sharpen your vision of God’s presence in your life.

In addition to a giant thank you to all of the contributors, let us

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thank Ann Schlumberger and The Rev. Nadine Martin for assem-bling and editing these beautiful meditations. In addition, Craig Garver once again donated hours of personal time to lay out this handsome collection. David Wachter and our great collating staff completed this wonderful work. May these readings fill you during this season of simplicity and spiritual growth.

—Stev e K epli nger+ Rector

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ASH W EDNESDAY, FEBRUA RY 22

The Echo of Ashes

“Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return.”

he large bowl rests on a purple cloth its roundness holding ashes freshly burned black and ready for wearing blackened thumbs press the ancient sign upon the waiting foreheads.

I hear the message repeated until it haunts and hunts me down remember, remember, remember you are dust, dust, only dust someday only dust will remain.

he echo of the Lent-stained ashes speaks the truth of my humanity: the humbleness of my beginning, the simplicity of my departure.

Lenten Meditations

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A few wise words echoing through Ash Wednesday urge me to deeper things: renewed dedication, constant compassion, and mindful awareness.

I leave marveling at how simple and sublime is this envelope of the soul, which one day returns to dust, dust, only dust.

—Joyce Ru pp from Out of the Ordinary, Ave Maria Press: Notre Dame, 200

THURSDAY, FEBRUA RY 23

There’s nothing magical about solitude that makes God suddenly appear. God is everywhere all the time. It’s just that most of the time we’re so busy with everything else we don’t notice. But by practicing the discipline of solitude, we are creating a space in our lives where God can be with us. And over time, as that space grows, so can our relationship with the living God.

—Joh n Mich a el Ta lbot, The Lessons of St. Francis

What can I give up during Lent that will enable me to create that space? I will make a conscious effort to spend quiet time with no agenda to present to God. I will listen. Then I will journal.

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FR IDAY, FEBRUA RY 24

Recalling the Past

No doubt we remember certain historical dates that had a significant impact on our lives, such as the Russian revolution, 97; the 929 Depression; World War I , 94; J FK assassination, 962, etc. A few evenings ago on the H2 channel, I saw a fascinating program on the events following the attack on Pearl Harbor. As I watched it, I recalled my youth in 94. On that day, a Sunday, I and my family were riding home to Lincoln from an afternoon show in Omaha, Nebraska. The car radio happened to be on, and around 4:00 p.m. , a special announcement described the attack and, needless to say, we just sat in silence for a moment. Being a veteran of wwI, my dad broke the silence by stating that he was going to re-enlist on the fol-lowing day. I did not know what to say; however, my mother told me later not to worry. It was just talk. I learned later that during the war my dad had been a victim of mustard gas which severely damaged his lungs. In retrospect, my dad knew very well that he couldn’t re-enlist and thus was a very frustrated person.

The most noteworthy event during this stressful time occurred the day FDR gave his speech over the radio. We were having dinner around the dining room table. When the speech ended, my folks were discussing it. During a break in this discussion, I piped up and said something to effect “Why do we have to go to war? I don’t believe it will help anything ...” At that moment my dad who was sitting next to me slammed his fist down on the table and proceeded to ream me out for saying this and accused me of being a coward and a yellow belly! As a nine-year-old boy, I was both frightened and bewildered. I left the table and went and hid in the basement for a few hours.

This one event has plagued me all my life and will continue to do so. I am convinced that this event largely shaped my subsequent life

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to what I have become today. That is, I’m very much anti-war and have a real deep need to provide help wherever I can. It was many years later that I finally realized that being a deacon means to serve, to be able to serve God and anyone else in need.

SATUR DAY, FEBRUA RY 25

In the mid 990’s, Marcus Borg conducted a retreat for GSP at which he presented his version of the “Jesus Prayer:”

Lord Jesus Christ – You are the light of the world. Fill my mind with your peace and my heart with your love.

Lord Jesus Christ – Despite its associations of domination, a “lord” can also be seen as the protector of his people, a higher power who desires and promotes the wellbeing of all creation.

You are the Light of the World – Jesus illuminates our experiences and thereby dispels our fears.

Fill my mind with your peace – Jesus reminds us that a peace beyond understanding is available through Him.

Fill my heart with your love – When our minds are peaceful, Jesus’ love fills us with compassion for all creation.

