Lent (Page 27)

Monday March 18 Readings: DN 9:4B-10; LK 6:36-38 I am struck by the reading from Daniel.  It is a stark admission that we have sinned (and we all do) and represents an attempt at telling the truth about what happened so that we can move on. Imagine if we could individually and collectively do more of this?  Just admit to people that we have hurt that we did, in fact, hurt them and want to make amends.  Imagine if we…

Second Sunday of Lent Readings: GN 15:5-12, 17-18; PHIL 3:17—4:1; LK 9:28B-36 Two of today’s readings contain what might be considered supernatural encounters when God is revealed in new ways.  This is particularly true of the gospel reading – traditionally referred to as the Transfiguration. The disciples who are there witness a mystical experience where they see Jesus with Moses and Elijah and everyone is enveloped by a cloud (which makes the disciples afraid).  When it all fades, it’s just…

Saturday March 16 Readings: DT 26:16-19; MT 5:43-48 Deuteronomy cautions the hearer today to observe the decrees of God with all your heart and your soul and to remember the agreement that you made with God. Some of us might be thinking, “Wait, what agreement?” While Deuteronomy is speaking to the collective group, I did find it interesting to think about what “agreements” we have made with God.  Did we promise to be a follower?  Did we agree to try…

Friday, March 15 Readings: EZ 18:21-28; MT 5:20-26 The bottom line of the first reading today (literally the last line in the reading!): if you turn away from sin, you will live.  And then the gospel gives us the beginning of Jesus’ famous series, “You have heard it said…but I say to you…”  Where Jesus takes us deeper into the spirit of some of the teachings of his day. What might these mean for us? As far as I can…

Tuesday March 12 Readings: IS 55:10-11; MT 6:7-15 My summary for today: words matter. Isaiah tells us that God’s words go out into the world and do not return until they have done what they intended to do.  In the gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray using specific words that he urges them to use. Words are not insignificant.  They are a form of energy, and if we take the biblical narrative and consciousness seriously, we will see…

Monday March 11 Readings: LV 19:1-2, 11-18; MT 25:31-46 Either one of these readings from today could be a doctoral thesis:  the commandments or the Last Judgement. I’ll focus on the gospel, but I would invite you to go back and read the reading from Leviticus carefully.  I think there is so much more there than most of us knew in terms of justice, labor practices, human relationships, etc.  It’s no wonder many Christians didn’t understand Jesus.  We never even…

First Sunday of Lent Readings: DT 26:4-10; ROM 10:8-13; LK 4:1-13 I want to offer a short reflection on each of today’s readings because they are so rich. In the first reading, Moses is instructing the people.  He recounts the history of all that they have been through but more importantly all that God has seen them through.  And thus they are instructed to offer the “first fruits” of the harvest in gratitude.  More than anything else, the Hebrew scriptures…

Saturday, March 9 Readings: IS 58:9B-14; LK 5:27-32 Isaiah tells us today (speaking for God): If you remove the oppression in your midst, stop with the malicious speech and accusation, feed the hungry and satisfy the afflicted, the light is going to rise again, your strength will be renewed and the ancient ruins will be rebuilt. “Repairer of the breach,” they shall call you, “Restorer of ruined homesteads.” What an amazing vision for the world – repair and restoration!  It…

You may have heard the oft-quoted phrase, “Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you an automobile.”

“How do I know if something gives me life or drains it? How do I know if something supports a culture of life or the culture of death? Who or what helps me to get clear?”

Knowing that you will one day die, how is it that you plan to LIVE?