Sunday, February 28, 2016

Third Sunday of Lent

"Whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall." Our Parent's kindness and mercy is nothing to be taken for granted. Of course, that does not stop us from trying. How often do we treat grace like a bottomless cookie jar or a "get out of jail free" card? But if our brother Moses was denied entry to the Promised Land for his sin, can we really assume that the Landlord will keep giving us one more year indefinitely? No, we need to find a sense of urgency when it comes to repentance. And we should probably devote a few of these forty days to the acquisition of gardening skills.

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Second Sunday of Lent

Do you truly long to know our Parent's face? Do not answer now. Let that question steep in your heart for the remainder of these forty days, because it is not one to be taken lightly. God is not a cuddly pet or a drinking buddy. Our ancestors knew the wisdom of awe. They understood what they were dealing with. Do you? So pray hard this Lent. Because some things just cannot be unseen.

Sunday, February 14, 2016

First Sunday of Lent

Our Parent promises to be there with you whenever you are in distress. Just call upon them, and you shall know deliverance and glory. But do you trust them? How long will you wait to be brought "out of Egypt" before turning to some other god for assistance? And how long will you cling to faith once you get that first glimpse of your cross? Yes, these forty days are about recognizing that deliverance and glory come on God's time and terms. Not the easiest of lessons, but always a beautiful one.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Ash Wednesday

"Return to me with your whole heart." That is our invitation and our challenge for these forty days: to turn away from power and money and all our worldly concerns, and to turn towards our Parent and our siblings and the kingdom we all share. It is our annual opportunity to remember why we were created and to whom we will return. Lent is a gift. Let us welcome it with open arms and hearts.

Sunday, February 7, 2016

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?'" It feels arrogant to claim such words. Perhaps that is why God chooses to deliver them to the unclean. I know my sin, and so I also know that my calling is not a reward. Call it a gift, a duty, a glorious burden, but never a reward. I am lowly, the least of their servants. But by their grace, I have been made useful. Wherever our Parent needs me, I will go. And whoever the audience, I will sing their praises.