2011

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A Lenten Blessing

B lessed. That‘s the word that comes to mind when I think of how I feel to have
been 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 the
time to write one.

When I was approached to take on this project, I did so enthusiastically. Then the
reality 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 it
completed in time. I was going to have to set rather tight deadlines and hope that
the kind people of St. Martin‘s were listening! And listen, you did. You listened
when it was time to sign up. You ―listened‖ and responded to my emails and phone
calls 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 open
and read what had been chosen for each assigned day. I felt privileged to be one of
the first to read each work. On the following pages you will read meditations
written 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 are
invited to read and meditate on God‘s holy Word. I invite you to use this booklet as
a 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 be
exalted. (Luke 18: 14)

By Jeanne Lucas King

A 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 is
scribbling on the paper. Joey is sitting in the blue
chair.‖ And when there is child who struggles to follow TODAY’S READINGS
the rules and you ―catch‖ that child trying to do what is Morning Psalms: 95, 32, 143
expected, if you openly praise that child, the other Evening Psalms: 102, 130
children, who do not find it hard to follow the rules, will Jonah 3:1-4:11
be promptly say, ― And what about me!?‖ Hebrews 12:1-14
Luke 18:9-14
The proud Pharisee should not be telling God how good
he is or how bad the other man is. The humble tax collector is the one that Jesus says will be
―exalted.‖ It is not so easy to be a Christian and to live a ―Jesus-centered‖ life. If you are
one who does not struggle to follow a Christian and humble life, you won‘t have to ask, ―And
what about me?‖ because you will understand that by Jesus‘ suffering and death we are all
forgiven and ‗exalted.‘ We can be happy for those who struggle and find their way. We are
among the humble.

All the Ash Wednesday readings are about mercy, forgiveness, seeking what God wants us
to do, and learning and enjoying the role of servant. In a word, the lessons are about
humility. During Lent we intentionally recall Jesus‘ passion and death. There has never
been a more humbling experience than Christ‘s passion and death. Therefore, there has
never been a more exalting experience than Jesus‘ Resurrection.

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 Thursday, March 10
Be still before the LORD, and wait patiently for him. (Psalm 37:7)

By Heidi Gioia

B e still? Wait patiently? Have you seen my to-do list, God? Haven‘t you heard my litany
of 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 doesn‘t 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 a
stopped line of cars heading down a serpentine driveway. Often the teachers are late, or the
kids 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. It‘s mind-bogglingly
slow!

Over the years, I‘ve run the full gamut of emotions.

TODAY’S READINGS But, I had to adjust and recast this obligatory time of
Morning Psalm: 37:1-18 waiting. I see it not as my time to paint the world in
Evening Psalm: 37:19-42 the light that I want, but rather a time to be still and
Deuteronomy 7:6-11 take in the world around me as it is. Sure, some days
Titus 1:1-16 are still torture, but I appreciate those fifteen minutes
John 1:29-34 of suspended time as something set apart.

How much greater, then, must my stillness and patience be in my relationship with my
heavenly Father? How can I hear what he‘s saying if I‘m too busy trying to tell him what to
say? I think it‘s only through these human moments of deferral and openness that we learn
how to do this. It‘s then that we have the opportunity like John the Baptist to recognize the
Lamb of God in our midst.

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

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Friday, March 11
The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus
walk by, he exclaimed, „Look, here is the Lamb of God!‟ The two disciples heard him say
this, 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 Teacher),
„where are you staying?‟ He said to them, „Come and see.‟ They came and saw where he
was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o‟clock in the
afternoon. (John 1:35-39)

By Jon Hall

D isciples who follow Jesus choose to dwell where he dwells and thereby come to know
the power of accepting God‘s authority in their lives. Disciples participate in the
sharing of the gospel. They quiet their souls in order to hear the good news. They recognize
that their daily example is a living witness to God‘s grace.
TODAY’S READINGS
Jesus meets two disciples in today‘s gospel text. They start Morning Psalms: 95 & 31
to follow him after he walks by and when Jesus realizes Evening Psalm: 35
they are behind him he turns and asks, ―What are you Deuteronomy 7:12-16
looking for?‖ Then they ask him, ―Where are you staying?‖ Titus 2:1-15
John 1:35-42
These two questions are still asked today especially during
the season of Lent. We want to fill the quiet spaces during this reflective season with many
things though. We are tempted to stay busy and keep the sound of the buzz around us up to
a 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 be
attainable, 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. We
see Jesus in ministry more often because our proximity to Jesus is closer than before. We
stay where Love Came Down stays. We walk with the One Who Heals. We accept being
taught by the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Has Jesus walked by you
recently? Was it more than once? Was he recognizable?

