st. martins episcopal church, lenten meditations 2011

8/7/2019 St. Martins Episcopal Church, Lenten Meditations 2011

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2011


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A Lenten Blessing

lessed. Thats the word that comes to mind when I think of how I feel to havebeen a part of this booklet you now hold in your hands. I hope if you submitted

a meditation that now resides in these pages, you were blessed as well in taking thetime to write one.

When I was approached to take on this project, I did so enthusiastically. Then thereality of it set in -- it was being started much later this year than it was last year.Although Lent begins late this year, it was still going to be a bit daunting to get itcompleted in time. I was going to have to set rather tight deadlines and hope thatthe kind people of St. Martins were listening! And listen, you did. You listenedwhen it was time to sign up. You listened and responded to my emails and phonecalls with both enthusiasm and uncertainty. You listened to me when I called out

for more volunteers.

And then the meditations begin to appear in my inbox. It was always a joy to openand read what had been chosen for each assigned day. I felt privileged to be one ofthe first to read each work. On the following pages you will read meditationswritten by youth, college students, full-time employees, stay-at-home parents,grandparents, retirees, and the list goes on. Thank you to each and every one who

participated in this project, from its inception to its completion.

During the Ash Wednesday service which marks the beginning of Lent, we areinvited to read and meditate on Gods holy Word. I invite you to use this booklet asa tool. May you be blessed in your Lenten journey.

Peace,

Michelle Trieschmann

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Ash Wednesday, March 9

for everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall beexalted. (Luke 18: 14)

By Jeanne Lucas King

nytime I hear (or read) the parable Jesus told about the two men praying in the temple(Luke 18:914), I am reminded of the four-year-olds that I teach. Four-year-old children

are very quick to tell the teacher what than have done well, Mrs. King, look what I just

did!! and equally quick to report what another is doing wrong, Mrs. King, Brooke isscribbling on the paper. Joey is sitting in the bluechair. And when there is child who struggles to followthe rules and you catch that child trying to do what isexpected, if you openly praise that child, the otherchildren, who do not find it hard to follow the rules, willbe promptly say, And what about me!?

The proud Pharisee should not be telling God how goodhe is or how bad the other man is. The humble tax collector is the one that Jesus says will beexalted. It is not so easy to be a Christian and to live a Jesus-centered life. If you areone who does not struggle to follow a Christian and humble life, you wont have to ask, Andwhat about me? because you will understand that by Jesus suffering and death we are allforgiven and exalted. We can be happy for those who struggle and find their way. We areamong the humble.

All the Ash Wednesday readings are about mercy, forgiveness, seeking what God wants usto do, and learning and enjoying the role of servant. In a word, the lessons are abouthumility. During Lent we intentionally recall Jesus passion and death. There has neverbeen a more humbling experience than Christs passion and death. Therefore, there hasnever been a more exalting experience than Jesus Resurrection.

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalms: 95, 32, 143Evening Psalms: 102, 130Jonah 3:1-4:11Hebrews 12:1-14Luke 18:9-14


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Thursday, March 10

Be still before the LORD, and wait patiently for him. (Psalm 37:7)

By Heidi Gioia

e still? Wait patiently? Have you seen my to-do list, God? Havent you heard my litanyof prayers each day?

A cacophony of stimuli and obligations confronts me daily. I try to subdue the world to my

desires. But, not surprisingly, it doesnt succumb. The daily car pool is one such example.

For six years, five days a week, I have experienced this ritual. A little before 3 pm, I join astopped line of cars heading down a serpentine driveway. Often the teachers are late, or thekids stroll out, oblivious to the world. Inevitably there is someone who creates a bottleneck,talking with a teacher too long or getting out to strap in their children. Its mind-bogglinglyslow!

Over the years, Ive run the full gamut of emotions.But, I had to adjust and recast this obligatory time ofwaiting. I see it not as my time to paint the world inthe light that I want, but rather a time to be still andtake in the world around me as it is. Sure, some daysare still torture, but I appreciate those fifteen minutesof suspended time as something set apart.

How much greater, then, must my stillness and patience be in my relationship with myheavenly Father? How can I hear what hes saying if Im too busy trying to tell him what tosay? I think its only through these human moments of deferral and openness that we learnhow to do this. Its then that we have the opportunity like John the Baptist to recognize theLamb of God in our midst.

Dear God: Help me to honor you through stillness. Fill me with silence, even when I thinkI know how things should be, so that I may have patience to really know and love yourcreation. Amen.

B

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalm: 37:1-18Evening Psalm: 37:19-42Deuteronomy 7:6-11Titus 1:1-16John 1:29-34


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Friday, March 11

The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesuswalk by, he exclaimed, Look, here is the Lamb of God!The two disciples heard him saythis, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them,What are you looking for? They said to him, Rabbi (which translated means Teach er),where are you staying? He said to them, Come and see. They came and saw where hewas staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four oclock in theafternoon. (John 1:35-39)

By Jon Hallisciples who follow Jesus choose to dwell where he dwells and thereby come to knowthe power of accepting Gods authority in their lives. Disciples participate in the

sharing of the gospel. They quiet their souls in order to hear the good news. They recognizethat their daily example is a living witness to Gods grace.

Jesus meets two disciples in todays gospel text. They start

to follow him after he walks by and when Jesus realizesthey are behind him he turns and asks, What are youlooking for? Then they ask him, Where are you staying?

These two questions are still asked today especially duringthe season of Lent. We want to fill the quiet spaces during this reflective season with manythings though. We are tempted to stay busy and keep the sound of the buzz around us up toa level high enough to mask the question Jesus asks every disciple at some time; What are

you looking for?

So I ask you to consider what your soul needs this Lent. What you are looking for may beattainable, but only through spiritual pursuits.

Any spiritual means of grace may be about our question to Jesus; Where are you staying?When we go where the Son of God goes the invitation into discipleship becomes clearer. Wesee Jesus in ministry more often because our proximity to Jesus is closer than before. Westay where Love Came Down stays. We walk with the One Who Heals. We accept beingtaught by the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Has Jesus walked by yourecently? Was it more than once? Was he recognizable?

D

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalms: 95 & 31

Evening Psalm: 35Deuteronomy 7:12-16Titus 2:1-15John 1:35-42


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Saturday, March 12

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, Follow me.Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanaeland said to him, We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophetswrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.(John 1:43-45)

By Teresa Reeves

hat brought you to Christ? Was it historical information, the influence of your

parents, seeing the changed life of a friend, a major life crisis, pressure from yourpeers, or a desire for the true meaning of life? These are all powerful influences.

Look at the people Jesus chose to be his disciples. Thesepeople saw something in Jesus that made them willing toleave their work and their families to be with Jesus and be apart of His ministry. The something they saw must havebeen pretty profound to produce such a powerful reaction in

the people he encountered.

Nathanael, on the other hand, when asked by Phillip to follow Jesus gives a cynicalresponse, How can anything good come from Nazareth? In other words, What is sospecial about this guy? He looks pretty ordinary to me. What do you think Jesus thought ofNathanaels point of view? I believe Jesus was prepared for such a response and evenwelcomed it. Nathanaels view is still a common one held by many people today.

Jesus knows that each of us, at times, experiences doubt, confusion, uncertainty and a lackof faith. We like our comfort zone. But, when we say YES to God instead, we find our livestransformed. At St. Martins we can say YES to God by PARTICIPATING in the life of ourchurch and the world. Look for new opportunities to get involved in any of the myriad ofgroups, events, class offerings, work sessions, or outreach projects that are available at ourchurch. Worship is certainly a crucial part of joining the life of a church but experiencingthe energy and enthusiasm of a group of committed believers is an exciting road and a wayto grow as you travel the road of discipleship with fellow believers.

WTODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalms: 30, 32Evening Psalms: 42, 43Deuteronomy 7:17-26Titus 3:1-15

John 1:43-51


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Sunday, March 13

For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, astumbling-block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, bothJews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:22-24)

By Barbara Bartelsmeyer

ne of my readings for today is 1 Corinthians 1:17-31. As a cradle Catholic, I never readBible passages and tried to interpret them. Thats the Priests job! So, this is an out of

the box initiative for me. So, here goes as I try my best to apply this passage to our dailylives in my opinion, it speaks to how the Jews and Greeks process information andcommunicate. They come from culturally different backgrounds, which can be a big deal incommunicating. People see things differently, depending on their selective perception, theirparticular blind spots and their own unique thinking and thought systems. What seemsobvious to one person could be perceived entirely differently to another.

