Easter Sunday
What have we been looking for this whole Lent? Light, life, hope- something to heal our minds, hearts and souls. Struggling and fasting, failing and getting up again to journey on we have finally come to the place where mercy meets power. Here, at the tomb sin, death and hopelessness are shattered and we are set free.
May we continue to search for Him, to walk in the light of His presence and know joy.
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking? Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen." John 20:15; Luke 23:5, 6
Sunday, March 31, 2013
PAID IN FULL
Holy Saturday
"Our birth would have been no gain, had we not been redeemed. O wonder of your humble care for us! O love. O charity beyond all telling, to ransom a slave you gave away your Son! O truly necessary sin of Adam, destroyed completely by the Death of Christ! O happy fault, that earned so great, so glorious a Redeemer!"
The Easter Exultet
I am set free from sin and death, I am redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; we sing these phrases and the depth of their meaning finds their culmination on a cross. May we truly live the redemption and freedom bought with so great a cost.
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord, my God, you are great indeed! You are clothed with majesty and glory, robed in light as a cloak." Psalm 104:1, 2
"Our birth would have been no gain, had we not been redeemed. O wonder of your humble care for us! O love. O charity beyond all telling, to ransom a slave you gave away your Son! O truly necessary sin of Adam, destroyed completely by the Death of Christ! O happy fault, that earned so great, so glorious a Redeemer!"
The Easter Exultet
I am set free from sin and death, I am redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; we sing these phrases and the depth of their meaning finds their culmination on a cross. May we truly live the redemption and freedom bought with so great a cost.
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord, my God, you are great indeed! You are clothed with majesty and glory, robed in light as a cloak." Psalm 104:1, 2
Friday, March 29, 2013
SPRING CLEANING
Good Friday
Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be clean; wash me and I shall be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7
"Later, knowing that all was now completed and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, 'I am thirsty.' A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant and lifted it to Jesus' lips." John 19:28-30
The hyssop that framed the doorposts in Egypt leading to the freedom of God's people(Exodus 12:22) now touches Jesus' lips and cleanses me. Sweet is the kiss of mercy found on that stalk that cleanses my soul.
"It is finished." John 19:30
Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be clean; wash me and I shall be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7
"Later, knowing that all was now completed and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, 'I am thirsty.' A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant and lifted it to Jesus' lips." John 19:28-30
The hyssop that framed the doorposts in Egypt leading to the freedom of God's people(Exodus 12:22) now touches Jesus' lips and cleanses me. Sweet is the kiss of mercy found on that stalk that cleanses my soul.
"It is finished." John 19:30
Thursday, March 28, 2013
SUPPER
Holy Thursday
The words shrouded in mystery hold the healing of nations, families and people. He reclines at table awaiting His betrayal, He waits in the garden for Judas's kiss, He touches the servant of the high priest and heals him; He willingly carries our sorrows, takes up our infirmities, is crushed for our iniquity and by His wounds we are healed. ~Isaiah 53~
The Good Shepherd becomes the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
May we give Him entrance into our hearts and dine with Him.
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer." Luke 22:14
The words shrouded in mystery hold the healing of nations, families and people. He reclines at table awaiting His betrayal, He waits in the garden for Judas's kiss, He touches the servant of the high priest and heals him; He willingly carries our sorrows, takes up our infirmities, is crushed for our iniquity and by His wounds we are healed. ~Isaiah 53~
The Good Shepherd becomes the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
May we give Him entrance into our hearts and dine with Him.
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer." Luke 22:14
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
TRADITION
Wednesday of Holy Week
Today has been a tutorial in paska making; my third grade teacher and I have been friends for 40 years and for the first time I am making her Russian Easter bread alone. Numerous phone calls and careful instruction have yielded eight beautiful loaves.
Three trips to the store for golden raisins, flour and bread crumbs, piles of dishes and painstaking work have been fruitful. Making something new is messy; in our spiritual lives we have been busy in Lent asking God to clean our hearts through prayer, confession, fasting and almsgiving. We want souls open to God's love and mercy.
What is God creating in you this Lent?
Medicine from Sacred Writings:
"Little children who go daily to their teachers receive their lessons, and repeat them, and never cease from this kind of acquisition. For the same reason also we divide to you in portions what is written in Scripture, that you may take pains to remember them all, as to be able exactly to repeat them to others yourselves, unless anyone be sleepy and dull, and more idle than a child." St Chrysostom Homilies on St. John Homily XXV.1 NPNF1; 14.87
Today has been a tutorial in paska making; my third grade teacher and I have been friends for 40 years and for the first time I am making her Russian Easter bread alone. Numerous phone calls and careful instruction have yielded eight beautiful loaves.