SU NDAY, FEBRUA RY 26

“...Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul. The natural beauty-hunger is displayed in poor folks’ win-dow gardens made up of a few geranium slips in broken cups, as

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well as the costly lily gardens of the rich, the thousands of spacious city parks and botanical gardens, and in our magnificent national Parks...”

—Joh n M u ir

This Lenten season, whether it’s today or another day, go outside and reflect on both the beauty of God’s Creation, and how very lucky we are to live in such a beautiful place. It doesn’t have to be a long, planned hike, just a walk around your block, or a trip to a neighbor-hood park. Or just choose a place to sit in your yard or on a park bench. Listen to the sounds of nature. What do you hear? What do you see? And where can you find and appreciate life rooting itself in everyday places? There is vibrancy of plant life in the desert and even in cracks in the pavement. What do you feel and smell? The pulse of the Earth is evident everywhere and we are part of it. Take the time today to recognize how all Life is connected and interrelated.

MONDAY, FEBRUA RY 27

“Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?”

—BCP, Holy Baptism, p. 305

The challenge of our lives is to look beyond our immediate needs to those of the broader community. In its most inclusive sense, that community is the “Body of Christ” consisting not just of Christian believers like us, but of the entire human race. We align our will most closely with that of God when we intentionally care for that body through our work, imagination, and creativity.

Holy One, give us an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. A m en.

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TUESDAY, FEBRUA RY 28

As I think of forgiveness, I ponder a section from Ezekiel, which says, “A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you, and I will take out of your flesh the heart of stone, and I will give you a heart of flesh.” There have been times in my life when someone has hurt me so deeply that I become hardened inside and my heart becomes like stone. When my heart is in this state, I am truly paralyzed. In this place, I need the genuine love of God to melt my heart. I don’t forget what has happened, but I can actually then begin the process of forgiveness.

W EDNESDAY, FEBRUA RY 29

Begin his is now. Now is, all there is. Don’t wait for hen; strike the spark, light the fire.

Sit at the Beloved’s table, feast with gusto, drink your fill then dance the way branches of jasmine and cypress dance in a spring wind.

he green earth Is your cloth; Tailor your robe With dignity and grace.

—Rumi

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Lent is a season of preparation leading up to Easter. The Book of Com-mon Prayer during the Ash Wednesday service invites all to observe

“a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy word.” Most Episcopalians approach the forty days of Lent as a period of penitence, fasting, reconciliation and restoration. Many mark this time by giving up something, alcoholic drinks, meat, chocolate.

There is another option, as well. Lent can be a time to accept an invitation to take action; take up a new practice. One suggestion is to find a local social justice ministry or organization that interests you. Volunteer. Make a financial gift. Another option to consider is add-ing an element to your prayer life, perhaps doing the daily office.

And, of course, you can do both.But no matter your choice, you must begin.Have a Holy and Blessed Lent.

THURSDAY, M A RCH 1

Psalm 62: For God alone my soul in silence waits.

The world is noisy, full of voices talking, singing, and electronic de-vices calling for our attention, buzzing, ringing. Silence is not a state of being we are comfortable with and yet it is something we need. Silence gives us space to breathe, a moment to feel our true being, a time to acknowledge our desire for God’s presence in our lives. Si-lence is not absence but presence. We are at last fully alive and aware of the Holy Spirit moving in us. Even if this awareness lasts only a few minutes, we have experienced something new which continues to call us to try again, to become more at ease with ourselves and be more willing to open to God’s presence.

O Holy One, help us to have the courage and discipline to make room for moments of stillness and silence in our everyday lives.

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FR IDAY, M A RCH 2

“When we forget our own need for mercy and forgiveness; when we fail to recognize that our own sins are what enable us to understand the sins of others and to show them mercy and forgiveness, then we are locked into a world where there is nothing but the evil of righ-teousness and the righteousness of evil.”

—Joa n Chit tister

Holy Spirit, Help me embrace personal hurts inflicted by leaders of institutions. Let me remember that the sins of some are not the sin of all. Lend me patience and courage to recognize that my own sins will, with time, return us to one another. Guide me to practice Christ’s mercy and give me strength to stay in community until peace and understanding rest between us. A m en.

SATUR DAY, M A RCH 3

Stripping the Altar

I put away the trappings of Advent: the paper, the sparkle, the little painted statues of the sacred family, these symbols of light, new birth, and hope born anew in an infant’s face.