In my business, I work with people from all over the

United States. Styles of communications of folks from theSouth vs. the Midwest vs. the Northeast vs. the West maybe very different. Not only the style, but the pace, and timefor small talk vary by area and person. For instance, whatsounds abrupt, curt and rude when speaking withsomeone from New York City is simply the cultural stylepredominant in that area. For instance, as I was on a call with an insurance broker fromNew York City, he stopped me and asked, You arent from around here are you? I

answered, No, I am from St. Louis. Why do you ask? His reply was, Because you are toonice.

I believe this passage is all about our cultural diversities, ways we communicate, how weinterpret and process information and facts, how we perceive what others say to us, andour perceived realities. As human beings, I believe we need to remind ourselves that weall have different realities, perceptions, interpretations and that what may look black to usmay be white to another. If we open ourselves up to accept each others ideas, we mayrealize the answer is actually grey.

O

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalms: 63, 98Evening Psalm: 103Deuteronomy 8:1-101 Corinthians 1:17-31Mark 2:18-22


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Monday, March 14

But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of Godforever and ever. (Psalm 52)

By Diana Hauser

he psalmist compares himself to a green olive tree in the house of God. He has beenrescued from his enemy and feels safe. He is silent and trustful as he considers how God

has delivered him. He is content simply to be. Silent. At peace.

In his poem PAX, D.H. Lawrence says that "All that mattersis to be at one with the living God to be a creature in thehouse of the God of Life. Like a cat asleep on a chair atpeace, in peace ..."

To be like the green olive tree or the cat waiting quietly insilence in the house of God, would be an unusual experience

for most of us. Yet, the reflection time in Lent offers a time of silence, a chance to be.

I learned about taking the time to be silent before God many years ago in Texas when mychildren were very young. Life was very busy with small children and a dog. I surprisedmyself by signing for a Silent Lenten Retreat weekend. The rector of a large Episcopalchurch had offered to be the leader. I had no idea of what a silent retreat would involve. Ido not believe the term Silent Retreat meant anything to me until I arrived and learnedeverything would be silent. The only words would be from the rector in a series of talks,

meditations, and short homilies. The silence included meals. We were free to do what wewanted in silence. This included walking, praying, smiling, reading in silence. Time wasshort.

I have never been sure what happened that weekend. However, since then silence has beena friend, a way to be in the house of God.

T

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalms: 41, 52Evening Psalm: 44Deuteronomy 8:11-18Hebrews 2:11-18John 2:1-12


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Tuesday, March 15

Jesus answered them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. The Jews

then said, This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raiseit up in three days? (John 2:19-21)

By Ashleigh Kellogg

s Passover was nearing, Jesus visited the temple in Jerusalem and was not pleased withwhat he saw. People were selling animals to be used for sacrifice and money-changers,

people who charge other people to change their money into temple currency. Jesusbasically ransacked the place. To prove what he was doing was Gods law, he told them todestroy the temple and that he would rebuild it in three days. The Jews questioned howJesus was going to perform this task that originally took 46 years in only three days!

How many times have we questioned God? How manytimes have we failed to be silent and listen to His whisperof guidance?

Several years ago, I went through a divorce. Of course Iwas devastated as all my plans for the future just died. Ittook me many years to start dating again and, when I did, Idecided to try online dating. I was picky; I would only date someone who had the samepolitical ideas as my own and turned down Mike the first time he contacted me. Afterwatching the movie Yes, Man, I decided to be more open-minded and say yes more.When Mike contacted me a second time, I said, yes and the rest is history! Some maysay

its just a movie; I say Gods timing is perfect and He knew just what I needed to hear inorder to fulfill His plan for my life.

Today, pray that God will grant you peace to accept His will and put your faith in what Hehas planned for you. Be open to the many little ways God guides your decisions andactions.

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalm: 45Evening Psalms: 47, 48

Deuteronomy 9:4-12Hebrews 3:1-11John 2:13-22


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Thursday, March 17

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. (Psalm

19:1)

By Beverly Kinkade

n a hot summer day in the early days of the 20th century, my maternal great-grandfather, John Burgess Sweet, a Methodist minister with a penchant for poetry and

nature, loaded up his Model T with rudimentary tools, miscellaneous cabin clutter and his

bewildered wife, and set out for a two day drive due north from the little New York town ofChenango Falls to the majestic St. Lawrence River. His mission was to join three otherMethodist ministers in creating a retreat and fishing camp. The Island as we have alwayscalled it, is composed of Canadian granite boulders carved by the Ice Age thousands ofyears ago one of over a thousand, hence the destination, The 1000 Islands. It is calledIona Park after my great-grandmother, and it is my spiritual home.

As a child and young adult, I reveled in the halcyon

days of summer, swimming, fishing, boating allof the delights of innocents (well, maybe not tooinnocent!).

The cottage is perched on a huge slab of granitefacing due west over the river. With noimpediment we have an over 180 degree vista. From the earliest days, my family, neighborsand guests would spend our late afternoon hours sitting on the rock watching the proverbial

Canadian sunsets. Loons issue their mournful cries and there is always a sense ofanticipation and wonder at the glorious panorama presented to us. Most times ourconversations evaporate as we witness Gods palette -- colors of yellow, red, purple andgold. A place where God is in all His glory. It is a holy place, filled with grace and wonder.

Its getting harder now to climb up to Iona Park. My family has dwindled, friends havechanged, but the view and the warmth from the rock remains the same, my Rock of Ages,cleft for me. My son will one day scatter my ashes here as my eternal offering ofthanks

and humility to God and to my great-grandfather for allowing me the privilege of witnessingthe glory of God, where the sky proclaims the work of His hands. Amen.

O

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalm: 50Evening Psalms: 59, 60 or 19, 46Deuteronomy 9:23-10:5Hebrews 4:1-10John 3:16-21


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Friday, March 18

You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.

(Deuteronomy 10:19)

By Michelle Trieschmann

ave you ever felt a certain kinship with someone you didnt know simply because youdbeen in their shoes? Sometimes its the exchange of a knowing smile or lending a

hand or taking that extra step to get to know someone because you know how they feel.

The above quoted verse is taken from the New RevisedStandard Version of the Bible. I also have a study Biblewhich is the New International Version (NIV). The NIVuses the word alien instead of stranger. As soon as Isaw the word alien, against all my better intentions,my mind conjured up images of little green beings. Italso reminded me of a news report on the radio a while

ago about the ongoing dilemmas faced by illegal aliens and how various states were workingto find solutions. My daughter was in the car and immediately repeated the word as aquestion, Aliens? I knew shed immediately gone to little green guys, too. I explained thatan alien was simply a foreigner. No threat of a Mars invasion. But when we are the stranger,or alien, we sometimes feel like we might as well be green and have antennae.

We are being told to love those whom may seem alien to us because we have all been there.I was an alien in a sea of aliens when I went off to college. I was a stranger to marriage

before walking down the aisle with Ralph. I was a stranger to homeownership until puttingmy name on the dotted line. I was a stranger to becoming a parent before having our firstchild. All along the way, though, there were people who showed me the way when I wasuncertain. They were helpful. They showed me love and kindness. They had been where Iwas. They shared anecdotes, gave advice and opened their hearts to my trials and triumphs.Sometimes it was merely a sympathetic smile while calming a fussy baby in my arms in agrocery line. A small connection that said, I know.I understand. I was there once.

We have all been strangers in one way or another -- trying to find our way and looking outfor the kindness of those who have gone on before us. May we look for opportunities to passon our love and kindness to strangers in our midst.

H

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalms: 40, 54Evening Psalm: 51Deuteronomy 10:12-22Hebrews 4:11-16John 3:22-36


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Saturday, March 19

You shall put these words of mine in your heart and soul, and you shall bind them as a

sign on your hand, and fix them as an emblem on your forehead. (Deuteronomy 11:18)

By Steve Young

e hear Gods words every week in our services, our private readings, thoughts andprayers, but do we live them? It is easy to live as God wishes when our lives are going

along smoothly, but when times are troubled the true extent of our believe shines through

to others. We dont literally have a mark on ourforehead, but do those that we come in contact with ona daily basis know we are children of God? As afavorite quote of Reverend Susan Naylor, Live life likea lighthouse, be a beacon.