Three trips to the store for golden raisins, flour and bread crumbs, piles of dishes and painstaking work have been fruitful. Making something new is messy; in our spiritual lives we have been busy in Lent asking God to clean our hearts through prayer, confession, fasting and almsgiving. We want souls open to God's love and mercy.
What is God creating in you this Lent?
Medicine from Sacred Writings:
"Little children who go daily to their teachers receive their lessons, and repeat them, and never cease from this kind of acquisition. For the same reason also we divide to you in portions what is written in Scripture, that you may take pains to remember them all, as to be able exactly to repeat them to others yourselves, unless anyone be sleepy and dull, and more idle than a child." St Chrysostom Homilies on St. John Homily XXV.1 NPNF1; 14.87
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
WHERE AM I AND WHERE ARE YOU?
Tuesday of Holy Week
Fumbling in the dark, tracing the edge of the bed in an unfamiliar room, I tried to find my way without switching on the lights. I couldn't recall the details of the day's tour through the house. Where was I? It is not so in the spiritual life- when we can't see we can trust. It isn't easy, but there is One who watches the sparrow fall- did you catch that? He knows when a little bird falls and always they fall, just as we stumble in the dark; eventually we will struggle, but we can rely on Someone to help us.
Have you asked Him to hold you and give you faith to trust?
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the Name of the Lord and rely on His God." Isaiah 50:10
Fumbling in the dark, tracing the edge of the bed in an unfamiliar room, I tried to find my way without switching on the lights. I couldn't recall the details of the day's tour through the house. Where was I? It is not so in the spiritual life- when we can't see we can trust. It isn't easy, but there is One who watches the sparrow fall- did you catch that? He knows when a little bird falls and always they fall, just as we stumble in the dark; eventually we will struggle, but we can rely on Someone to help us.
Have you asked Him to hold you and give you faith to trust?
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the Name of the Lord and rely on His God." Isaiah 50:10
Monday, March 25, 2013
SEEING LIGHT
Monday of Holy Week
Might Lent be about extinguishing the light we rely on, to reveal the darkness within and ensure our rescue? Isaiah 59:9 paints a tragic picture of sin, "We look for light, but all is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows." Sin's shadows are subtle: pride, self-reliance, judgement and arrogance. My list- what is yours?
I want to walk in God's light that I might truly see.
Medicine from Sacred Scripture;
"With you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light." Psalm 36:9
Might Lent be about extinguishing the light we rely on, to reveal the darkness within and ensure our rescue? Isaiah 59:9 paints a tragic picture of sin, "We look for light, but all is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows." Sin's shadows are subtle: pride, self-reliance, judgement and arrogance. My list- what is yours?
I want to walk in God's light that I might truly see.
Medicine from Sacred Scripture;
"With you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light." Psalm 36:9
Sunday, March 24, 2013
DARKNESS
Palm Sunday
Sun streams through the windows and falls on the chair where I sit; and shadows cover the pond layered in snow, creating a contrast of light and shadow. Today our son will board a plane and head back to college in Chicago, over two thousand years ago Jesus got on a donkey and headed to Jerusalem; did anyone comprehend the journey?
If I was with Jesus and led the foal into Jerusalem could I make it the whole way? I could handle hosannas, but would I join in the cry to crucify?
One must ask God to search the heart deeply this Holy Week.
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, He sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went on ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David. Hosanna in the highest." Mark 11:7
Sun streams through the windows and falls on the chair where I sit; and shadows cover the pond layered in snow, creating a contrast of light and shadow. Today our son will board a plane and head back to college in Chicago, over two thousand years ago Jesus got on a donkey and headed to Jerusalem; did anyone comprehend the journey?
If I was with Jesus and led the foal into Jerusalem could I make it the whole way? I could handle hosannas, but would I join in the cry to crucify?
One must ask God to search the heart deeply this Holy Week.
