Mid-way Through Lent

     Today the baseball season starts.  Japan is trying to put itself back together again.  It snowed last night in Maryland.  Spring is in full swing in Monterey.  A siren blares in the distance.  Life goes on far and near.  In the midst of its details and busy-ness, it might be easy to forget the daily walk with God.  For some in our world, they never think about it, though they may call themselves Christian.  To say so is not intended as a judgement about them, but a concern.  How much richer life is when life is in tune with God.  How much more joyful when welcoming Jesus as a daily companion.  In this time of Lent, pray for those who do not know God in all the joy and love and depth they could. Pray for ourselves as well, to know it ever more fully.  What a gift we have received!  How much more God will give when we open ourselves to it,

The Third Day of Lent - 2011

     Today is somber for more reasons than the fact that it is Lent.  News arrived early of a terrible earthquake in Japan, also initiating fires and tsunamis.  Recent years have brought us a number of natural disasters (they often seem to come in groups).  As people seeking to grow in Christ, it is important to fight the numbing affect that sometimes comes when we hear about problem after problem.  

     I firmly believe that God does not send disasters nor inflict such suffering.  At the same time, it is undeniable that these things can have a testing affect.  Some humans can fail, others can become tempered and useful like fine steel.  Let us pray for strength to achieve the second outcome.  

   

Ash Wednesday

     Lent begins today on Ash Wednesday.  You have probably heard much about the forty days of  Lent--if you count the days you will find it is actually forty-six days on the calendar.  This is because the Sundays aren’t counted.  Lent is a somber time for penitence and reflection on the cross.  But Sunays have always been days to celebrate Christ’s resurrection.  Thus, in the tradition passed down through the centuries, Sundays were not included in the official count.

      Many people give something up for Lent.  At its best, a sacrifice of something we enjoy can remind us on a daily basis of Christ, directing our thoughts and hearts to closer fellowship with him.  It has always seemed appropriate, though inadequate, to give up something we like during Lent when we remember the great sacrifice upon the cross. 

     How fortunate we are.  God creates us, sustains us and has sought continually to guide us onto the right path.  Not through our merit, but through God’s grace, Jesus came to teach and lead us in the way of abundant life.  He gave his life for our sake. 

     O Lord, we lift our humble gratitude for what Jesus has done for us.  May we grow more loving, forgiving and just in his name.  Amen.