An infant with no agenda, no accomplishment, no accumulation of this world’s wealth.

An infant who exists through...what?...the Grace of God?...and brings boundless, bone-melting joy just because he exists, and looks at me, and smiles.

But I feel a seasonal rhythm now. Not the manic sixty-fourth notes of daily life, but the huge tones

that strike when light turns to darkness and darkness to light in a register lower than I can hear.

he deep rhythmic pulse that leads to Lent.

We strip the altar. We turn inward to consider; bare wood, bare stone, one fading candle, flickering against the voracious night, ashes imposed, and our own essence before Creation.

In time there will again be bouquets, explosions of fragrance and color. he singing will come again.

But for now, let us be quiet.

Let us take a deep breath and stop our endless opinions, judgments, dreams, feelings, and fears for forty days, or at least until the next breath.

Let us not so much sit up, straighten our backbones and earnestly listen for God’s voice, but instead, at the darkest hour, know the beginning faintest glow in the east and prepare our hearts for the coming dawn.

—Fr ed L a Bou r

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SU NDAY, M A RCH 4

Awe and Reverence

I have come to believe hat God does not want my fear But rather he awe and reverence I find here As the trees kiss me with their branches he rocks give me their hearts he white sands of the pond bottom wash my feet And the hawks delight me with their dancing

“Be not afraid” And yet I am As I turn my life over To that which lives Beyond all imagination Trembling with a call I have ignored for years he tiny crescent sliver smiles down Silvery in the dusk As I say Here I am

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MONDAY, M A RCH 5

Psalm 57: “In the shadow of your wings will I take refuge

until this time of trouble has gone by.”

In the Psalms David uses metaphors we can readily picture. I haven’t lived in Tucson long but have found that a number of people here

“talk quail.” The Gambel’s quail are popular birds. Even my electri-cian mentioned what good parents quail are. Indeed, I’ve seen a mother quail chase away a roadrunner, a much larger bird. This summer teenage quail sometimes came within a few feet of me when I was out and asked for food (so, of course, they were fed). While they ate first, the father would stand guard.

When threatened, our little desert quail huddle under the out-spread wings of their mother. David could “talk quail.” This is not surprising, since he would have seen them when he worked as a shepherd, and we read earlier in Scripture how the Israelites were provided with flocks of quail as food in the wilderness.

We can know that even as the adult quail shields its young from harm, our heavenly Parent protects us in difficult times. Thanks be to God.

TUESDAY, M A RCH 6

Recently, I was ministered to by a woman who told me to notice in the Psalms how David talks to God and how he sets his will. In one of today’s Psalms he declares, “In your tent will I make my home forever” (Ps. 6). In another he repeats, “I will never be shaken” (Ps. 62).

We read in other Psalms, “I will thank you forever” (Ps. 30), “I will sing of your strength” (Ps. 59), “I will offer in your Tabernacle sacrifices of great joy” (Ps. 27), and “When I am afraid, I will trust in you” (Ps. 56).

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In his youth, David had trusted God to protect him from the lions and bears that threatened the sheep. Because God had kept him safe through those years, he knew he could face Goliath and later the enemies of Israel, sure that God would preserve him.

We can make affirmations of trust in God like David’s, or create our own, such as, “I will believe what God’s Word says about how loved I am” (in spite of how I may feel or what someone might say) or “With your help, O God, I will love my neighbors” (even when they seem unlovable).

Shouldn’t we be purposeful in trusting and seeking God this Lent-en season? Certainly Christ was, as he moved toward Jerusalem.

W EDNESDAY, M A RCH 7

Lent as a Sacred Space

Over recent months I have become aware of “space” and how various writers express the importance of space.

“Real listening happens in the spaces beneath the words”—W en dy Strga r

Communication can occur in “the space between the words”—K ay L i n da hl

“Space intensifies the experience of form”—Mich a el Wood

“Music is made in the spaces between the notes, the phrasings, the transitions, the silences”

—M a ry Pl ou ffe“Space in our mind keeps everything from being covered over with

a jumble of thoughts”—Ja n Chozen Bays

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“Silence creates the space for listening to God”—K ay L i n da hl

May each of us let this Lent be a “space” providing the background to look in a new way at God, our faith and our spiritual journey.