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, He sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went on ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David. Hosanna in the highest." Mark 11:7
Saturday, March 23, 2013
FAMILY TIME
Saturday, fifth week of Lent
Wind whistled through the huge pines as I walked in the late afternoon sun, and under the snow the earth was waiting to give new life. Flowers come, drinks are shared, laughter resounds, laundry is sorted, dinners devoured and pies eaten; these memories created today will be strung together like a strand of pearls. I choose joy in what has been placed before me and let go of all the tension, the arguments, the questions without answers and I surrender to the moments of joy and sorrow. Like wind blowing through the air, the power of God brings life and life abundant; I open my heart to the possibilities.
What have you witnessed today?
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:17
Wind whistled through the huge pines as I walked in the late afternoon sun, and under the snow the earth was waiting to give new life. Flowers come, drinks are shared, laughter resounds, laundry is sorted, dinners devoured and pies eaten; these memories created today will be strung together like a strand of pearls. I choose joy in what has been placed before me and let go of all the tension, the arguments, the questions without answers and I surrender to the moments of joy and sorrow. Like wind blowing through the air, the power of God brings life and life abundant; I open my heart to the possibilities.
What have you witnessed today?
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:17
Friday, March 22, 2013
LISTENING
Friday, fifth week of Lent
"Trust me now as I come and carry you on my shoulders and listen as I speak to you. I love you with a love like the depths of the ocean. Endless and ceaseless waves of mercy are crashing on your life, day after day, hour after hour. I am breaking through your walls and defenses so that you might hear My voice and live."
God's words in prayer were like balm on my tired soul; He loves me, this is enough.
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"The sheep hear His voice, and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them. When He has brought out all His own, He goes before them, and the sheep follow Him, for they know His voice." John 10:3, 4
"Trust me now as I come and carry you on my shoulders and listen as I speak to you. I love you with a love like the depths of the ocean. Endless and ceaseless waves of mercy are crashing on your life, day after day, hour after hour. I am breaking through your walls and defenses so that you might hear My voice and live."
God's words in prayer were like balm on my tired soul; He loves me, this is enough.
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"The sheep hear His voice, and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them. When He has brought out all His own, He goes before them, and the sheep follow Him, for they know His voice." John 10:3, 4
Thursday, March 21, 2013
GRINDING
Thursday, fifth Sunday of Lent:
Lent has become a grist mill, as my soul goes through this process of breaking down all that is in me so that I might become useful to the One who became food for the hungry and provided water to the thirsty. He could have brought in a threshing machine, to separate the wheat and the chaff, but as He said, "You are already clean because of the Word I have spoken to you." John 15:3
I don't need a bath, the Lord says, I need to be sifted, sorted, shaken and refined; this is all happening at my bidding- I asked God to illumine my heart and my journey. I didn't say I would like what He showed me.
What has God been teaching you recently?
Medicine from Sacred Writings:
"It is the work of God to illumine with a consideration to teach things needful."
St Chrysostom Homilies on First Corinthians Homily XXIX .2 NPNF1; 12,170
Lent has become a grist mill, as my soul goes through this process of breaking down all that is in me so that I might become useful to the One who became food for the hungry and provided water to the thirsty. He could have brought in a threshing machine, to separate the wheat and the chaff, but as He said, "You are already clean because of the Word I have spoken to you." John 15:3
I don't need a bath, the Lord says, I need to be sifted, sorted, shaken and refined; this is all happening at my bidding- I asked God to illumine my heart and my journey. I didn't say I would like what He showed me.
What has God been teaching you recently?
Medicine from Sacred Writings:
"It is the work of God to illumine with a consideration to teach things needful."
St Chrysostom Homilies on First Corinthians Homily XXIX .2 NPNF1; 12,170
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
WRAPPED IN LOVE
Wednesday, fifth week of Lent
God clothed the world in winter garments on this brilliant first day of Spring; it felt like a bride going out to meet her groom-pure beauty waltzing in the dazzling sunshine.
I am already dancing in the Father's heart, His lavish grace has picked me up and cleansed me from all my sin and shame. From His embrace I can see the edges of a beautiful white gown- a robe of righteousness adorns me. Forgiveness is being wrapped in love.
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7
"He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness." Isaiah 61:10
God clothed the world in winter garments on this brilliant first day of Spring; it felt like a bride going out to meet her groom-pure beauty waltzing in the dazzling sunshine.
I am already dancing in the Father's heart, His lavish grace has picked me up and cleansed me from all my sin and shame. From His embrace I can see the edges of a beautiful white gown- a robe of righteousness adorns me. Forgiveness is being wrapped in love.