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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 Nathanael
and said to him, „We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets
wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.‟ (John 1:43-45)

By Teresa Reeves

W 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 your
peers, or a desire for the true meaning of life? These are all powerful influences.

TODAY’S READINGS
Morning Psalms: 30, 32
Evening Psalms: 42, 43
Deuteronomy 7:17-26
Titus 3:1-15
John 1:43-51
Look at the people Jesus chose to be his disciples. These
people saw something in Jesus that made them willing to
leave their work and their families to be with Jesus and be a
part of His ministry. The ―something‖ they saw must have
been 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 cynical
response, ―How can anything good come from Nazareth?‖ In other words, ―What is so
special about this guy? He looks pretty ordinary to me.‖ What do you think Jesus thought of
Nathanael‘s point of view? I believe Jesus was prepared for such a response and even
welcomed it. Nathanael‘s 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 lack
of faith. We like our comfort zone. But, when we say ―YES‖ to God instead, we find our lives
transformed. At St. Martin‘s we can say ―YES‖ to God by PARTICIPATING in the life of our
church and the world. Look for new opportunities to get involved in any of the myriad of
groups, events, class offerings, work sessions, or outreach projects that are available at our
church. Worship is certainly a crucial part of joining the life of a church but experiencing
the energy and enthusiasm of a group of committed believers is an exciting road and a way
to grow as you travel the road of discipleship with fellow believers.

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Sunday, March 13
For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a
stumbling-block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both
Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:22-24)

By Barbara Bartelsmeyer

O ne of my readings for today is 1 Corinthians 1:17-31. As a cradle Catholic, I never read

Bible passages and tried to interpret them. That‘s the Priest‘s 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 daily
lives … in my opinion, it speaks to how the Jews and Greeks process information and
communicate. They come from culturally different backgrounds, which can be a big deal in
communicating. People see things differently, depending on their selective perception, their
particular blind spots and their own unique thinking and thought systems. What seems
obvious to one person could be perceived entirely differently to another.

In my business, I work with people from all over the TODAY’S READINGS
United States. Styles of communications of folks from the Morning Psalms: 63, 98
South vs. the Midwest vs. the Northeast vs. the West may Evening Psalm: 103
be very different. Not only the style, but the pace, and time Deuteronomy 8:1-10
for ―small talk‖ vary by area and person. For instance, what 1 Corinthians 1:17-31
―sounds‖ abrupt, curt and rude when speaking with Mark 2:18-22
someone from New York City is simply the cultural style
predominant in that area. For instance, as I was on a call with an insurance broker from
New York City, he stopped me and asked, ―You aren‘t from around here are you?‖ I
answered, ―No, I am from St. Louis. Why do you ask?‖ His reply was, ―Because you are too
nice.‖

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

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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 God
forever and ever. (Psalm 52)

By Diana Hauser

T he psalmist compares himself to a green olive tree in the house of God. He has been
rescued 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.

TODAY’S READINGS In his poem PAX, D.H. Lawrence says that "All that matters
Morning Psalms: 41, 52 is to be at one with the living God to be a creature in the
Evening Psalm: 44 house of the God of Life. Like a cat asleep on a chair at
Deuteronomy 8:11-18 peace, in peace ..."
Hebrews 2:11-18
John 2:1-12 To be like the green olive tree or the cat waiting quietly in
silence 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 my
children were very young. Life was very busy with small children and a dog. I surprised
myself by signing for a Silent Lenten Retreat weekend. The rector of a large Episcopal
church had offered to be the leader. I had no idea of what a silent retreat would involve. I
do not believe the term Silent Retreat meant anything to me until I arrived and learned
everything 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 we
wanted in silence. This included walking, praying, smiling, reading in silence. Time was
short.

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

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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 raise
it up in three days?‟ (John 2:19-21)

By Ashleigh Kellogg

A s Passover was nearing, Jesus visited the temple in Jerusalem and was not pleased with
what 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. Jesus
basically ransacked the place. To prove what he was doing was God‘s law, he told them to
destroy the temple and that he would rebuild it in three days. The Jews questioned how
Jesus was going to perform this task that originally took 46 years in only three days!