THURSDAY, M A RCH 8

Confuse, O Lord, confound their speech; for I see violence and strife in the city. Day and night they go around it on its walls, and iniquity and trouble are within it; ruin is in its midst; oppression and fraud do not depart from its marketplace

—Psalm 55:9-, NRSV

The psalmist wrote these observations about city life more than 2500 years ago, after a friend had betrayed his trust. Living today, he would probably have camped out with the Occupy Wall Street protesters. Could I have done so, myself? Not without profound feelings of inner conflict, I decided. I have retirement money that I saved in order to avoid dependency on others, and which grew handsomely under questionable circumstances, as the worst of the financial excesses occurred. Even “socially responsible” investments would not have absolved me of a degree of complicity in the finan-cial crisis. This kind of dilemma relates to the problem of societal or systemic sins: those things we know we must repent of, because they separate us as a society from the realm of God, but which we as individuals cannot see how to divorce ourselves from. Those of us who participate in society commonly find ourselves in such straits; we are caught, whichever way we decide to act. Similar quandaries lurk at the base of most (all?) of our social ills: exploitation, greed, border issues, how the armed forces are used.... During Lent, let us pray that we may come to understand how to begin the process of repentance.

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FR IDAY, M A RCH 9

Gratitude

There is so much to be thankful for! The warm and lovely Tucson spring, the promise of Easter, our Grace St Paul’s community, friends and family, the vigor of youth, the wisdom of age...so many things!

As a Lenten discipline, you might try writing down every night five things you are thankful for – anything from the general (good health, plenty to eat) to the specific (plumber unclogged the kitchen sink). Over time this becomes a journal of sorts, full of positive entries. It makes it possible to look at even hard days with new eyes, being grateful for the life of a friend who just died, for instance, or for good medical care when you are sick.

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus. (I Thess. 5:8)

SATUR DAY, M A RCH 10

Isaiah 4:0

I am always a person who likes to be in control and was completely at sea. I had absolutely no control of the circumstances and was un-able to predict anything. All I could do was stand by and listen. My heart was breaking but not for me but for my daughter.

Suddenly, I remembered the Bible passage. “Fear not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yea, I will help you; yea, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.”

I knew that God was with me and I could rely on that strength and love. My loved one would be all right. God would help me un-derstand and accept whatever the future holds.

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SU NDAY, M A RCH 11

Here and throughout the world, we await your resurrection O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross and resurrection you have redeemed the world.

—Adopted from the TSSF Community Obedience

The Cross: our reminder that there is suffering in this world, as no-ticed with the various marginalized groups and voiceless animals. As we meditate on the Cross, we can move toward Resurrection, through loving-kindness action in Social Justice activities available through Grace St. Paul’s and the Tucson community.

Your arms were wide-open on the cross...help me Jesus have wide-open arms of Love!

Oh Holy One, remove that inclination in me: the bribe that “all will turn out well in my life” only because I’m focused on transfor-mation through a suffering Christ.

MONDAY, M A RCH 12

During my job loss with the resultant extreme financial insecurity and an intensive job search, a spiritual and emotional point of no return was reached while driving on the interstate. It became abso-lutely necessary for me to completely surrender and accept God’s will and guidance. I became willing to do whatever necessary to serve others in any capacity that God wanted – not what I wanted. It was at that moment that the understanding was given that I only do the footwork – the results are totally up to God. A job offer ap-peared shortly thereafter...a very visible metaphor of cross, death, and resurrection. May God’s peace be with you!

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TUESDAY, M A RCH 13

There is a Buddhist prayer that my spiritual director gave to me to say for myself and those whom I was concerned about (substituting their names for the first person pronoun). She called it the meta-prayer:

May I be safe. May I be peaceful. May I be healthy.

May I take care of myself easily.

Just saying the second line’s request to “be peaceful” immediately puts me into a space of calm trust in Providence so that I can be open to the Spirit’s influence on my soul and on the situation I am praying about. The four lines of the prayer also remind me of what is really essential in life and reassures me that God is the source of that sufficiency.