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7
"He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness." Isaiah 61:10
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
MERCIFUL LOVE
Tuesday, fifth week of Lent
"Rest your mind and heart and consider what Christ has done for you." The words from my Spiritual Director stunned me. Rest? During Lent? I have more closets to clean, more alms giving, more prayer, more fasting.
Again, I find I cannot "do Lent," I can only rest in my Father's arms and let Him show me what He has done for me. His love and sacrifice wash away all my self reliance, and now I am left to His mercy and begin to know His grace.
Have you come to the end of yourself on this Lenten journey?
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22
"Rest your mind and heart and consider what Christ has done for you." The words from my Spiritual Director stunned me. Rest? During Lent? I have more closets to clean, more alms giving, more prayer, more fasting.
Again, I find I cannot "do Lent," I can only rest in my Father's arms and let Him show me what He has done for me. His love and sacrifice wash away all my self reliance, and now I am left to His mercy and begin to know His grace.
Have you come to the end of yourself on this Lenten journey?
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22
Monday, March 18, 2013
TRACKS IN THE SNOW
Monday, fifth week of Lent
Tiny footprints in the snow circled round and round the rushing stream; it looked like two animals had a great game of chase and then wore themselves out. Each set of paw prints returned to the water eventually.
I have a Father who wants to guide me, as surely as He guides those animals in winter to their food and shelter. If He cares so for these little ones why am I surprised He wants to lead me?
I wonder if I am free to follow my Father's guidance?
Medicine from Sacred Writings:
Let us imitate Christ, and returning to our Father, even though it be late, let us depart from that captivity, and transfer ourselves to freedom, that we may enjoy the Kingdom of heaven, through the grace and loving kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ."
St. Chrysostom Homilies on St. John Homily LXXIX.5 NPNF1; 14.295
Tiny footprints in the snow circled round and round the rushing stream; it looked like two animals had a great game of chase and then wore themselves out. Each set of paw prints returned to the water eventually.
I have a Father who wants to guide me, as surely as He guides those animals in winter to their food and shelter. If He cares so for these little ones why am I surprised He wants to lead me?
I wonder if I am free to follow my Father's guidance?
Medicine from Sacred Writings:
Let us imitate Christ, and returning to our Father, even though it be late, let us depart from that captivity, and transfer ourselves to freedom, that we may enjoy the Kingdom of heaven, through the grace and loving kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ."
St. Chrysostom Homilies on St. John Homily LXXIX.5 NPNF1; 14.295
Sunday, March 17, 2013
MELTING
Sunday, fifth week of Lent
As the chair lift inched its way up the mountain through the frigid air I heard music to my ears, a subtle sound of hope and spring. Under layers of frozen snow there was life and I wondered if there was a stream of living water underneath my weeks of struggling through Lent.
The mountain stream bubbling down the hillside was so refreshing. Do I find that kind of life-giving water in the places I look? Jesus offers me a drink of living water, and if I would choose it I would bring life to others.
Where are you getting your water from?
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of living water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14
As the chair lift inched its way up the mountain through the frigid air I heard music to my ears, a subtle sound of hope and spring. Under layers of frozen snow there was life and I wondered if there was a stream of living water underneath my weeks of struggling through Lent.
The mountain stream bubbling down the hillside was so refreshing. Do I find that kind of life-giving water in the places I look? Jesus offers me a drink of living water, and if I would choose it I would bring life to others.
Where are you getting your water from?
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of living water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14
Saturday, March 16, 2013
PILES
Saturday, fourth week of Lent
I can't be holy today. In my front entrance there are 25 pairs of shoes- nine sneakers, five winter boots, three cross country ski boots, three dress shoes, and two slippers, Crocs, sandals, a hockey stick and skates; in the sun room five loads of laundry need to be folded and last night's dinner dishes are still in the sink and I have house full of people who want to be fed today. How can I hear the voice of God calling me when I am overwhelmed?
The Father longs to guide me even in this so I will set aside my frustration with the piles of other's belongings and go to the One who will help me respond in love to the weight of the day.
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls, for My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
I can't be holy today. In my front entrance there are 25 pairs of shoes- nine sneakers, five winter boots, three cross country ski boots, three dress shoes, and two slippers, Crocs, sandals, a hockey stick and skates; in the sun room five loads of laundry need to be folded and last night's dinner dishes are still in the sink and I have house full of people who want to be fed today. How can I hear the voice of God calling me when I am overwhelmed?
The Father longs to guide me even in this so I will set aside my frustration with the piles of other's belongings and go to the One who will help me respond in love to the weight of the day.