How many times have we questioned God? How many TODAY’S READINGS
times have we failed to be silent and listen to His whisper Morning Psalm: 45
of guidance? Evening Psalms: 47, 48
Deuteronomy 9:4-12
Several years ago, I went through a divorce. Of course I Hebrews 3:1-11
was devastated as all my plans for the future just died. It John 2:13-22
took me many years to start dating again and, when I did, I
decided to try online dating. I was picky; I would only date someone who had the same
political ideas as my own and turned down Mike the first time he contacted me. After
watching 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 may say
it‘s just a movie; I say God‘s timing is perfect and He knew just what I needed to hear in
order 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 He
has planned for you. Be open to the many little ways God guides your decisions and
actions.

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 Wednesday, March 16
Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you
do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not
believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into
heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses
lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever
believes in him may have eternal life. (John 2:11-15)

By Susan Gillies

S everal years ago, a family member mentioned to me that he did not believe in God. He
went on to say that he couldn‘t see believing in a being who forced people to do His ways
and follow His direction or else- or else suffer death, torture, or horrible acts of
punishment. This conversation has continued to echo in my mind. Is it true that God is a
punishing, unloving being who makes us do His way or else? Is it true that God kills off
those who don‘t believe in Him? Reading today‘s passages might allude to that. Hebrews
states ―And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, if not to those who
were disobedient? So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.‖ And
Deuteronomy says ―I have seen that this people is indeed a stubborn people. Let me alone
that I may destroy them and blot out their name from under heaven; and I will make of you
a nation mightier and more numerous than they.‖
TODAY’S READINGS
Morning Psalm: 119:49-72 But isn‘t it really much simpler than my family member
Evening Psalms: 49, [53] chooses to think? If we believe in God, He will give us so
Deuteronomy 9:13-21 much more. God doesn‘t ask too much of us. The way I see
Hebrews 3:12-19 it, He is allowed to be angry with us for not believing in
John 2:23-3:15 Him. As a parent, how crushed I would be if my children
stopped loving me and found another parent to take care
of them, another parent to turn to when they are sad or hurt or angry. I want my children to
love me and I want to be able to take care of them better than anyone else can. God loves us
as His children. He isn‘t forcing us to follow His ways or else -- He is showing us that His
way is a good way, a right way, and that as John tells us we are rewarded for that because
―whoever believes in him may have eternal life.‖ May we all believe and find eternal rest.

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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

O 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 of
Chenango Falls to the majestic St. Lawrence River. His mission was to join three other
Methodist ministers in creating a retreat and fishing camp. ―The Island‖ as we have always
called it, is composed of Canadian granite boulders carved by the Ice Age thousands of
years ago … one of over a thousand, hence the destination, ―The 1000 Islands.‖ It is called
Iona Park after my great-grandmother, and it is my spiritual home.

As a child and young adult, I reveled in the halcyon TODAY’S READINGS

days of summer, swimming, fishing, boating … all Morning Psalm: 50
of the delights of innocents (well, maybe not too Evening Psalms: 59, 60 or 19, 46
innocent!). Deuteronomy 9:23-10:5
Hebrews 4:1-10
The cottage is perched on a huge slab of granite John 3:16-21
facing due west over the river. With no
impediment we have an over 180 degree vista. From the earliest days, my family, neighbors
and 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 of
anticipation and wonder at the glorious panorama presented to us. Most times our
conversations evaporate as we witness God‘s palette -- colors of yellow, red, purple and
gold. A place where God is in all His glory. It is a holy place, filled with grace and wonder.

It‘s getting harder now to climb up to Iona Park. My family has dwindled, friends have
changed, 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 of thanks
and humility to God and to my great-grandfather for allowing me the privilege of witnessing
―the glory of God, where the sky proclaims the work of His hands.‖ Amen.

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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

H ave you ever felt a certain kinship with someone you didn‘t know simply because you‘d
been ―in their shoes?‖ Sometimes it‘s 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.