When we face adversities in our lives, we canovercome them with Gods help by truly listening to

his words and living them. No matter where you are or what you are doing, if His words arein your heart and soul you can feel His comfort and support. The problems in our daily livesmay seem insurmountable at times, but the Lord is there to help us if we let Him. Read Hiswords and live them.

W

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalm: 55Evening Psalms: 138,139Deuteronomy 11:18-28Hebrews 5:1-10John 4:1-26


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Sunday, March 20

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation

is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11)

By Janis Greenbaum

sk anyone who knows me and theyll tell you -- Im not really an outdoor person. Myskin burns after about 10 minutes in direct sunlight, mosquitoes seek me out wherever

I am, the thought of sleeping in a tent makes my skin crawl and Im happiest when

temperatures are within the four-degree range of 68 to 72.

All that is true, and yet Im constantly drawn to thewonders of outdoor world. I love spotting wildlife in themountains of Colorado, watching ocean waves chase theseagulls on the Jersey Shore and listening to the wind as itblows through fields of grain in Central Illinois where Igrew up.

For the past few years, Ive also been drawn to Bible passages about Gods creation. Todaysreadings send us a message to build and care for all our earthly blessings:

The earth is the Lords and all that is in it (Psalm 24:1); The Lord tells Jeremiah to build and to plant (Jeremiah 1:10); Jesus teaches us the importance of choosing the best soil to plant our seeds in the

Parable of the Sower (Mark 4); and Paul tells us that Jesus is our foundation and we should build on that foundation (1

Corinthians 3:11).

I truly believe that everything I have and everything around me is a gift from God. WhetherIm in the mountains, on the beach or in a corn field, I cant help but be in awe of Godsgreatness. As I listen to Gods word, Im called to be a good steward of the earth. I do what Ican to protect the environment with little things like washing my clothes in cold water,

buying a car that gets better gas mileage and recycling my garbage. If I make the wrongchoices -- plant seeds in the wrong places -- Im going to have problems. If I choose theright foundation -- Jesus -- Ill be rewarded.

Gods creation is something pretty fabulous.

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalms: 24, 29Evening Psalms: 8, 84Jeremiah 1:1-101 Corinthians 3:11-23Mark 3:31-4:9


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Monday, March 21

Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me,

Now I have put my words in your mouth .(Jeremiah 1:9)

By Carolann Sternberg

have chosen the words that spoke to me from Jeremiah, first chapter, verse nine, tospeak to you as this image was so strong to me, and actually gave me a moment to ponder

how and what it would feel like to have our Lord place his finger tips on the lips of my

mouth to say and I quote, "Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and theLord said to me, Now I have put my words in your mouth. This seems such an awesomegesture, to be touched by HIM and to have my own words be HIS thoughts through myvoice.

Many years ago when I was in my early twenties, I was invited by a friend to spend the dayin an inter-faith day of Bible study, small group discussion, lunch, more Bible study andclosing discussion groups in the basement of a church I had never been to. It was at the

close of the day in one of these groups that I had a life changing experience. After weprayed, I was personally touched by the voice of God.

As I was leaving a woman approached me, lookingme in the eye, she said, and I quote, as I shall neverforget, "God loves you more than you love yourself."My reply was a short, "Thank you." She gave me aquick hug and was on her way, a total stranger. Imust believe she saw something lacking in me,something that needed improving. My self-esteemwasn't the greatest to say the least, but the true meaning of what she said didnt reach meuntil I was driving home, reflecting on the day's events. This soft-spoken woman's lips andmouth had etched the truth of my God in my head and heart forever. To this day I still hearthese words frequently when life has made things difficult and whenever I find myselffeeling unworthy or unloved, when I am hurt by another's words. When those unpleasant

situations occur, I think of her. And the words I may say to deliver our Lord's voice, his loveand his meaning for each of us, to live in daily. Wow, thats an awesome thought.

God's voice be heard, and his blessings be yours each day through this Lent.

I

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalms: 56, 57 (58)Evening Psalms: 65, 65Jeremiah 1:11-19Romans 1:1-15

John 4:27-42


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Tuesday, March 22

For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. (Psalm 62:1)

By John Lange

hen self is gone, what is left?

Forty miles south of Louisville, in Bardstown, Kentucky, is the Abbey of Gethsemani,an abbey of Trappist Monks. The most notable resident was Father Louis also known asThomas Merton, author of the bookThe Seven Story Mountain. Walking up to the entranceof the Abbey the path divides; off to the left is the visitors center. The path to the right leadsto the Abbey. Surrounding the Abbey is a high stone wall with a tall wrought iron gate.Above the gate are these words written in iron: God Alone.

The brothers in the abbey follow the rule of St. Benedict.

They gather for prayer and psalms 7 times a day. They observe vows of poverty, chastity, stability and obedience. They are silent most of the time. They eat no meat. To the Trappists, work is a form of prayer, so they work 8 hours a day; tending the

grounds, and the animals on the farm next to the abbey. From the product of theirhands they make and sell confections to die for: Bourbon Laced Fruit Cakes, TrappistMonk Cheese and Bourbon Fudge.

So the question I would ask is this: Do we live a life ofGod

Alone? The answer of course is NO; we're not monks!Although after reading about the Bourbon Fudge, I'mthinking strongly about it. Besides, we all haveresponsibilities; we have children to raise, money to make,bills to pay and stuff to accumulate. We can't be monksand certainly we can't live our lives for God Alone. But

perhaps the better questions are: Should we? And if we should, how can we?

Might I suggest to you that all of us are already on a journey to God Alone. Imagine thatevery time we walk into our sanctuary on Sunday there is a sign above the entrance thatsays God Alone. Imagine that every time we get into the car to go to work or shoppingthere is a sign on the dash of our car that says God Alone. There is a focus; a centering inour lives, that is not as far from God Alone as we might think. No we are not monks. Butour souls long for His presence; and I suppose we will continue to search for that presenceuntil that day we pass from this life to newness of life in Him. Then we will fully realize thatwe have never been alone and that "God Alone" is forever with us. For when self is gone, it

is truly "God Alone."

W

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalms: 61, 62Evening Psalms: 68Jeremiah 2:1-13Romans 1:16-25John 4:43-54


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Wednesday, March 23

Let your steadfast love become my comfort according to your promise to your servant.

(Psalm 119:76)

By Sherrie Algren

consulted my husband's family bible for this reading. On the inside of the bible waswritten: Presented to William Woodall as a token of respect by the Teachers and friends

of the Primitive Methodist Sunday School, Reddall Hill Cradley Heath, on the occasion of

his going to America. July 4, 1881.

I have to admit that it took me a little longer to find thepassage, as it was labeled, "PSALMS CXIX." I'm not surewhat drew me to this particular bible on this night. Iwondered if William had opened to this page onesummer evening, on board ship. I imagined how I wouldfeel going on a 1-way trip to a completely unknown place,

leaving family and friends. It made me sad to imagineWilliam on board a ship, alone, never to see his family in England again. I also imaginedhis excitement in going forward to, what he must have thought, a better place. I wouldimagine that William had much time on the voyage to read this bible. I could sense that hewas comforted by the following passage:

73. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learnthey commandments.

75. I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right and that thou in faithfulness hastafflicted me.76. Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word untothy servant.

The Lord has made me as he made young William. As he was comforted by this reading, soI am comforted in an entirely different place, time and circumstance. The Lord keptWilliam safe on his long journey. He keeps me safe on my much smaller journeys. I trust

in the Lord that His will is right in my life as it was in the lives of those that came before me.

I don't know much about William Woodall, except that he had a wife and children in thenew land. He has descendants that continue to put their trust in the Lord. We are gratefulthat William chose a new path and grateful to the Lord for bringing him safely to his newlife.

The kindness of the Lord comforts me as it comforted those that came before and those thatcome after. The love of the Lord is truly timeless.

I

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalm: 72Evening Psalms: 119:73-96Jeremiah 3:6-18Romans 1:28-2:11John 5:1-18


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Thursday, March 24

And if you are sure that you are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,

a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment ofknowledge and truth, you, then, that teach others, will you not teach yourself? While youpreach against stealing, do you steal? You that forbid adultery, do you commit adultery?You that abhor idols, do you rob temples? You that boast in the law, do you dishonor Godby breaking the law? (Romans 2:19-23)

By Mary Drastal

any years ago when I began my career in teaching, I quickly realized that I did nottruly understand a concept until I had taught it to others. When I had to verbalize

information repeatedly to others during a lesson, I could not help but to internalize thematerial at a deeper level than I would have otherwise.