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls, for My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
TARGET PRACTICE
Friday, fourth week of Lent
Last year just before Lent I was holding a gun in a grove of trees in Texas- I was visiting dear friends and their son, a former Marine, taught me how to shoot. I was terrified as I held on and tried to focus, but he kept telling me to look down the barrel of the gun and keep my eye on the target.
For four weeks I have been just missing the mark; the deep call of God is to wash me and remake me, not clean out closets and rooms. Fr Don's words from Ash Wednesday haunt me: "Do my words and actions tell others I am His? The call of Lent is the call to die to our old way of living,"
How has the dying been going?
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"He Himself bore our sins on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed." 1 Peter 2:24
Last year just before Lent I was holding a gun in a grove of trees in Texas- I was visiting dear friends and their son, a former Marine, taught me how to shoot. I was terrified as I held on and tried to focus, but he kept telling me to look down the barrel of the gun and keep my eye on the target.
For four weeks I have been just missing the mark; the deep call of God is to wash me and remake me, not clean out closets and rooms. Fr Don's words from Ash Wednesday haunt me: "Do my words and actions tell others I am His? The call of Lent is the call to die to our old way of living,"
How has the dying been going?
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"He Himself bore our sins on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed." 1 Peter 2:24
Thursday, March 14, 2013
FALLING
Thursday, fourth week of Lent
I had a Godiva milk chocolate caramel bar yesterday- in three short bites I swallowed the bait, hook, line and sinker: the sickening feeling of disappointment in one's self and the emptiness of craving what could not satisfy. I hadn't given up chocolate for Lent anyways, but I left the embrace of God's love and acceptance for the self punishment that accompanies over-indulgence.
The grace of nestling myself in God's care again was so healing, as if I had tried out my wings but they weren't strong enough, yet I wasn't allowed to fall too far. God's arms were underneath me. Could I trust mercy and allow Him to provide what my soul needed?
I wonder what you might be feeding your soul?
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"I am the Lord your God who brought you up out of Egypt. Open your mouth wide and I will fill it." Psalm 81-10
I had a Godiva milk chocolate caramel bar yesterday- in three short bites I swallowed the bait, hook, line and sinker: the sickening feeling of disappointment in one's self and the emptiness of craving what could not satisfy. I hadn't given up chocolate for Lent anyways, but I left the embrace of God's love and acceptance for the self punishment that accompanies over-indulgence.
The grace of nestling myself in God's care again was so healing, as if I had tried out my wings but they weren't strong enough, yet I wasn't allowed to fall too far. God's arms were underneath me. Could I trust mercy and allow Him to provide what my soul needed?
I wonder what you might be feeding your soul?
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"I am the Lord your God who brought you up out of Egypt. Open your mouth wide and I will fill it." Psalm 81-10
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Wednesday, fourth week of Lent
How is your Lenten nest-building coming along?
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Even the sparrow has found herself a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young- a place near your altar , O Lord, Almighty, my King and my God." Psalm 84:3
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
SPARROWS
Tuesday, fourth week of Lent
There is a little nest outside our drive that houses a mother bird in the Spring; I have seen her there, though not yet this year. She has no worries, she neither stores up nor hoards anything, she merely makes her nest a home; I could learn from her.
If I believed in the depths of my being that my heavenly Father would feed and clothe me I would keep less and give more. How about you?
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Matthew 10:31
There is a little nest outside our drive that houses a mother bird in the Spring; I have seen her there, though not yet this year. She has no worries, she neither stores up nor hoards anything, she merely makes her nest a home; I could learn from her.
If I believed in the depths of my being that my heavenly Father would feed and clothe me I would keep less and give more. How about you?
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Matthew 10:31
Monday, March 11, 2013
BANK ACCOUNTS
Monday, fourth week of Lent
"Could you pay that from your account?" I literally forgot I had my own money. What if my inheritance was God's and I used it for what He wanted- giving freely to relieve the distress of the poor?
What if I gave this checkbook to God, deposited or withdrew at His request? Would that make a difference in what I did? Are you aware of what you have been given and what He is calling you to give?
"What? Was it I who said to thee? Give? Was it from me that you did hear this? He Himself has said, 'He that has pity upon the poor lends to God.' (Proverbs 19:17) You have lent to God, put it to His account." St. Chrysostom Gospel of Matthew Homily XV.13 NPNF1; 10.100
"Could you pay that from your account?" I literally forgot I had my own money. What if my inheritance was God's and I used it for what He wanted- giving freely to relieve the distress of the poor?