TODAY’S READINGS The above quoted verse is taken from the New Revised
Morning Psalms: 40, 54 Standard Version of the Bible. I also have a study Bible
Evening Psalm: 51 which is the New International Version (NIV). The NIV
Deuteronomy 10:12-22 uses the word ―alien‖ instead of ―stranger.‖ As soon as I
Hebrews 4:11-16 saw the word ―alien,‖ against all my better intentions,
John 3:22-36 my mind conjured up images of little green beings. It
also 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 working
to find solutions. My daughter was in the car and immediately repeated the word as a
question, ―Aliens?‖ I knew she‘d immediately gone to little green guys, too. I explained that
an 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 putting
my name on the dotted line. I was a stranger to becoming a parent before having our first
child. All along the way, though, there were people who showed me the way when I was
uncertain. They were helpful. They showed me love and kindness. They had been where I
was. 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 a
grocery 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 out
for the kindness of those who have gone on before us. May we look for opportunities to pass
on our love and kindness to strangers in our midst.

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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

W e hear God‘s words every week in our services, our private readings, thoughts and
prayers, 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 don‘t literally have a mark on our
forehead, but do those that we come in contact with on TODAY’S READINGS
a daily basis know we are children of God? As a Morning Psalm: 55
favorite quote of Reverend Susan Naylor, ―Live life like Evening Psalms: 138,139
a lighthouse, be a beacon.‖ Deuteronomy 11:18-28
Hebrews 5:1-10
When we face adversities in our lives, we can John 4:1-26
overcome them with God‘s help by truly listening to
his words and living them. No matter where you are or what you are doing, if His words are
in your heart and soul you can feel His comfort and support. The problems in our daily lives
may seem insurmountable at times, but the Lord is there to help us if we let Him. Read His
words and live them.

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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

A sk anyone who knows me and they‘ll tell you -- I‘m not really an ―outdoor‖ person. My
skin 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 I‘m happiest when
temperatures are within the four-degree range of 68 to 72.

TODAY’S READINGS
Morning Psalms: 24, 29
Evening Psalms: 8, 84
Jeremiah 1:1-10
1 Corinthians 3:11-23
Mark 3:31-4:9
All that is true, and yet I‘m constantly drawn to the
wonders of ―outdoor‖ world. I love spotting wildlife in the
mountains of Colorado, watching ocean waves chase the
seagulls on the Jersey Shore and listening to the wind as it
blows through fields of grain in Central Illinois where I
grew up.

For the past few years, I‘ve also been drawn to Bible passages about God‘s creation. Today‘s
readings send us a message to build and care for all our earthly blessings:
 The earth is the Lord‟s 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. Whether
I‘m in the mountains, on the beach or in a corn field, I can‘t help but be in awe of God‘s
greatness. As I listen to God‘s word, I‘m called to be a good steward of the earth. I do what I
can 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 wrong
choices -- plant seeds in the wrong places -- I‘m going to have problems. If I choose the
right foundation -- Jesus -- I‘ll be rewarded.

God‘s creation is something pretty fabulous.

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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

I have chosen the words that spoke to me from Jeremiah, first chapter, verse nine, to
speak 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 the
Lord said to me, ‗Now I have put my words in your mouth.‘ This seems such an awesome
gesture, to be touched by HIM and to have my own words be HIS thoughts through my
voice.

Many years ago when I was in my early twenties, I was invited by a friend to spend the day
in an inter-faith day of Bible study, small group discussion, lunch, more Bible study and
closing 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 we
prayed, I was personally touched by the voice of God.
TODAY’S READINGS
As I was leaving a woman approached me, looking
Morning Psalms: 56, 57 (58)
me in the eye, she said, and I quote, as I shall never
Evening Psalms: 65, 65
forget, "God loves you more than you love yourself."
Jeremiah 1:11-19
My reply was a short, "Thank you." She gave me a
Romans 1:1-15
quick hug and was on her way, a total stranger. I
John 4:27-42
must believe she saw something lacking in me,
something that needed improving. My self-esteem
wasn't the greatest to say the least, but the true meaning of what she said didn‘t reach me
until I was driving home, reflecting on the day's events. This soft-spoken woman's lips and
mouth had etched the truth of my God in my head and heart forever. To this day I still hear
these words frequently when life has made things difficult and whenever I find myself
feeling 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 love
and his meaning for each of us, to live in daily. Wow, that‘s an awesome thought.

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

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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

W 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 as
Thomas Merton, author of the book The Seven Story Mountain. Walking up to the entrance
of the Abbey the path divides; off to the left is the visitors‘ center. The path to the right leads
to 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 their
hands they make and sell confections to die for: Bourbon Laced Fruit Cakes, Trappist
Monk Cheese and Bourbon Fudge.