W EDNESDAY, M A RCH 14

Merlin Carothers published Prison to Praise in 970 and followed it with a series of books detailing how the practice of praising God in all circumstances has transformed his life and that of others. He discovered the efficacy of this practice as a young serviceman who got into serious trouble for being AWOL from the Army. I was re-ferred to his work when I was struggling to stay sane in a difficult marriage, which ultimately ended in divorce. However, looking back after 30 years, I am able to see the many positive outcomes resulting from that period in my life. My suffering deepened my compassion for others and encouraged me to adopt regular spiritual practices. Most importantly, it strengthened my faith in the Creative Spirit who moves through our lives and our world making all things new.

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For what was, for what is, and for what is yet to come, thanks be to God!

THURSDAY, M A RCH 15

The other morning some of us were together in a church where the rector was saying Morning Prayer and leading us in guided silent prayer. He said, “Let us pray for those whom we love.” And that was easy. Then he said, “Let us pray for those whom we do not love.” And there rose up before my mind three people for whom I had to pray. They were men who have opposed my work. In this they may have been wrong. But my wrong was in resentment and a feeling of letting myself be cut off from them, and even from praying for them, because of it. Years ago I read a quotation from Mary Lyon that recurs to me again and again: “Nine-tenths of our suffering is caused by others not thinking so much of us as we think they ought.” If you want to know where pride nestles and festers in most of us, that is right where it is; and it is not the opposition of others, but our own pride, which causes us the deepest hurt. I never read a word that penetrated more deeply into the sin of pride from which all of us suffer, nor one which opens up more surgically our places of unforgiveness.

—Sa m u el Moor Shoem a k er, And Thy Neighbour

FR IDAY, M A RCH 16

I have observed through the years that most Christians have little understanding of the word “season.” Our God is a seasonal God. He comes, He departs. His faithfulness never changes, but his seasons do!

There are seasons when the tree is green, there are seasons when it is dry, and seasons when, for the life of us, the thing looks dead.

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Now, does this mean we are serving some capricious God who comes and goes by whim? Or, could it be, that it is only through seasons that true growth may come?

Paul said, “Does not nature teach us?” Fruit from a tree comes to us as a result of three or four seasons. The Christian and God’s body both need rain and sunshine, cold and hot, wind and doldrums.

—Gen e Edwa r ds , The Inward Journey

SATUR DAY, M A RCH 17

The Phainopepla

As I sit at my desk looking out my window, I am blessed to see a Phainopepla sitting at the highest point of a mesquite tree. A solitary figure calling me each morning to a solitary moment of my own. He calls me to be mindful, to cherish all that is given me each day The celebration of Lent calls me in the same way.

Evelyn Underhill asks me to consider three counsels: poverty, chastity, obedience.

The poverty of recognizing that I have nothing of my own but am totally dependent on God and the natural world.

The chastity of rationing my time and energy with unnecessary meetings and talks and brooding about myself.

The obedience of total surrender of my will which stands in my way of serving God.

The Phainopepla outside my window seems to understand each of these ideas. I pray that I may follow his lead during this season of Lent.

SU NDAY, M A RCH 18

It must be a condition of old age. I look back, maybe too much. But thoughts of old relationships, memories of places I’ve been and things I did creep into my consciousness, unbidden and unwanted.

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I do not want to be burdened with sadness or regret during Lent. But there they are...things done that shouldn’t have been done and things left undone that should have been done. It’s the season, I guess, that asks me to confront my past. I turn off the noise around me and sit in silence, waiting for the resurrection.

MONDAY, M A RCH 19

Be True to yourself

Life around us can become perplexing and pull us in many directions.

Listen to your inner voice as it speaks from your Spiritual Soul.

We need to quiet our minds and bodies to be in touch with our Spiritual Soul.

Light a candle in silence, close your eyes and listen with your heart for enlightenment.

As we walk through the Desert, sit by the Mountain side and rest there with the Spirit of Nature.

Whisper prayers for Comfort and Blessings of Joy. You will come home to a place of Peace and Harmony within your Spiritual Soul.

Be True to Yourself.