When the bishop visited St. Martins Church in January, he spoke about our church beingready to find our mission. I asked him how a church went about discovering their

mission; he said something that opened my eyes. He said, You will have to truly knowyour neighborhoods and figure out what they need. He suggested that we might even walk

our streets and go door to door to talk with our neighborsto get to know them. Only then would we uncover enoughabout our community to know how to serve them.

This is how St. Martins will become a guide to the blindand a light to those who are in darkness. We will have to

learn to become great students of our neighborhoods anddecipher how people are in need. When we understand the

unique needs of our surrounding community, we can offer an oasis for them. This will giveus an opportunity to not only know for ourselves the love of Christ, but to teach it to othersthrough our actions.

M

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalms: [70], 71Evening Psalm: 74Jeremiah 4:9-10,19-28Romans 2:12-24

John 5:19-29


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Friday, March 25

Praise God, the all knowing, all powerful, loving and gracious God, who is now and ever

shall be present in even the smallest particle. Even in my folly, and when faced with trials,I try to remember to give thanks to God every day, for He is the strength of my heart andmy portion forever.(Psalm 73:26b)

By Kim Montgomery

his year in Bible study, we are reading Isaiah, and our group leader compared readingIsaiah to climbing a great mountain; there would be many times the going would be

rough and wed want to give up, but then there would be plateaus and beautiful viewssometimes too, and in the end, it would all be worth it. The first time I read through Psalm69 I thought Oh great, just like much of Isaiah heres another weeping, wrath of theenemies passage. So, I set it aside for a few days. When Icame back to the reading, I was able to focus on otherverses which speak of Gods the sure salvation:

But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At anacceptable time, O God, in the abundance of yoursteadfast love, answer me. (Psalm 69:13)

Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good;according to your abundant mercy, turn to me. (Psalm 69:16)

I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving. (Psalm 69:30)

Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and everything that moves in them. (Psalm69:34).

In spite of our folly and guilt, which He knows well, He will never forsake us. Indeed, it isoften in those times of greatest need and tribulation that we are most acutely aware of Godspresence. I know beyond any doubt, that Gods hand was on my husband and me the dayMatthew was born 4 months prematurely; I also know that He took Matthew into the palmof His hand and sheltered him from harm during the lengthy NICU stay. It is when we aretested the most, that we should put our trust in Him who strengthens us, I know that Hewill sustain and preserve us.

TTODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalm: 69Evening Psalm: 73

Jeremiah 5:1-9Romans 2:25-3:18John 5:30-47


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Saturday, March 26

But now, irrespective of law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested

by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for allwho believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory ofGod. (Romans 3:21-23)

By Jane Klieve

auls letter to the church in Rome served as both a self introduction and an introductionto the central tenet of our Christian faith ... This righteousness from God comes

through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. With the help of the NIV Study Bible, Ilearned that this use of the word righteous means we are forgiven for our sins. This isgood news because we are imperfect beings. We cant earn our way into eternal life.Christs obedience to Gods will and his ultimate sacrifice for our sake are the source of our

deliverance. Our redemption comes through faith in Christand we are the recipients of Gods grace.

Faith in Gods grace translates to an abundance of spirit forme. Theres hopein Gods promise to us. As I continue inthis journey of faith, I am amazed to see the ways in whichseemingly unrelated events and activities prepare me for thenext event or challenge. Long ago, I recognized a limit to

what I could control. At that point, I started to understand faith from a differentperspective. I have developed a sense of Gods grace in my everyday life. This has helpedme to lean into the discomfort of my growth experiences. I dont have to have all the

answers or even all the right questions. I just have to be open to the possibilities and befaithful. While this doesnt excuse me from hard work and ethical behavior, it shifts myperspective from scarcity and fear to a sense of faithful abundance. Gods grace iseverywhere. When I focus on faithful stewardship rather than control, things seem to workout even better than I could have imagined.

Lent is a special time of reflection. I think about Gods grace in my life and am filled withgratitude.

P

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalms: 75, 76

Evening Psalms: 23, 27Jeremiah 5:20-31Romans 3:19-31John 7:1-13


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Sunday, March 27

Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous word among all the people. (Psalm

96:3)

By Carrie Wilkins

y husband and I have moved a total of seven times as of now. Some of the relocationswere unexpected and other times were planned with great reflection and decisiveness.

I have learned many things along the way regarding people, relationships, religions,cultures, etc. Not only have these moves helped me grow as a person spiritually, but haveallowed me to share these experiences (God's messages) to others along the way. Not all ofthese experiences may have seemed like "blessings" or meaningful as they occurred, butover time His message was revealed to me.

As our lives continually change, how often do we stop toreflect what God is trying to teach us? Not only are wefollowing the path God has presented to us, are we sharing

His messages with others along the way?

God offers us His wisdom every day. We just need to beopen to receive it. Go out; share His message through ouractions and our words.

M

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalms: 93, 96Evening Psalm: 34

Jeremiah 6:9-151 Corinthians 6:12-20Mark 5:1-20


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Monday, March 28

Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? Has his steadfast love ceased

forever? Are his promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Hashe in anger shut up his compassion I am so troubled that I cannot speak. (Psalm 77)

By Colleen Hall

avent we all felt this low at one time or another in our lives? Like God has spurned usforever like He has shut up His compassion in anger. We become so troubled that

we cannot speak. What is our response to this sense of darkness and abysmal silence?

Some years ago Jon and I experienced a failed adoption. We had become certified to adoptthrough the State of Kentuckys Foster/Adoption program and progressed through the stepsto the point that an older sibling pair were placed with us. There were many signs that thiswas not going to work out well but, for a time, our desire for a family kept us hoping for thebest, for a miracle. When we finally had to relinquish the children, it was a very dark dayindeed. It did feel as though God had forgotten to be gracious and for a time I felt so

troubled that I could not speak. In fact, when I returned to work after the separation Iasked my co-workers not to talk about it or to ask questions, it was simply too painful. Atthat time I truly thought that we would never become parents. It seemed completely out ofour reach.

Our church family at the time completely surrounded uswith love. Those in our inner circle formed a protectivefilter answering for us the things that we ourselves could not

speak of. Little by little I grew more able to speak for myselfand to see glimmers of hope.

As you know, this story has a happy ending. We did get ourmiracle and her name is Abbey. I needed a community of love to help me transform thatdarkness into light, desperation into hope. I would not have been able to do so withoutthem. This Lenten season let us contemplate how we may be the light for one another intimes of great felt darkness.

H

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalm: 80Evening Psalms: 77, 79

Jeremiah 7:1-15Romans 4:1-12John 7:14-36


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Tuesday, March 29

How often they rebelled against him in the wilderness and grieved him in the desert!

(Psalm 78:40)

By Stephanie Wiles

hen I read Psalm 78 I am reminded of God'sgoodness, kindness and faithfulness to His

people in spite of His people's unfaithfulness to Him. Itis comforting to know that no matter where I go orwhat I do; God is with me ready to hold me with Hisunconditional love. The greatest gift God gives to me isthat no matter how many times I fail Him, I stumble,fall and disappoint Him -- He is always there with Hiscontinuous forgiveness and He holds me in His grip of grace which makes me feel wholeagain. I am comforted with God's unfailing love, His mercy and grace that I am blessedwith every day.

W TODAYS READINGSMorning Psalm: 78:1- 39Evening Psalm: 78:40-72



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Wednesday, March 30

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will

never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. Then the Pharisees said to him, Youare testifying on your own behalf; your testimony is not valid. Jesus answered,Even if Itestify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid because I know where I have come fromand where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. Youjudge by human standards; I judge no one.(John 8:12-15)

By Theresa Luebcke

ow often I want to tell people just how wrong they are! Like the guy who cuts in frontof me when I am trying to merge in traffic. I am clearly in front of him, but he speeds

up -- he is wrong! The driving laws of most any state will side with me. What about theperson who is talking on their cell phone -- or texting while driving? While there may notbe a solid law, these people are clearly wrong!