What if I gave this checkbook to God, deposited or withdrew at His request? Would that make a difference in what I did? Are you aware of what you have been given and what He is calling you to give?
"What? Was it I who said to thee? Give? Was it from me that you did hear this? He Himself has said, 'He that has pity upon the poor lends to God.' (Proverbs 19:17) You have lent to God, put it to His account." St. Chrysostom Gospel of Matthew Homily XV.13 NPNF1; 10.100
Sunday, March 10, 2013
SHARING BECAUSE I AM IN NEED
Sunday, fourth week of Lent
Six bathrobes in my closet, seriously? I have kept four: one for summer, one for winter and two for sentimental reasons. We have to take baby steps when we are reorienting our inner world. A small thing to say, "I do not need six pairs of jeans and so many sweaters," but it is where I must begin.
Out of obedience I give, but I feel lighter. I need interior space and it comes in this gift of giving alms- my heart is opened to the need of others and I am set free from my covetousness. Is there anything in excess in your life? Ask God what you can give.
Medicine from Sacred Writing:
"But when alms are given, we want nothing else, but the disposition only is required. And if you say that money is needed and houses and clothes and shoes; read the words of Christ about the widow (who gave only two small coins) and cease from this anxiety." Gospel of Matthew Homily LII.5 NPNF1; 10.325
Six bathrobes in my closet, seriously? I have kept four: one for summer, one for winter and two for sentimental reasons. We have to take baby steps when we are reorienting our inner world. A small thing to say, "I do not need six pairs of jeans and so many sweaters," but it is where I must begin.
Out of obedience I give, but I feel lighter. I need interior space and it comes in this gift of giving alms- my heart is opened to the need of others and I am set free from my covetousness. Is there anything in excess in your life? Ask God what you can give.
Medicine from Sacred Writing:
"But when alms are given, we want nothing else, but the disposition only is required. And if you say that money is needed and houses and clothes and shoes; read the words of Christ about the widow (who gave only two small coins) and cease from this anxiety." Gospel of Matthew Homily LII.5 NPNF1; 10.325
Saturday, March 9, 2013
TRUSTING I HAVE ENOUGH
Saturday, third week of Lent
A friend framed a beautiful picture of a nun in pink bathrobe, taken just weeks before she died; I'm pretty sure she had one bathrobe. My mind rummages around in my closet and off the top of my head I count four: the fluffy pink one, the blue silk one- a present from my sister-in-law purchased while she was in China, another pink floral print given to me at the birth of our fourth child, and a long thin robe I have worn once.
Sister Mary Anne was hilarious- if you even mentioned that you liked something she would simply say, "You can have it." I hoard things; I am unsure I have enough. True confession.
Can you join me in looking at your life, your closet, your heart and asking what you can give?
Medicine from Sacred Writing:
"Disperse, therefore, that you may not lose; keep not, that you may keep; lay out, that you may save; spend, that you may gain. If your treasures are to be hoarded, do not you hoard them, for you will surely cast them away; but entrust them to God, for then no man makes a spoil of them." St Chrysostom Gospel of Matthew Homily V.9 NPNF1; 10.35
A friend framed a beautiful picture of a nun in pink bathrobe, taken just weeks before she died; I'm pretty sure she had one bathrobe. My mind rummages around in my closet and off the top of my head I count four: the fluffy pink one, the blue silk one- a present from my sister-in-law purchased while she was in China, another pink floral print given to me at the birth of our fourth child, and a long thin robe I have worn once.
Sister Mary Anne was hilarious- if you even mentioned that you liked something she would simply say, "You can have it." I hoard things; I am unsure I have enough. True confession.
Can you join me in looking at your life, your closet, your heart and asking what you can give?
Medicine from Sacred Writing:
"Disperse, therefore, that you may not lose; keep not, that you may keep; lay out, that you may save; spend, that you may gain. If your treasures are to be hoarded, do not you hoard them, for you will surely cast them away; but entrust them to God, for then no man makes a spoil of them." St Chrysostom Gospel of Matthew Homily V.9 NPNF1; 10.35
Friday, March 8, 2013
IS THIS PRAYER?
Friday, third week in Lent
The other day I had this keen sense that God wanted to quiet me as I had never been before. I lay still in the watches of the night; I wasn't waiting for morning- I was waiting for Him. Then I could feel it- I think it was the elusive prayer of the heart that so many mystics and contemplatives talk about: in the depths of my being there was no sound, only stillness, warmth, and Presence.