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TUESDAY, M A RCH 20

During the first week in January, the H2 T V channel aired a series of programs dealing with the history of religion. The documentaries shown were -2 hours in duration and were of high quality and dealt with a number of topics. I found many of the topics quite interesting; however, the topic on hell (and Satan and his minions) fascinated me. It always has for that matter. It dealt primarily on how this subject matter impacted various cultures down through the centuries to the present day. Of all of the topics covered, the one that depicted Hell and Satan during the Thirteenth and Fourteenth centuries caught my attention, particularly on how Dante’s Inferno came into being. It was during this time that the papacy established Rome as the center of church authority. Dante, on the other hand, mocked the church for this authority and its behavior during this time. Church authorities, however, arrested Dante for his “blasphemy” and exiled him to a small village south of Rome. It was during this time that he wrote Dante’s Inferno, a biting condemnation of the Church. His masterpiece was almost three years in the making and to this day is still considered a controversial masterpiece. The poem’s imaginative and allegorical vision of the afterlife is a culmination of the medieval-wide society that had developed in the Western Church.

At first glance, the poem describes Dante’s travels through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. However, at a level of significant insight, it represents as an allegorical journey of the soul towards God. Even at a deeper level, Dante draws on medieval Christian theology and philosophy with emphasis on Thomistic philosophy and the Summa Theologica of Thomas Aquinas.

W EDNESDAY, M A RCH 21

Watching television and reading newspapers, I sometimes wonder if there is any gentleness left in the world. Recently, though, the Arizona Daily Star has been publishing letters from many people

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attesting to the kindness of our neighbors: of those who pay the bills of strangers, of those who return lost wallets or mislaid credit cards, of those who minister to injured and infirm. It was wonder-fully affirming.

And then in mid-January it happened to me. I came home from ministering to my very ill 89-year-old sister-in-law and my husband said, “There’s been a delivery for you. Go look on the dining room.” I did. In the middle of the table was a magnificent bouquet of spring flowers: yellow lilies, pink tulips, deep purple irises. I looked at the florist’s card. It read: “For the beginning of a brighter 202.” The florist confirmed that there was no mistake that there was not a signature.

I was flabbergasted. I’ve questioned several friends, mentioned my good fortune to several groups. No one fesses up. I’m rather glad. This act has lifted my spirits and reminded me that kindness can come in many forms. The mystery remains wondrous.

THURSDAY, M A RCH 22

Lent is a solemn time, but also a time when we enrich our faith. This trip is different and new every year. We look at all facets of our lives and pray for further strength in handling all of its elements. We continue seeking ongoing clarification of occurrences during this time – the mental anguish and sorrow suffered during the death of Jesus nailed onto a cross and then the presence of absolute joy felt during his resurrection – a brilliant aura surrounding all of us. It is a glorious gift we must share without any fear with whoever comes into contact with us. Per psalm 34:4, “I sought the Lord and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fear.”

FR IDAY, M A RCH 23

For all the trials and tribulations of life, which make us stronger,

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we are to be thankful to the Lord our God, as these indeed make us consider life anew.

My accident has enabled me to be a new creation, like being re-baptized into Christ. With new eyes I see the world, sometimes as a child and always thankful. Continual happiness floods my being, as now I am able to see Christ in all whom I encounter.

Observing the beauty of creation, I am in awe that God has al-lowed us to live and enjoy such loveliness.

I am most grateful for prayers, healing touch, and a spirit-filled GSP congregation and clergy who, through their prayers, elevated my spiritual consciousness to greater heights. It’s all about healing.

SATUR DAY, M A RCH 24

Remember that you... are this universe and this universe is you

—Joy H a rjo , Native American (Creek) writer

SU NDAY, M A RCH 25

Whatever befalls the earth Befalls the sons and daughters of the earth.

We did not weave the web of life; We are merely a strand in it.

Whatever we do to the web, We do to ourselves . . ..

—Chief Se at tl e , Native American (Suquamish) leader

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MONDAY, M A RCH 26

Nature imitates herself. A grain thrown into good ground brings forth fruit: a principle thrown into a good mind brings forth fruit. Everything is created and conducted by the same Master – the root, the branch, the fruits – the principles, the consequences.

—Bl a ise Pasca l , French mathematician and philosopher

TUESDAY, M A RCH 27

God is present to us in our suffering and with today’s staggering unemployment, loss of housing, and growing homeless population, it is imperative to spread the Good News.

People must know they are never alone and God loves them. We were not promised that everything would turn out wonderfully well for us all; still, we need Christ in our lives to maintain sanity and give us hope.

During this Lenten season, let us strive to help those less fortunate than ourselves and be blessed for doing so. We need to forge a new path, one that shouts that “Christ is love – your sins are forgiven.”