How often, using human standards, do we try toconvince someone to our side of thinking? How often dowe judge others? If we read this carefully, Jesus is tellingus He judges no one. If we truly want to follow Jesus,we should charge ourselves to judge no one.

Just for Lent, try to really listen to other people whenthey speak to us. While we do not have to agree with them, can we learn anything by

listening? Do they perhaps have information we may have not considered before? Before,when we were too busy convincing them to our way of thinking?

Just for Lent, let Jesus light our way to understanding others.

H

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalm: 119:97-120Evening Psalms: 81, 82Jeremiah 8:18-9:6Romans 5:1-11John 8:12-20


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Thursday, March 31

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, If you continue in my word, you are

truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. (John8:31-32)

By Ralph Trieschmann

favorite among conspiracy theorists and a motto for many universities, the truth willmake you free or its alter ego the truth shall set you free are words that have been

quoted in many ways. Google offered some 21,280,000 matches for the phrase. It seemsthat if you have a potentially crazy idea, you are allowed to invoke the freedom-makingpower of the truth as proof that an alternative opinion is correct, if only the audience isbrave enough to believe it. I humbly submit they are missing the point and ought to stopquoting Jesus out of context to give their blog a catchy header.

For me the verses read together form a much simplermessage. It begins with If you continue in my word

goes on to say you will know the truth and only thendoes that truth make you free. Taken together, thisnotion of truth cannot be taught in classroom, it has tobe experienced, and more so along a continuing path.While I think many interpretations focus on definingthe meaning of truth, perhaps the better way would be to give up trying to figure it outand give up ourselves instead, seeking a life in the word and letting the truth come to usin whatever shape it may take. It was also said by John that in the beginning was the

Word so perhaps instead of trying to jump to the conclusion like reading the last chapter ina mystery novel, let us put more effort in the beginning and focus on living a life in GodsWord then the rest will come in due course.

Recalling our recent Vestry retreat where we shared visions for St. Martins, I was struck bya nagging thought. It seemed that we were doing what many do, perhaps putting the cartbefore the horse or in context of this meditation, the truth before the word. That is notwhat nagged me though, what bothered me was to have pop into my mind the motto of my

company put employees and customers first, and the growth and profit will follow. Iguess I hated to think I have drunk so much of the corporate Kool-Aide that the thingfollows me around, but maybe it fits our church life after all. If we as a congregation focuson practicing the word and becoming disciples of Christ, then all else will come. Instead ofimagining what we could be, or what we have been in the past, just be the best at being whowe already are. That is a path for me as a member of our congregation and for me in myjourney, let the truths be revealed as God wills.

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalms: 42, 43

Evening Psalms: 85, 86Jeremiah 10:11-24Romans 5:12-21John 8:21-32


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Friday, April 1

Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot accept my word. (John

8:43)

By Carole Clary

am both skeptical and judgmental. Im embarrassed to say that I cant read even thewords of Jesus passively and gullibly. I am a Doubting Thomas. My faith is based on

proof that Jesus taught life lessons that, in my mind, could only have originated from anomniscient source/God. I pray continually for humility and the gift of child-like faith.

The words spoken in todays reflection come from a fugitive,a man who is accused of heresy and treason. Although theBible mentions that some Jews believed him to be a goodman, many thought he was a dangerous false prophet. Theywanted him arrested. In this passage Jesus hasclandestinely joined a big crowd gathered for the Festival ofBooths knowing that he can be arrested at any time. He

goes into the temple where all can see him and begins to teach. Many were Pharisees whowere legalistic and loved to question and argue. I am sympathetic.

Those who heard Jesus teach were astonished at his message. How does this man havesuch learning when he has never been taught? Jesus responded by saying that the teachingcame from the one who sent him. His response to charges about healing on the Sabbathand his cryptic comments about going where he could not be found and where hisinterrogators could not go was brilliant and seemed inspired to me.

Before reflecting on John 8:33-47, I read the first part of the chapter. The first story is of awoman Caught in the very act of committing adultery -- my favorite New Testamentexample of Jesus as a Master Teacher influenced by a divine mentor. When the Phariseesand Scribes are testing Jesus to see if he will uphold the Laws of Moses, they smuglyconfront him, The Law of Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do yousay? Jesus replies, Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw astone. After questioning the woman he says that he would not condemn her and adds,Goyour way and from now on do not sin again. Evidence enough for me that a loving andmerciful God had chosen this man to speak the truth.

Later, when Jesus compares sinners to slaves and declares that they will not be a part ofGods family as he is. I believe him. Without knowing of some of his other teachings Imight have found Jesus claim to be the Son of God arrogant and suspect. It now followslogically for me that If God were your father you would love me [not try to kill me].

I still yearn to become as a little child who will enter the kingdom without having to climb

over mountains of judgment and skepticism.

I

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalms: 88Evening Psalms: 91, 92Jeremiah 11:1-8,14-20Romans 6:1-11John 8:33-47


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Saturday, April 2

For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under

grace. (Romans 6:14)

By William R. Wilkins

hen I was a young boy, I noticed that while my mother, siblings and I went to Church,my father never did. When I asked my mother why, she told me That is between

your father and God. If you want to know, ask your father. So I did. He told me that abuilding or group of people does not define God; God does. And I only have to listen to findhim.

And growing up, I listened to God and I believe he listenedto me, because I had a great childhood. We were not rich,we didnt travel the world, we lived in a small house, but wehad enough, we had love.

All those camping trips we took when I was a kid taught me

things. I learned fishing, how to track through woods andhow to listen to my surroundings. And I got to spend time with people who loved me, notjust my family but all the friends that would camp with us. We had a very nice community.And we (my siblings and I) were taught to help others and to set the example; because ifyou do not, why should anyone else.

But sometimes listening can become hard. As I grew into my late teens and twenties, mylistening to God was over taken by other experiences. And as I progressed through my

career, while it might have seemed to others I was favored, I was not. I had a fast shinycar, lived very well and was never alone, but I was unhappy.

And then I was presented with an opportunity. One that I realize today set me on a path tofind my faith again. I picked up and left everything I had known for 30 years to move to aplace where I knew no one. The physical environment was opposite anything I had everknown.

And for almost a decade, there were changes and events; and with each, my ability to hearGod improved. And as I go through the readings for today, I realized, what was clear as achild the ability to hear God, obey his direction and to know his love will keep us aliveforever, can be attained again. Im not there yet and it may be that I will not completelyhear him until he is ready to call me home.

But we have a choice: to listen or not. Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. Thereason you do not hear God is thatyou do not belong to God. (John 8:47)

W

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalms: 87, 90Evening Psalm: 136Jeremiah 13:1-11Romans 6:12-23John 8:47-59


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Sunday, April 3

Be still, and know that I am God! (Psalm 46:10)

By Bob Buehler

ith gladness I learned that St. Martins was once again compiling the LentenMeditations and agreed to participate. The gladness turned into something less

positive when I realized that I needed to write something and meet yet another deadline.Like most of you, I am really busy and have more things on my To Do List than can becomfortably completed. While looking at my assignment, I will confess that I was kickingmyself a bit. Why did I add one more thing? Maybe I could back out? Maybe Michellecould find someone else to do it? But, I printed off the assignment as a first, easy step onlyto realize that there were NINE pages of readings! Could the Psalmist have been a little lessprolific or a little more concise?! Once printed, I put all 9 pages beside my stack of thingsthat needed to be read. The stack is some 15 high with virtually no chance of being readany time soon. Eegads.

During lunch, I took a quick read of the assignment. All 9 pages. Note the adjective to

describe my reading: quick. Not thorough. Not thoughtful. Not with purpose.Certainly not prayerful. I read the assignment like I read other things at work, with myeyes bouncing and banging across the sentences hoping to as quickly and thoughtlessly aspossible absorb some little nugget that may prove useful. Despite my carelessness, twowords from Psalm 46 haunted me all day long and into the next day: Be Still. Two simplewords that rang like a clarion call to my soul; a call that was heard in spite of my lack oflistening. Alas, I have ears, but too often do not hear.