TODAY’S READINGS So the question I would ask is this: Do we live a life of God
Morning Psalms: 61, 62 Alone? The answer of course is NO; we're not monks!
Evening Psalms: 68 Although after reading about the Bourbon Fudge, I'm
Jeremiah 2:1-13 thinking strongly about it. Besides, we all have
Romans 1:16-25 responsibilities; we have children to raise, money to make,
John 4:43-54 bills to pay and stuff to accumulate. We can't be monks
and 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 that
every time we walk into our sanctuary on Sunday there is a sign above the entrance that
says ―God Alone‖. Imagine that every time we get into the car to go to work or shopping
there is a sign on the dash of our car that says ―God Alone.‖ There is a focus; a centering in
our lives, that is not as far from ―God Alone‖ as we might think. No we are not monks. But
our souls long for His presence; and I suppose we will continue to search for that presence
until that day we pass from this life to newness of life in Him. Then we will fully realize that
we have never been alone and that "God Alone" is forever with us. For when self is gone, it
is truly "God Alone."

17
Wednesday, March 23
Let your steadfast love become my comfort according to your promise to your servant.
(Psalm 119:76)

By Sherrie Algren

I consulted my husband's family bible for this reading. On the inside of the bible was
written: 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 the TODAY’S READINGS
passage, as it was labeled, "PSALMS CXIX." I'm not sure Morning Psalm: 72
what drew me to this particular bible on this night. I Evening Psalms: 119:73-96
wondered if William had opened to this page one Jeremiah 3:6-18
summer evening, on board ship. I imagined how I would Romans 1:28-2:11
feel going on a 1-way trip to a completely unknown place, John 5:1-18
leaving family and friends. It made me sad to imagine
William on board a ship, alone, never to see his family in England again. I also imagined
his excitement in going forward to, what he must have thought, a better place. I would
imagine that William had much time on the voyage to read this bible. I could sense that he
was comforted by the following passage:

73. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn
they commandments.
75. I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right and that thou in faithfulness hast
afflicted me.
76. Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto
thy servant.

The Lord has made me as he made young William. As he was comforted by this reading, so
I am comforted in an entirely different place, time and circumstance. The Lord kept
William 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 the
new land. He has descendants that continue to put their trust in the Lord. We are grateful
that William chose a new path and grateful to the Lord for bringing him safely to his new
life.

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

18
 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 of
knowledge and truth, you, then, that teach others, will you not teach yourself? While you
preach 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 God
by breaking the law? (Romans 2:19-23)

By Mary Drastal

M any years ago when I began my career in teaching, I quickly realized that I did not
truly 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 the
material at a deeper level than I would have otherwise.

When the bishop visited St. Martin‘s Church in January, he spoke about our church being
ready 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 know
your 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 neighbors
TODAY’S READINGS to get to know them. Only then would we uncover enough
Morning Psalms: [70], 71 about our community to know how to serve them.
Evening Psalm: 74
Jeremiah 4:9-10,19-28 This is how St. Martin‘s will become a guide to the blind
Romans 2:12-24 and a light to those who are in darkness. We will have to
John 5:19-29 learn to become great students of our neighborhoods and
decipher how people are in need. When we understand the
unique needs of our surrounding community, we can offer an oasis for them. This will give
us an opportunity to not only know for ourselves the love of Christ, but to teach it to others
through our actions.

19
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 and
my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26b)

By Kim Montgomery

T his year in Bible study, we are reading Isaiah, and our group leader compared reading
Isaiah to climbing a great mountain; there would be many times the going would be
rough and we‘d want to give up, but then there would be plateaus and beautiful views
sometimes too, and in the end, it would all be worth it. The first time I read through Psalm
69 I thought ―Oh great, just like much of Isaiah – here‘s another weeping, wrath of the
enemies passage.‖ So, I set it aside for a few days. When I
came back to the reading, I was able to focus on other TODAY’S READINGS
verses which speak of God‘s the sure salvation: Morning Psalm: 69
Evening Psalm: 73
 But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an Jeremiah 5:1-9
acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your Romans 2:25-3:18
steadfast love, answer me. (Psalm 69:13) John 5:30-47
 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. (Psalm
69:34).