“With God all things are possible.”“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”A m en.

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W EDNESDAY, M A RCH 28

I arise todayhrough the strength of heaven:

Light of sun,Radiance of moon,

Splendor of fire.Speed of lightning,Swiftness of wind,

Depth of sea,Stability of earth,Firmness of rock.

—Sa i n t Patr ick ,5th century patron saint of Ireland

THURSDAY, M A RCH 29

I rode Trixie a few days ago and it did not go well. When I wanted her to slow down, she raced around; when I wanted her to move forward, she dragged her feet. I got angry. Why wasn’t she listening to me? Why wouldn’t she do what I wanted? Why couldn’t I have it my way? I finally just got off. I thought about my anger and frustra-tion the rest of the day and for much of the night as well. The anger and frustration turned into deep sadness that I had treated my friend with unkindness and impatience. I had been unfair. The next time I went out to ride, I focused only on the love in my heart and not how fast or how slow Trixie’s hooves were moving. I had an excel-lent ride. Trixie was happy and so was I. During Lent, I will try to continue to learn valuable lessons from what appear to be setbacks, to learn more how to let go of inappropriate ambition and the lust for control, and to remember the profound importance of returning to the basics with love in my heart.

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FR IDAY, M A RCH 30

I try to follow the advice of the Anglican priest and poet George Herbert, and to open myself to personal and spiritual growth “when good is seasonable.” Lent recommends abstinence to me, and I try to go beyond the solipsistic and self-serving by abstaining from pride, my familiar agendas, and convoluted reasons for not doing what I know I should be doing. Herbert calls upon me to have “a face not fearing light” during Lent. This is a time to drop the excuses and preoccupation that distances me from those I love, and thus also distances me from God. With this poet as my guide, the old agricul-tural meaning of Lent as spring fills me with hope for the newness to come. If I can abstain from myself and reach out sincerely, I will have grown in Lent.

SATUR DAY, M A RCH 31

The Cardinal

One morning after many exhausting visits to the Mayo Clinic, Bill and I and our two dogs were sitting outside in the warm sun. We were silent as we drank in the peace of God’s creation that marked a stark contrast to our previous weeks. We were still awaiting test results. I looked over to our mesquite tree and spotted a bright red male cardinal sitting on one of the bare branches. As I admired him, he flew down and sat close to the base of the tree. Then he flew over and landed about four feet from my feet. My older dog, who is normally reactive to anything that moves in the yard, lay motionless and silent. We all sat there for several minutes; the cardinal made no effort to move. Finally after about three minutes, he flew away. Although no words were exchanged, I felt as though God had spo-ken to us through the Cardinal to tell us that all shall be well. The mystery remains. But isn’t mystery a part of Lent?

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PA LM SU NDAY, A PR IL 1

The Poet Thinks about the Donkey

On the outskirts of Jerusalem the donkey waited. Not especially brave, or filled with understanding, he stood and waited.

How horses, turned out into the meadow, leap with delight! How doves, released from their cages, clatter away, splashed with sunlight!

But the donkey, tied to a tree as usual, waited he he let himself be led away. hen he let the stranger mount.

Never had he seen such crowds! And I wonder if he at all imagined what was to happen. Still, he was what he had always been: small, dark, obedient.

I hope, finally, he felt brave. I hope, finally, he loved the man who rode so lightly upon him, as he lifted one dusty hoof and stepped, as he had to, forward.

—M a ry Oli v er, Thirst

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MONDAY, A PR IL 2

Pray for whatever you lack, kneeling before Christ. Christ will teach you all things. This one thing do: keep your eyes fixed on that which he has done for you and for all men so that you may learn what you should do for others. If Christ had sought to live only among nice people, and to die only for his friends, with whom would he ever have lived, for whom then would he have died?

—M a rti n Lu ther

TUESDAY, A PR IL 3

Recently when I was walking across the GSP parking lot, I noticed a client of Joseph’s Pantry eating from a can of food he had recently received from the pantry. I couldn’t help but notice the look of joy on his face. How I take for granted the food on my table, a warm bed, a hot shower – how irritated I get when something doesn’t work. But do I experience the joy this man feels in the simple act of being fed? Not always, no. We’re fed by serving Christ through others less fortunate than we are. Fr. Thomas Keating, O.C .S .O. , said it best:

“The great sin is to be deaf to the cry of the poor, whether that cry springs from emotional, material, or spiritual need. We must con-stantly reach out in practical ways to those in need. Divine love is not a feeling, but a choice. It is to show mercy. It is to live in the center.