Light flooded my interior- all I can think is that there was a tiny crack in my thick armor and the light of God shone into the depths of my soul- or from the depths?
Have you ever entered that silence?
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you." Isaiah 60:1
The other day I had this keen sense that God wanted to quiet me as I had never been before. I lay still in the watches of the night; I wasn't waiting for morning- I was waiting for Him. Then I could feel it- I think it was the elusive prayer of the heart that so many mystics and contemplatives talk about: in the depths of my being there was no sound, only stillness, warmth, and Presence.
Light flooded my interior- all I can think is that there was a tiny crack in my thick armor and the light of God shone into the depths of my soul- or from the depths?
Have you ever entered that silence?
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you." Isaiah 60:1
Thursday, March 7, 2013
SWEET MERCY
Thursday, third week of Lent
It would have been so easy to keep walking, my hand reaching for the door knob, ignoring the sound of my daughter's voice, "Mom?" I had wanted to go out- to church- to be refreshed, to be with God, but He stopped me.
Mercy meets the child with the fever, pours the ginger ale, changes the plans, tucks one in under piles of blankets. I'd rather have been with God in church, but it seems He wanted to be with me at home taking care of the least of these.
"Let us learn therefore to be merciful on all accounts, but chiefly because we too need much mercy." St Chrysostom Gospel of Matthew Homily LII.5 NPNF1; 10,325
It would have been so easy to keep walking, my hand reaching for the door knob, ignoring the sound of my daughter's voice, "Mom?" I had wanted to go out- to church- to be refreshed, to be with God, but He stopped me.
Mercy meets the child with the fever, pours the ginger ale, changes the plans, tucks one in under piles of blankets. I'd rather have been with God in church, but it seems He wanted to be with me at home taking care of the least of these.
"Let us learn therefore to be merciful on all accounts, but chiefly because we too need much mercy." St Chrysostom Gospel of Matthew Homily LII.5 NPNF1; 10,325
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
BURDEN -BEARER
Wednesday, third week of Lent
I lifted the carton of eggs off of one of my tall sons- he likes to be efficient so he carries in as many groceries piled on top of each other as he can. The eggs were worrisome, but I rescued them (and him). I do that. I place one thing on top of another in my heart, until I can't see my way.
I wonder what is weighing you down, what you might be worried about? Let God come and He will gently lift off the fragile items, (cares of family and friends) and the heavier ones (world peace and government policies). Every day empty your arms of all that troubles you and He will embrace you.
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." Psalm 68:19
I lifted the carton of eggs off of one of my tall sons- he likes to be efficient so he carries in as many groceries piled on top of each other as he can. The eggs were worrisome, but I rescued them (and him). I do that. I place one thing on top of another in my heart, until I can't see my way.
I wonder what is weighing you down, what you might be worried about? Let God come and He will gently lift off the fragile items, (cares of family and friends) and the heavier ones (world peace and government policies). Every day empty your arms of all that troubles you and He will embrace you.
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." Psalm 68:19
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
BELOVED
Tuesday, third week of Lent
I haven't given up on Lent, I've given up the struggle of Lent- the, "I'll do this, give up that, draw closer to God," kind of approach. I feel as if I have to make myself holy; I can't. I can put one foot in front of the other and make sure my feet are headed in the right direction- towards God and His holiness. He will be the One to purify, encourage, strengthen and help me.
Where are you headed today? Closer to God and His love or are you running from Him?
"For not by laboring and sweating, not by fatigue and suffering, but merely as being beloved of God, we receive what we receive." St Chrysostom Homilies on St. Matthew Homily 1.4 NPNF1; 10,2
I haven't given up on Lent, I've given up the struggle of Lent- the, "I'll do this, give up that, draw closer to God," kind of approach. I feel as if I have to make myself holy; I can't. I can put one foot in front of the other and make sure my feet are headed in the right direction- towards God and His holiness. He will be the One to purify, encourage, strengthen and help me.
Where are you headed today? Closer to God and His love or are you running from Him?
"For not by laboring and sweating, not by fatigue and suffering, but merely as being beloved of God, we receive what we receive." St Chrysostom Homilies on St. Matthew Homily 1.4 NPNF1; 10,2
Monday, March 4, 2013
CARRIED
Monday, third week of Lent
I watched tiny flakes dancing in the afternoon air as the wind whipped each one in a different direction; I envied their freedom and their movement. Today I felt tired and overwhelmed by the demands of Lent - always to be thinking: "Am I thinking good thoughts? Have I drawn closer to God? Am I doing all I can do to be more holy?"