Ive encountered these two words in divergent parts ofmylife. One of our son Sams favorite books was Where the WildThings Are. It is a great story of a young boy, Max, whodisobeys his mother and gets himself into a bind with TheWild Things, monsters that roar their terrible roars andgnash their terrible teeth until Max commands the monstersto Be Still! The command tames them. I also hear it in awhispered echo of the last two words of one of my favorite

songs Haunts of Ancient Peace by Van Morrison. The song doesnt so much end whenVan whispers this as much as he echoes the song across the ages with a whispered BeStill Like most of you, I also heard it from the loving lips of my parents during thosetimes growing up when I needed it most. I can still hear these words from my mother andknow that despite how dark things may sometimes appear that All shall be well.

God tells us to Be Still so that we can finally and clearly hear Him among the tumult of oureveryday life. Depending on where we are or what we are feeling, it may be a command, it

may be a comfort. Sometimes God needs to shout it at me. Sometimes He whispers it.Sometimes, I hear Him.

W

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalms: 66, 67Evening Psalms: 19, 46Jeremiah 14:1-9, 17-22Galatians 4:21-5:1Mark 8:11-21


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Monday, April 4

When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, Gather up the fragments left over, so that

nothing may be lost.So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barleyloaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. (John 6:12-13)

By Matthew Greenbaum

n the passage of the feeding of the five thousand, the story is told of how Jesus managesto feed a vast group of people with only five barley loaves and two fish that were donated

to him by a young man.

I believe that there is a lesson to be learned here, and it isnot that Jesus is talented at dividing portions among largegroups of people; I believe that the lesson to be learnedhere is that people should find small things in their life tomake them happy. This idea is different for each person, asthe small things that I find in the world will not necessarily

make you as happy as they do me.

While I do believe that no one small action is going to make you exponentially happier thanyou were before, I believe that if you acknowledge many small things that make you evensomewhat happier that you will find yourself a happier person over time.

It may not be as miraculous as Jesus taking small portions of food and sating everyone withit; however, it could just add a little extra enjoyment to your day to notice a young child

singing a song, or to have someone holding a door for you, or even seeing something assimple as someone smiling at you.

And this can go more than one way as well. In turn, everyone can try and spread a little bitmore happiness in the world by taking small actions, even as small as wishing someone agood day. Maybe, just maybe, if you can find enough small but nice things in your life, youcan feel sated as the people fed by Jesus did.

I

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalm: 89:1-18Evening Psalm: 89:19-52Jeremiah 16:10-21Romans 7:1-12John 6:1-15


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Tuesday, April 5

For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am of the flesh, sold into slavery under sin.

(Romans 7:13-15)

By Rich Luebcke

his verse lies within Pauls first letter to the community of Christ, in this case to thebody of Christians in Rome. He talks of the Jewish law, the Commandments, and how

many people do not follow it, but still feel good about themselves.

How easy it is, for us to do something that makes us feel good, but really isnt the right thingto do. How do we really know what is good and what is bad? Paul goes all the way back tothe Commandments, the foundation of the Jewish law, to try and figure it out. In this letterhe tells the church in Rome the struggles he experiences to do the right thing. He calls

himself wretched, as he wants to do the right thing, butthe evil that lies close to him prevents it.

I want to do the right thing. Caring for my two-year-oldgranddaughter helps my daughter and her husband asthey both work, but sometimes my granddaughtermakes me less than pleased that Im caring for her.My wife works hard at her job, and I work at keeping

our home in order. Sometimes I dislike doing that, thinking that there are other things toplease me way more than cleaning house. Paul says that because we are of the flesh, westruggle not to be ruled by sin and selfishness. Paul uses the Commandments to hammer

that home, as hes seen sin all around him. Are my thoughts sinful? Our Lord Jesus Christdied for our sins, so that we may be in the new life of the Spirit.

I will continue to struggle with my thoughts, because I am of the flesh. My prayer lifecontinues, however, because I wish to be in the new life of the Spirit.

T

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalms: 97, 99, [100]Evening Psalms: 94, [95]Jeremiah 17:19-27Romans 7:13-25John 6:16-27


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Wednesday, April 6

With my mouth I will give great thanks to the Lord; I will praise him in the midst of the

throng. For he stands at the right hand of the needy, to save them from those who wouldcondemn them to death. (Psalm 109:30-31)

By Gina Garbo

started to work on my reflection for Psalm 109 in my computer class. I got some glaresas I was talking to the computer saying, Thats terrible! Are you serious? To be honest,

I have felt the way the speaker has felt many times, and I dont think anyone in the world

can truthfully say that they havent. Most recently, a friend who I thought was on my side,whom I had opened up to began to torment me and spread lies about me without reason.And I have to say that many times I wish he could understand what he had just done to mein the most painful way possible, or that God could punish him.

I now see a bit of humor in this passage, but it is awake-up call. Perhaps I was given this passage so that Icould realize that my feelings towards this no-longerfriend are overkill. I have every right to be angry athim, but I have absolutely no right to think the waythat I was thinking before, or the way the speaker inthis psalm is thinking. I dont want him to suffer thepain of losing his children or wife in the future, or tobe a beggar like the psalmist suggests.

However, this passage isnt all humor, it asks God to show you his grace and his unfailinglove. I know that in difficult times I have God to rely on, and that he will show me his grace,and in the end, God is the ultimate friend for me. God will never spread rumors or hatred,and he is always there to listen and comfort. I feel like if I prayed this to Him in spite of thisperson, God would roll his eyes at me, like I did when I read this psalm. So I guess inconclusion, I realize that as angry as I am, everyone is human and makes mistakes,including myself, and God is there to listen to me and forgive me, and to be my friend intimes of need.

I

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalms: 101, 109Evening Psalm: 119:121-144Jeremiah 18:1-11Romans 8:1-11John 6:27-40


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Thursday, April 7

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live

for ever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. (John 6:51)

By Doug Edmundson

s we approach the Easter celebration of Christ risen from the dead, we hear manystories of Jesus interactions with the established Jewish hierarchy of Israel. To those

in control of the religious community, Jesus was a fraud; a man who came from Nazareth,put on airs but was a common carpenter like his father.

Who was this Jesus that he would suddenly proclaimed to be the son of God and that allpeople must go through him to the Father? It seems incredible that the common people all

around Israel began to embrace this Jesus as the comingsavior. Yet Jesus did not boast of being the son of God.Jesus spoke of love and kindness to our neighbors, helpingthose who have fallen along the roadside, even if they're verydifferent from us. His message to the people of Israel wasabout fully living today AND receiving eternal salvationthrough his death and resurrection.

I look forward to the celebration of Jesus body and blood every Sunday. Each week I try tolive my life as perfectly as Christ would have me, although I know that each Sunday, Jesusis there to forgive my transgressions and give me hope of eternal life.

I marvel in Jesus teachings, so relevant today as they were 2000 years ago. If only wewould listen to Jesus Word instead of being like the establishment of Jews of His time.

If only we would live out his teachings instead of rejecting them as unrealistic or irrelevantto our lives.

What a different world it would be if we all followed Jesus to his table to eat and drink ofeternal life.

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalm: 69Evening Psalm: 73Jeremiah 22:13-23Romans 8:12-27John 6:41-51


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Friday, April 8

...and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true

drink. (John 6:54-55)

By Kurt Greenbaum

y wife and I cannot look at each other when we sing hymn 335.

The first verse sums up todays Gospel passage: I am the bread of life, it begins. He whocomes to me shall not hunger.

As we sing the refrain and I will raise him up on the last day we avert our eyes. Amere glimpse of Janis, and a catch seizes my throat. A glance at me, and her eyes well withtears. Its over. We cant sing.

Weve wondered why this melody and these words havethis effect on us. Its not the only place in scripture (or thehymnal!) in which Jesus conveys the same message: He isthe way and the truth and the life. Through him, we knowGod.

Is the reference to the last day a reminder of ourmortality? Are we gripped by the thought that something better awaits us, as long as wegive our lives to Christ and walk with him?

We began that walk together, Janis and I, at a small parish in South Florida where membersgreeted newcomers on a cozy brick patio under a massive banyan tree. A cradleEpiscopalian, I had lapsed and finally returned with a young family. Janis, unchurched as ayoungster and young adult, would soon be baptized in that parish.

We were warmly greeted and given time to take baby steps in our walk before diving intoactive ministry. The parish worshipped with a mixture of contemporary songs and thetradition of the 1982 hymnal. Our daughter went from toddler to grade-schooler; our son

grew from back-pew bottle-feedings to his own first steps. Hymn 335 showed up frequently.