W EDNESDAY, A PR IL 4

Contemplation in a World of Action

Abba Anthony said, “Just as fish die if they stay too long out of water, so the monks who loiter outside their cells or pass their time with men of the world lose the intensity of inner peace. So like a fish going towards the sea, we must hurry to reach our cell, for fear that if we delay outside we will lose our interior watchfulness.”

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Anthony was speaking to monks who were called to intense soli-tude and silent prayer as parts of a unique vocation. Most of us are not called to monastic life, yet we too must learn to balance our active and responsible lives with contemplative prayer. Anthony is not criticizing men and women “of the world,” nor is he saying that we do not live holy lives. He reminds us that if we “loiter” in idle conversations or hyperactivity, we will dissipate spiritual energy and wisdom that center our lives in God’s presence. “Intensity of inner peace” and “interior watchfulness” are sources of our soul’s health and responsible stewardship of our lives in the world. Contemplation and actions are colleagues.

—Dav id G.R . K ell er, Desert Banquet: A Year of Wisdom from The Desert Mothers And Fathers

M AU NDY THURSDAY, A PR IL 5

A Prayer for Washing Feet by Macrina Wiederkehr

Jesus Is it really you kneeling before me with that bowl of water in your hands?

I’d feel more comfortable if we could trade places

I wouldn’t mind kneeling before you, but you before me?

I can’t let you love me that much.

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Your piercing eyes suddenly heal my pride.

I’m able to accept your gift of love and I am blessed.

O Gift Giving God I blush with the memory of gifts I’ve refused because they weren’t given my way.

—Seasons of Your Heart, Prayers & Reflections, Revised and Expanded

I love how this poem progresses, starting with pride and vulner-ability, to awakening and openness, and finally to repentance. That is Lent well lived.

GOOD FR IDAY, A PR IL 6

Today is the day we confront faith. Today we struggle to make sense of torture.

The most challenging Good Friday question I have heard came not from theologians, but the thoughts of a developmentally challenged woman. “Why are there nails in his feet?” she asked.

The answer that most of us have heard is that this was God’s plan to pay for our sins.

But Jesus was not killed today because this was part of God’s plan. Jesus was killed because his message was that a corrupt system that

favored a few, at the expense of many, must be stopped. That is why there are nails in his feet.

The world’s injustices are not part of God’s plan. Mothers do not lose their children because God planned it. Good Fridays happen to all of us, but they are not punishments. God does not make Good Friday – God responds when Good Fridays occur. And God’s re-sponse to Good Friday is always Easter Sunday.

HOLY SATUR DAY, A PR IL 7

How long did it take? For us, this time of nothingness, this period of emptiness, and fear and disillusionment was a single day. That first Holy Saturday, however, may have lasted for years. Who knows how long it took before the disciples were able to let go of their fear long enough to come out of hiding? Who knows how long they had to struggle to come to terms with the death of the one they were con-vinced would change everything? Who knows how long it took for the experience of the risen Christ to permeate their depression?

Today, let us sit with uncertainty and commiserate with those who invested everything with the Jesus who has been taken from their midst.

EASTER DAY, SU NDAY, A PR IL 8

He is risen! Alleluia, alleluia!

N

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CONTRIBUTORS

Albright, Lynne

Bigglestone, Kay

Book, Reverend Nancy Meister

Brooks, Toni Sue

Carr, Eric

Click, Jane

Cuneo, Pia

Dickson, Pat

Donovan, Don & Lil

Eastoe, Chris

Fitzgerald, Mary

Foley, Peter

Forshey, Carol

Graves, Aimee L.

Guard, Oma Lee “Sam”

Hannan, Chuck

Hanson, Rick

Hunter, Lynn Marie

Hunter, Spencer

Hutson, Linda

Keplinger, Reverend Steve

LaBour, Chris

LaBour, Fred

Ledyard, Chris

Martin, Reverend Bill

Martin, Reverend Nadine

Schlumberger, Ann

Scott, Margaret (Peggy)

Shreve, Terry

Southwick, Susan

Whitaker, Martha

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