No. The answer is no. I can do no more. I must rest in the Arms that carry the snowflakes gently to the earth. He teaches me wisdom and I can pray, "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." Deuteronomy 33:27
I watched tiny flakes dancing in the afternoon air as the wind whipped each one in a different direction; I envied their freedom and their movement. Today I felt tired and overwhelmed by the demands of Lent - always to be thinking: "Am I thinking good thoughts? Have I drawn closer to God? Am I doing all I can do to be more holy?"
No. The answer is no. I can do no more. I must rest in the Arms that carry the snowflakes gently to the earth. He teaches me wisdom and I can pray, "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." Deuteronomy 33:27
Saturday, March 2, 2013
TRANSLATION
I felt a little foolish publishing the experience of praying in German on my blog; but when I shared this with some friends in class on Saturday one whispered a bedtime prayer in my ear, "I am Small." If you read the STAR GAZING post from Friday you will recall I wrote, "I am just a small person." God's timing and translation is impeccable.
This is my prayer for the third week of Lent, might it be your as well?
"Ich bin klein
Mein Herz ist rein
Darf niemand drin wohnen als Jesus allein."
"I am small
my heart is pure
Nobody may dwell in here but Jesus."
Medicine from Sacred Writings:
"For He that is beloved walks with great unrestraint within the heart of him that loves." St. Chrysostom Homilies on Second Corinthians Homily XIII NPNF1; 12.342
HIS, MINE AND YOURS
Saturday, second week of Lent
I struggle with over-responsibility; in my realtionships, my spiritual life, and my work. I am tempted to believe things fall on my shoulders, but then I get weary- it is exhausting being responsible for everyone and everything!
I wonder what would happen if I asked God what He wanted me to do and didn't worry about anyone or anything else? I wonder what might change? Could I pray this way?
Medicine from Sacred Writings:
"Continually to think those things which are His, to mind those things which are His, to practise those things which are His, for we do not ask for sound judgement and virtue for one day only, or for two or three, but through the whole tenor and period of our life." St. Chrysostom Homilies on Second Corinthians Homily II.8 NPNF1;12,283
I struggle with over-responsibility; in my realtionships, my spiritual life, and my work. I am tempted to believe things fall on my shoulders, but then I get weary- it is exhausting being responsible for everyone and everything!
I wonder what would happen if I asked God what He wanted me to do and didn't worry about anyone or anything else? I wonder what might change? Could I pray this way?
Medicine from Sacred Writings:
"Continually to think those things which are His, to mind those things which are His, to practise those things which are His, for we do not ask for sound judgement and virtue for one day only, or for two or three, but through the whole tenor and period of our life." St. Chrysostom Homilies on Second Corinthians Homily II.8 NPNF1;12,283
Friday, March 1, 2013
STAR GAZING
Friday, second week of Lent
Where do you pray, I wonder? I do some of my best praying outside on cold winter nights looking at the stars through the steam of the hot tub. I have perspective there. God is God and I am just a small person- He always knows this, but I have to be reminded. He who names the stars knows me and all that concerns me. When I get overwhelmed, as a friend reminded me today, I can remember there is One who cares for me and takes my cares- if I will hand them over.
Is there anything that you need to pray through? Some hurt, some challenge, something you have messed up? God longs to change us in prayer- so that our hearts and minds reflect more of His love and mercy in the situations we find ourselves in. Prayer doesn't always change our circumstances, it makes us aware that the God who set the stars in motion is near.
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:22
Where do you pray, I wonder? I do some of my best praying outside on cold winter nights looking at the stars through the steam of the hot tub. I have perspective there. God is God and I am just a small person- He always knows this, but I have to be reminded. He who names the stars knows me and all that concerns me. When I get overwhelmed, as a friend reminded me today, I can remember there is One who cares for me and takes my cares- if I will hand them over.
Is there anything that you need to pray through? Some hurt, some challenge, something you have messed up? God longs to change us in prayer- so that our hearts and minds reflect more of His love and mercy in the situations we find ourselves in. Prayer doesn't always change our circumstances, it makes us aware that the God who set the stars in motion is near.
Medicine from Sacred Scripture:
"Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:22
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