Jesus taught that for our life to truly begin and never end we must take Him intoourselves, to live and eat and breathe and drink a life guided by him.

The message wasnt a new one. But for a young family in South Florida, whose life was justbeginning, it was the first time theyd heard and learned it together.

M

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalm: 107:1-32Evening Psalm: 107:33-43



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Saturday, April 9

It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are

spirit and life. But among you there are some who do not believe.(John 6:63-64)

By Larry Cornelius

salm 102 says Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily on the day when I callmydays pass away like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace My days are like an

evening shadow: I wither away like grass.

The human condition is fleeting. How fast time goes by. I am increasingly aware of thisbecause my knees and bad shoulder remind me I am not young and indestructible as I oncewas.

We all want answers and we want them right now. We dont have time to wait as life is tooshort. If God would answer our spiritual questions quickly and efficiently we could go onabout our lives.

Psalm 102 continues But you, O Lord, are enthroned forever; your name endures to all generations They (thefoundations of the earth and the heavens) will perish, butyou endure; they will all wear out like a garment youare the same, and your years have no end.

When I was younger I wanted to comprehensively

understand God in a quantitative, material way. I questioned everything about religion andthought if I could not figure it all out in an analytical way, then religious ideas were flawedand limited.

At some point it came to me it is simply not possible to understand God like you can amathematical equation; but that the lack of being finite does not make spiritualityworthless. It was then that faith entered into my thought processes and I learned theanswers only came through the journey.

The Gospel of John says that It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. During thisLenten season we should remember the key to a successful life is not how much money wehave or how much power we have. If on the day of my passing to the next place I havelearned to be faithful and have the grace to live my life in such a way that God will smile onme when I stand before heavens gate, then I will have gotten my answers.

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TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalms: 102, 108Evening Psalm: 33Jeremiah 23:9-15Romans 9:1-18John 6:60-71

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Sunday, April 10

With the LORD on my side I do not fear. What can mortals do to me? (Psalms 118:6)

By Earl Naylor

hat can mortals do? Let me make a list!!! I imagine many of you, like myself, wonder whatthe psalmist was thinking when he wrote that verse. It is easy to be overwhelmed by all

the forces in our world pressing in upon us. Can I get by on my retirement income? Will I evenbe able to retire someday? Am I going to lose my job? Are my children okay? Can I pay forcollege? Is my health ever going to get any better? What will I do if I cannot walk or get out of my

house? The list of things is endless. I find myself often dealing withthese kinds of thoughts early in the morning. That seems to bewhen such thoughts wiggle their way into my semi-consciousnessand start poking at me.

What do we do when the world seems to be against us? Jesus givesPeter a lesson on this in todays Gospel reading. Jesus told thedisciples what the world is going to do to him; it will reject him,persecute him, and crucify him. Peter starts to protest, and Jesus says to him, For you are

setting your mind not on divine things but on human things. Lent is a time to turn around, tofocus not on earthly things, but on spiritual things. It is a time to listen when Jesus says, If anywant to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

We all have something that bothers us. God understands that. Jesus came into this world toshare in our sufferings, not so that he could take them away, but so that this world, all itssuffering and death, would not be the last word. God is there, walking with us through oursetbacks and our tragedies. God is there to say yes when the world is saying no.

So what about those early morning ear worms, those disturbing thoughts? The psalmist at thebeginning of Psalm 118 gives us a great thought to begin the day: O give thanks to the LORD, forhe is good; his steadfast love endures for ever! Rather than dwelling on the negatives, givethanks for all that God has provided us. We have been blessed with incredible abundance in ourlives. If you dont think so, talk to any of our missioners that have been to Lui, Sudan, and hearabout the joy the people there have about the way God has blessed them. We can learn muchabout an attitude of gratitude from our brothers and sisters there.

When I wake up and am plagued by those worries of this life, I start with a list of things forwhich I am thankful. First, I woke up! I have a roof over my head and food waiting for me in thekitchen. I am already better off that over 90% of the world. Then to help me focus on thingsdivine and not worldly I turn to my Book of Common Prayer, p. 137. This is a short dailymeditation to set me in the right direction. The concluding collect for the devotion sends us outthe door and into the world ready for the day: Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, youhave brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we maynot fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling ofyour purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. And just like our day, Psalm 118 closes as

it began: O give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his mercy endures forever.

W

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalm: 118Evening Psalm: 145Jeremiah 23:16-321 Corinthians 9:19-27Mark 8:31-9:1

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Monday, April 11

In you, O Lord, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame;in your righteousness

deliver me. Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strongfortress to save me. (Psalm 31:1-2)

By Mary Richardson

any of the psalms are attributed to David. Yes, the David of Goliath fame; the Davidwho becomes King of Israel; the David who lusts for Bathsheba, a married woman.

Whether or not David actually penned these psalms is irrelevant to me, its the power of the

story that intrigues me.

Any psalm that speaks of seeking refuge, especially in rocks and fortresses brings David tomy mind. This is the time when David was fleeing the wrath of King Saul, Gods firstanointed king. But Sauls greatest flaw is his lack of trust in God. Time after time, Saulprefers to take matters into his own hands instead of allowing God to work within him. Hesees David as a threat to his power and wishes to eliminate him.

David on the other hand, always trusts in God. Dont get mewrong, David is a sinner and a mighty one at that, but healways repents, always returns to God. He is blessed by God,but must patiently wait for Gods time, not his own. SoDavid flees the wrath of Saul and hides in the ruggedcountry. A difficult place to survive and especially on therun. But I trust in thee, O Lord, I say, Thou are my God.

My times are in thy hand. (Psalm 31:14,15)

Great story but what does it mean to us today, 3,000 years later? We dont live hidingamongst the rocks, enduring hardships, fearing for our lives. Or do we? All of us haveexperienced distress, grief, times of hardship, and enemies. Isnt it how we choose to reactto the trials in our lives that lifts us up, allows us to endure?

These psalms also speak of the glories of God, of his steadfast love. Hold fast to the rock and

the stronghold that God offers you. He will incline his ear to you and bless you with hisabundant goodness, just like he did David. Be strong, and let your heart take courage, allyou who wait for the LORD! (Psalm 31:24)

M

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalm: 31Evening Psalm: 35Jeremiah 24:1-10Romans 9:19-33John 9:1-17

Tuesday April 12


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Tuesday, April 12

Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses of the Negev. Those who sowed with

tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, will comeagain with joy, carrying their sheaves. (Psalm 126:5-7)

By Susan Naylor

very Monday afternoon, the clergy and staff of St. Martins gather around the conferencetable for a weekly staff meeting. We always start with prayer, usually Noonday Prayer as

found in our Prayer Book. Psalm 126 (one of my personal favorites) is one of the psalms

suggested for use, and we get to pray it often. It is one of the Songs of Ascent that might havebeen chanted or sung by pilgrims on their way to the holy city of Jerusalem, the site of theTemple. J. L. Mays, a contemporary Christian writer,says that Psalm 126 is about joy remembered, and joyanticipated. It recalls the joy of Israel when Goddelivered them from captivity, when King Cyrus let themreturn from exile. What a wonderful and astonishingthing it was, to be allowed to return home after so long,

and to rebuild the Temple. It must have seemed like adream, and oh, what joy they had. The psalm also looksforward, to a joy not yet realized, but hoped for in faith and confidence in Gods goodness.

The imagery is very real and present to me. Anybody who knows about our companion dioceseof Lui knows that it is very hot, and often very dry. The first time I traveled there, before thewells were in, was at the end of the dry season. The weather was scorching, topping 110 everyday for the two weeks we were there. It would drop into the 90s at night, and that felt cool!Clouds would build up, and maybe drip a few fat drops in the dust before they gave up and blew

away, waiting for more moisture to accumulate. I heard a few of those big drops plop on the tinroof of the cathedral one day, and asked in astonishment, Is that rain? No, said MamaMargaret, it is just a few of Gods tears. It is his promise that someday, there will be rain.

Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the water courses of the Negev. Like the arid lands aroundLui, where the dry wadis suddenly fill and run with water, becoming rushing torrents when therain begins. It is the time when the people who have prepared the dry land dare to take seeds ofhope in their hands and broadcast their crops, literally throwing away grain that could havebeen eaten, but instead being sown in the hope of rain and a good harvest. It is enough to makeyou weep. But then, most often, the rains would come. Sometimes not for a year or more, butthey come. Now with nine wells in, another planned, and talk of irrigation systems, people aremore assured of a good harvest, and there are songs of joy. You just havent heard Bringing inthe Sheaves until youve heard it sung in the Moru language, and accompanied by drums!