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

20
 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 all
who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of
God. (Romans 3:21-23)

By Jane Klieve

P aul‘s letter to the church in Rome served as both a self introduction and an introduction
to 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, I
learned that this use of the word ―righteous‖ means we are forgiven for our sins. This is
good news because we are imperfect beings. We can‘t earn our way into eternal life.
Christ‘s obedience to God‘s will and his ultimate sacrifice for our sake are the source of our
deliverance. Our redemption comes through faith in Christ
TODAY’S READINGS and we are the recipients of God‘s grace.
Morning Psalms: 75, 76
Evening Psalms: 23, 27 Faith in God‘s grace translates to an abundance of spirit for
Jeremiah 5:20-31 me. There‘s hope in God‘s promise to us. As I continue in
Romans 3:19-31 this journey of faith, I am amazed to see the ways in which
John 7:1-13 seemingly unrelated events and activities prepare me for the
next event or challenge. Long ago, I recognized a limit to
what I could control. At that point, I started to understand faith from a different
perspective. I have developed a sense of God‘s grace in my everyday life. This has helped
me to lean into the discomfort of my ―growth‖ experiences. I don‘t have to have all the
answers … or even all the right questions. I just have to be open to the possibilities and be
faithful. While this doesn‘t excuse me from hard work and ethical behavior, it shifts my
perspective from scarcity and fear to a sense of faithful abundance. God‘s grace is
everywhere. When I focus on faithful stewardship rather than control, things seem to work
out even better than I could have imagined.

Lent is a special time of reflection. I think about God‘s grace in my life and am filled with
gratitude.

21
Sunday, March 27
Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous word among all the people. (Psalm
96:3)

By Carrie Wilkins

M y husband and I have moved a total of seven times as of now. Some of the relocations
were 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 have
allowed me to share these experiences (God's messages) to others along the way. Not all of
these experiences may have seemed like "blessings" or meaningful as they occurred, but
over time His message was revealed to me.

As our lives continually change, how often do we stop to TODAY’S READINGS

reflect what God is trying to teach us? Not only are we Morning Psalms: 93, 96
following the path God has presented to us, are we sharing Evening Psalm: 34
His messages with others along the way? Jeremiah 6:9-15
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
God offers us His wisdom every day. We just need to be Mark 5:1-20
open to receive it. Go out; share His message through our
actions and our words.

22
 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? Has
he in anger shut up his compassion … I am so troubled that I cannot speak. (Psalm 77)

By Colleen Hall

H aven‘t we all felt this low at one time or another in our lives? Like God has spurned us
forever … 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 adopt
through the State of Kentucky‘s Foster/Adoption program and progressed through the steps
to the point that an older sibling pair were placed with us. There were many signs that this
was not going to work out well but, for a time, our desire for a family kept us hoping for the
best, for a miracle. When we finally had to relinquish the children, it was a very dark day
indeed. 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 I
asked my co-workers not to talk about it or to ask questions, it was simply too painful. At
that time I truly thought that we would never become parents. It seemed completely out of
our reach.

TODAY’S READINGS Our church family at the time completely surrounded us

Morning Psalm: 80 with love. Those in our inner circle formed a protective
Evening Psalms: 77, 79 filter answering for us the things that we ourselves could not
Jeremiah 7:1-15 speak of. Little by little I grew more able to speak for myself
Romans 4:1-12 and to see glimmers of hope.
John 7:14-36
As you know, this story has a happy ending. We did get our
miracle and her name is Abbey. I needed a community of love to help me transform that
darkness into light, desperation into hope. I would not have been able to do so without
them. This Lenten season let us contemplate how we may be the light for one another in
times of great felt darkness.

23
Tuesday, March 29
How often they rebelled against him in the wilderness and grieved him in the desert!
(Psalm 78:40)

By Stephanie Wiles

W hen I read Psalm 78 I am reminded of God's

goodness, kindness and faithfulness to His
people in spite of His people's unfaithfulness to Him. It
TODAY’S READINGS
Morning Psalm: 78:1- 39
Evening Psalm: 78:40-72
is comforting to know that no matter where I go or
Jeremiah 7:21-34
what I do; God is with me ready to hold me with His
Romans 4:13-25
unconditional love. The greatest gift God gives to me is
John 7:37-52
that no matter how many times I fail Him, I stumble,
fall and disappoint Him -- He is always there with His
continuous forgiveness and He holds me in His grip of grace which makes me feel whole
again. I am comforted with God's unfailing love, His mercy and grace that I am blessed
with every day.

