Easter Quote Grace strikes us when we are in great pain and restlessness. It strikes us when we walk through the dark valley of a meaningless and empty life. It strikes us when, year after year, the longed-for perfection does not appear, when the old compulsions reign within us as they have for decades, when despair destroys all joy and courage. Sometime at that moment a wave of light breaks into our darkness, and it is as though a voice were saying, "You are accepted. You are accepted," accepted by that which is greater than you, and the name of which you do not know. Do not ask for the name now; perhaps you will find it later. Do not try to do anything now; perhaps later you will do much. Do not seek for anything, do not perform anything, do not intend … [Read more...]
The Verbs of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday
Ever notice the verbs from Maundy Thursday and Good Friday? I read the other day that too often we speak and write about faith in Jesus and ignore the faith of Jesus. Jesus’ words, prayers, tears, humility, and suffering during this point of the Holy Week story illustrate His faith. WE can research and listen for these action words occurring during Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and all the way through Easter morning celebrations. The verbs - the part of speech that shows action and perhaps the most important word in a sentence - show us Jesus’ faith. Breath in their meanings and ponder their lessons as you worship this holy week. I looked up the verbs of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday - the week that changed everything: Jesus spoke Replied Answered Took bread Gave thanks Broke it Gave it to the disciples Took the cup Gave thanks Offered it to the disciples Sang hymns Predicted Knelt in the garden Fell on his face Prayed more Found the disciples … [Read more...]
The Power of the Empty Tomb
The empty tomb is one image that lingers in my heart during Holy Week. What does this symbol invite you to consider? “The Resurrection is not a single event, but a loosening of God’s power and light into the earth and into history that continues to alter all things, infusing them with the grace and power of God’s own holiness. It is as though a door was opened, and what poured out will never be stopped and the door cannot be closed.” Megan McKenna I read and reread this quote, which seems so perfect to ponder during Holy Week. The Resurrection of our Savior infuses everything with God’s love and grace. God opened the door, the threshold into His heart, and that access will never be closed. May the power of the empty tomb transform and nourish your faith this Holy Week. What are you hearing from God this Holy … [Read more...]
St Patrick – Bio, Trivia and a few Blarney Quotes
IrelandWe are all Irish on St Patrick’s Day. This Sunday is for wearing of the green, they say. Thought it would be fun to read a little about St. Patrick and share some trivia/ quotes.Who was St. Patrick?He was born in Britain near the end of the 4th century. March 17 is the believed date of his death in 460. When he was 16, Patrick was taken prisoner by a group of Irish raiders who were attacking his family's estate. They transported him to Ireland where he spent six years in captivity. While in captivity he became a Christian.He escaped and returned to Britain where he had a vision where an angel told him to return to Ireland as a missionary. Fifteen years later, after training then ordination as a priest, he went back to Ireland.Since Patrick knew the Irish traditions and beliefs, he incorporated them into his lessons about Christianity. For example he used the shamrock to explain the Trinity to the people.St Patrick TriviaPatrick couldn't have driven the snakes out of Ireland … [Read more...]
Lenten Prayer – Henri Nouwen
Lenten Prayer The Lenten season begins. It is a time to be with you, Lord, in a special way, a time to pray, to fast, and thus to follow you on your way to Jerusalem, to Golgotha, and to the final victory over death. I am still so divided. I truly want to follow you, but I also want to follow my own desires and lend an ear to the voices that speak about prestige, success, pleasure, power, and influence. Help me to become deaf to these voices and more attentive to your voice, which calls me to choose the narrow road to life. I know that Lent is going to be a very hard time for me. The choice for your way has to be made every moment of my life. I have to choose thoughts that are your thoughts, words that are your words, and actions that are your actions. There are not times or places without choices. And I know how deeply I resist choosing you. Please, Lord, be with me at every moment and in every place. Give me the strength and the courage to live this … [Read more...]
4 Lenten Quotes of Wisdom
I love quotes. I can chew on one bite of wisdom for hours, even days. I find the short insights from someone wiser than me or more experienced with God, guides me on my own journey. A fellow blogger, Nancy Ruegg, left me a comment last week after she read some of the other Lenten quotes I shared. Her plan was to take parts of the quotes and create her own Lenten Prayer. Isn't that a terrific idea? I found this post the other day, 40 Days to a New You.where 40 thought provoking Lenten quotes, perfect for Lent, were listed. Maybe these will inspire you to write out your own Lenten prayer. How could you use Lenten quotes? Here are four samples: An Ash Wednesday prayer: How often have I lived through these weeks without paying much attention to penance, fasting, and prayer? How often have I missed the spiritual fruits of the season without even being aware of it? But how can I ever really celebrate Easter without observing … [Read more...]
5 Interesting Facts and 7 Great Quotes about Ash Wednesday
I can’t believe it is almost time for Lent to begin. Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday marking the first day of solemn repentance for most Christians as we turn our hearts and minds toward Good Friday. Then we can celebrate with full gusto on Easter Sunday. Ever wonder about Ash Wednesday? Here are five quick facts about this day: 1. On Ash Wednesday, many churches hold a special worship service where the people are blessed with ashes, typically marking their foreheads with the sign of the cross. The blessing typically comes with a reminder that we all come from ashes, and to ashes we all will return. 2. The marking of the forehead has been a known custom since Pope Gregory the Great in 604. It has been said to have a two fold purpose, one being the ashes were marked for humility and mortality and then also for sorrow and repentance. In the 12th century the rule developed that the ashes were to be created by burning palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday. Many parishes … [Read more...]
Lent – a Solemn Season or a Season of Joy and a Little Lent Madness?
Lent begins in two weeks. In my church and I think this is true for other denominations, we don’t sing any Alleluias during lent. Why? I don’t know. I looked it up. In the season of Lent we focus on repentance and being sorry for our sins. Singing or saying the word "alleluia" has historically been suspended during Lent's forty days. The omission of alleluia during Lent goes back at least to the fifth century in the western church. Some churches even sing farewell to Alleluias the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. One other unusual ritual with this normal expression of praise is “burying the alleluias.” Yep, you read that correctly. Some churches make an alleluia from paper, fabric, metal, wood, or some other natural material that may be carried in procession or might lead a parade accompanied by instruments and singing. Burial could take place in the ground, or the alleluia could simply be placed in a suitable container that will remain in the worship space as a visual … [Read more...]