Just as God keeps his promise of life in Lui, so he keeps it with us. We also experience our owndry times, when we wait on Gods promise. In our struggles and anxieties, we are challenged toboth remember and anticipate joy. Just like the people of the exile, and the people of Lui, we are

challenged to go forward trusting in Gods promises of redemption and renewal, and grace thatfalls like rain.

E

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalms: 121, 122, 123Evening Psalms: 124, 125, 126Jeremiah 25:8-17Romans 10:1-13

John 9:18-41

Wednesday April 13


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Wednesday, April 13

I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows

me and I know the Father. (John 10:14-15)

By Rina Chittooran

have always loved the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. I can see the shepherdcalling his sheep to him, protecting, guiding, and leading them so that they do not

stumble or lose their way. When the shepherd is near, his sheep simply follow him, trustinghim, knowing they will be safe.

I think of Max, my American Eskimo, now 16 and ahalf years old. I dont know how long he will be aroundbut I know it wont be much longer. Max is losing hishearing and his eyes are cloudy. He cannot walk easilyand it is painful to watch him try to navigate the stairs.All his life, Max has pretended to be tough on theoutside so that no one would know what a

marshmallow he is on the inside. He used to race out into the yard every morning, sprayingeverything in sight, barking vigorously at passing children, and doing his best to protect mefrom harm. Nowadays, I carry him down the stairs from the bedroom where he sleeps bymy side of the bed, and set him on the grass to do his thing. This dog, who used to twist,turn and snap when I tried to carry him, simply rests in my arms, his soft head against myshoulder, much lighter now than he used to be. I feel my heart fill and crack open. He trustsme completely. He knows I will be with him and take care of him as long as he needs me. If

it is this way between Max and me, imagine how much greater the love of Jesus, the GoodShepherd, must be for us, his flock. All we have to do is trust, like the sheep, in the One whocares for us.

I

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalm: 119:145-176Evening Psalms: 128, 129, 130Jeremiah 25:30-38Romans 10:14-21John 10:1-18

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Thursday, April 14

But you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I

know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. Noone will snatch them out of my hand. (John 10:26-28)

By Rebecca Barger

ne aim of Johns Gospel was to encourage believers that Jesus is the Messiah and theSon of God. In this particular passage, John narrates the account of the Jews rejecting

Jesus and the issues that arise from the encounter. The Jews have approached Jesus to

argue that he has not leveled with them, that he has left them in suspense and demand toknow if he is the Messiah. They want a clear, straight answer to their inquiry. But Jesusresponds that he has already told them, and they still do not believe. They failed to see thedivine elements within the very works that Jesus had done and their lack of faith hasblinded them from seeing the unity between himand the Father. But for the Jews, they only hearJesus speak words of blasphemy. This wasntbecause they were deficient of knowledge; instead itwas their unwillingness to believe. For them, Jesustestimony should have been sufficient in bringingunderstanding of the relationship between himselfand God.

But in the narrative lies a message of hope for us today held within the imagery of Jesusflock. The sheep hear his voice and Jesus knows his sheep. The flock is the community of

believers who by faith receive the gift of eternal life. And Jesus offers assurance thatbelievers cannot be separated from him and the Father. We as believers have beendistinguished as his own, for Jesus would make all to become believers.

O

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalms: 131, 132, [133]Evening Psalms: 140, 142


Friday April 15


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Friday, April 15

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from

the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night,but find no rest. (Psalm 22:1-2)

By Yvette Bellingan

believe Psalm 22 is a picture of the suffering of Christ, but it can also be applied to anysuffering believer. Suffering is one of the hardships of every human life; no one is

exempt. We all travel that journey many times in our life. During these dark times we raise

our voices toward Heaven in a ceaseless wail. Just as there is great joy when we are blessed,there is great sadness when our soul is plunged into the depths of darkness and despair.The most bitter part of suffering is when we feel we have been forsaken by all. In these

times we feel that we are facing our dark valleys without ahand to help, a voice to cheer, or a light to guide.

Jesus cried out in his time of need My God, my God, whyhave you forsaken me. These words were a cry of a child tohis Father feeling that he had been forsaken. As we think ofthese words coming from our Savior, our human mindreally cannot comprehend it completely. But we can relate

to those words coming from the troubled soul of a man. Jesus was literally alone in thisworld as He bore our sins on the cross, but many times we find ourselves feeling lonelinessakin to His.

Many times we are so caught up in getting an answer to our prayer that we dont realize thesweet privilege of praying. Prayer is one of the great ways of talking to God when the soul istroubled. Even if our prayers are not answered in our specified time limit we must notabandon prayer. The door of Heaven may seem to be tightly shut; we must not leave thatdoor because in Gods time, it will open for us!

As frightening as the darkness may be, as intense as the pain may be, we must never loseour hold on God. The words My God, My God are words of trust. Trusting in the time

when we feel alone is a great demonstration of true faith.

Today, pray that God will grant you the faith to trust Him regardless of your circumstances,knowing that Christ understands our suffering and is always there to intercede for us.

I

TODAYS READINGS

Morning Psalm: 22Evening Psalms: 141, 143Jeremiah 29:1, 4-13

Romans 11:13-24John 11:1-27 or 12:1-10

Saturday, April 16


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Saturday, April 16

did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God? (John 11:40)

By Judy Harbaugh

he message given in John 11:28-44 is so powerful!Lazarus, brother of Mary and Martha is dead, dead

for four days when Jesus arrives and restores him tolife. Sister Martha believes in Jesus and everlastinglife. What a message for us!

Having recently lost my dear husband of 49 years, Ibelieve, like Martha, that he also has everlasting life. Ido so miss him, but am joyful and comforted that he has risen and has joined our deceasedfriends and relatives in the hereafter. As Christians, we are joyful, God is our ROCK. He isalways with us. The message of salvation and life everlasting is the bottom line.

T TODAYS READINGSMorning Psalms: 137, 144Evening Psalms: 42, 43Jeremiah 31:27-34

Romans 11:25-36John 11:28-44 or 12:37-50

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He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.

(Palms 103:10)

By Sandy Baranowski

hen I was very young I spend a lot of time at my grandparents house. One reason Iloved that was because the house, being very old, held all sorts of opportunities for

exploration.

In the dining room was a five tiered shelf about six feettall and maybe two feet wide. My grandfather had builtthis shelf for my grandmother from the empty woodenspools of sewing thread. For a 5-7 year old this shelf wasfascinating with all the different sized spools making upthe legs of the shelf. Even more fascinating for me wasthe coffee grinder that sat centered on the bottom shelf. I

loved the feel of this wooden coffee grinder. The corners were rounded, worn smooth by

years of holding the grinder. The black arm always turned freely as I pretended to grindthe coffee and then open the drawer to see what was there. Though I loved this pastime, Iknew I was not supposed to touch this coffee grinder. I knew that each time I did, I wasbeing bad; it was a sin to disobey my grandmother, but I couldnt seem to help myself.

Many times as an adult Ive thought about my childhood and the coffee grinder. I believeJesus looked at me more as what I was---a curious child rather than a sinner. Myrepayment you ask?

My dear grandmother has long since passed away, but her coffee grinder sits atop a ledge inmy kitchen. Not only is it a reminder of my grandmother, but it reminds me of the justiceand understanding of God. He repays each of us this way.

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TODAYS READINGSMorning Psalms: 24, 29Evening Psalm: 103Zechariah 9:9-12, 12:9-13:91 Timothy 6:12-16Matthew 21:12-17

Monday, April 18


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The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to

Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting,Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord -- the King of Israel!(John 12:12-13)

By Andrew Wiles

hen I think of Palm Sunday I immediately think of Jesus' conscious decision to go toJerusalem to celebrate the Passover even though he knew the danger and what the

outcome would be. It makes me think of the scout law I have recited so many times, To betrustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, cleanand reverent."

Jesus was obedient to his Father even though it meanthis death on the cross. Jesus' loyalty to God wasc

st. martins episcopal church, lenten meditations 2011

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