24
 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, „You
are testifying on your own behalf; your testimony is not valid.‟ Jesus answered, „Even if I
testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid because I know where I have come from
and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You
judge by human standards; I judge no one.
(John 8:12-15)

By Theresa Luebcke

H ow often I want to tell people just how wrong they are! Like the guy who cuts in front
of 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 the
person who is talking on their cell phone -- or texting while driving? While there may not
be a solid law, these people are clearly wrong!

TODAY’S READINGS How often, using ‗human standards,‘ do we try to

Morning Psalm: 119:97-120 convince someone to our side of thinking? How often do
Evening Psalms: 81, 82 we judge others? If we read this carefully, Jesus is telling
Jeremiah 8:18-9:6 us He judges no one. If we truly want to ‗follow‘ Jesus,
Romans 5:1-11 we should charge ourselves to ‗judge no one.‘
John 8:12-20
Just for Lent, try to really listen to other people when
they 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.

25
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.‟ (John
8:31-32)

By Ralph Trieschmann

A favorite among conspiracy theorists and a motto for many universities, ―the truth will
make 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 seems
that if you have a potentially crazy idea, you are allowed to invoke the freedom-making
power of ―the truth‖ as proof that an alternative opinion is correct, if only the audience is
brave enough to believe it. I humbly submit they are missing the point and ought to stop
quoting Jesus out of context to give their blog a catchy header.

For me the verses read together form a much simpler TODAY’S READINGS
message. It begins with ―If you continue in my word‖ Morning Psalms: 42, 43
goes on to say ―you will know the truth‖ and only then Evening Psalms: 85, 86
does that truth ―make you free.‖ Taken together, this Jeremiah 10:11-24
notion of truth cannot be taught in classroom, it has to Romans 5:12-21
be experienced, and more so along a continuing path. John 8:21-32
While I think many interpretations focus on defining
the meaning of ―truth,‖ perhaps the better way would be to give up trying to figure it out
and ―give up‖ ourselves instead, seeking a life in the ―word‖ and letting the truth come to us
in 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 in
a mystery novel, let us put more effort in the beginning and focus on living a life in God‘s
Word – then the rest will come in due course.

Recalling our recent Vestry retreat where we shared visions for St. Martin‘s, I was struck by
a nagging thought. It seemed that we were doing what many do, perhaps putting the cart
before the horse or in context of this meditation, the truth before the word. That is not
what 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.‖ I
guess I hated to think I have drunk so much of the corporate Kool-Aide that the thing
follows me around, but maybe it fits our church life after all. If we as a congregation focus
on practicing the word and becoming disciples of Christ, then all else will come. Instead of
imagining what we could be, or what we have been in the past, just be the best at being who
we already are. That is a path for me as a member of our congregation and for me in my
journey, let the truths be revealed as God wills.

26
 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

I am both skeptical and judgmental. I‘m embarrassed to say that I can‘t read even the
words 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 an
omniscient source/God. I pray continually for humility and the gift of child-like faith.
TODAY’S READINGS The words spoken in today‘s reflection come from a fugitive,
Morning Psalms: 88 a man who is accused of heresy and treason. Although the
Evening Psalms: 91, 92 Bible mentions that some Jews believed him to be a good
Jeremiah 11:1-8,14-20 man, many thought he was a dangerous false prophet. They
Romans 6:1-11 wanted him arrested. In this passage Jesus has
John 8:33-47 clandestinely joined a big crowd gathered for the Festival of
Booths 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 who
were legalistic and loved to question and argue. I am sympathetic.
Those who heard Jesus teach were astonished at his message. ―How does this man have
such learning when he has never been taught?‖ Jesus responded by saying that the teaching
came from the one who sent him. His response to charges about healing on the Sabbath
and his cryptic comments about going where he could not be found and where his
interrogators 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 a
woman ―Caught in the very act of committing adultery‖ -- my favorite New Testament
example of Jesus as a Master Teacher influenced by a divine mentor. When the Pharisees
and Scribes are testing Jesus to see if he will uphold the Laws of Moses, they smugly
confront him, ―The Law of Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you
say?‖ Jesus replies, ―Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a
stone.‖ After questioning the woman he says that he would not condemn her and adds, ―Go
your way and from now on do not sin again.‖ Evidence enough for me that a loving and
merciful 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 of
God‘s family as he is. I believe him. Without knowing of some of his other teachings I
might have found Jesus claim to be the Son of God arrogant and suspect. It now follows
logically 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.

27
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

W 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 ―a
building or group of people does not define God; God does. And I only have to listen to find
him.‖
TODAY’S READINGS
And growing up, I listened to God and I believe he listened Morning Psalms: 87, 90
to me, because I had a great childhood. We were not rich, Evening Psalm: 136
we didn‘t travel the world, we lived in a small house, but we Jeremiah 13:1-11
had enough, we had love. Romans 6:12-23
All those camping trips we took when I was a kid taught me John 8:47-59
things. I learned fishing, how to track through woods and
how to listen to my surroundings. And I got to spend time with people who loved me, not
just 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 if
you do not, why should anyone else.

But sometimes listening can become hard. As I grew into my late teens and twenties, my
listening 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 shiny
car, 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 to
find my faith again. I picked up and left everything I had known for 30 years to move to a
place where I knew no one. The physical environment was opposite anything I had ever
known.

And for almost a decade, there were changes and events; and with each, my ability to hear
God improved. And as I go through the readings for today, I realized, what was clear as a
child – the ability to hear God, obey his direction and to know his love will keep us alive
forever, can be attained again. I‘m not there yet and it may be that I will not completely
hear 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. The
reason you do not hear God is that you do not belong to God.” (John 8:47)

28
 Sunday, April 3
Be still, and know that I am God! (Psalm 46:10)

By Bob Buehler

W ith gladness I learned that St. Martin‘s was once again compiling the Lenten
Meditations 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 be
comfortably completed. While looking at my assignment, I will confess that I was kicking
myself a bit. ―Why did I add one more thing? Maybe I could back out? Maybe Michelle
could find someone else to do it?‖ But, I printed off the assignment as a first, easy step only
to realize that there were NINE pages of readings! Could the Psalmist have been a little less
prolific or a little more concise?! Once printed, I put all 9 pages beside my stack of things
that needed to be read. The stack is some 15‖ high with virtually no chance of being read
any 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 my
eyes bouncing and banging across the sentences hoping to as quickly and thoughtlessly as
possible absorb some little nugget that may prove useful. Despite my carelessness, two
words from Psalm 46 haunted me all day long and into the next day: ―Be Still.‖ Two simple
words that rang like a clarion call to my soul; a call that was heard in spite of my lack of
listening. Alas, I have ears, but too often do not hear.
I‘ve encountered these two words in divergent parts of my
TODAY’S READINGS life. One of our son Sam‘s favorite books was Where the Wild
Morning Psalms: 66, 67 Things Are. It is a great story of a young boy, Max, who
Evening Psalms: 19, 46 disobeys his mother and gets himself into a bind with ‗The
Jeremiah 14:1-9, 17-22 Wild Things,‘ monsters that roar their terrible roars and
Galatians 4:21-5:1 gnash their terrible teeth until Max commands the monsters
Mark 8:11-21 to ―Be Still!‖ The command tames them. I also hear it in a
whispered echo of the last two words of one of my favorite
songs ―Haunts of Ancient Peace‖ by Van Morrison. The song doesn‘t so much end when
Van whispers this as much as he echoes the song across the ages with a whispered ‗Be
Still…‖ Like most of you, I also heard it from the loving lips of my parents during those
times growing up when I needed it most. I can still hear these words from my mother and
know 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 our
everyday 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.

29
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 barley
loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. (John 6:12-13)

By Matthew Greenbaum

I n the passage of the feeding of the five thousand, the story is told of how Jesus manages
to 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 is TODAY’S READINGS

not that Jesus is talented at dividing portions among large Morning Psalm: 89:1-18
groups of people; I believe that the lesson to be learned Evening Psalm: 89:19-52
here is that people should find small things in their life to Jeremiah 16:10-21
make them happy. This idea is different for each person, as Romans 7:1-12
the small things that I find in the world will not necessarily John 6:1-15
make you as happy as they do me.

While I do believe that no one small action is going to make you exponentially happier than
you were before, I believe that if you acknowledge many small things that make you even
somewhat 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 with
it; 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 as
simple as someone smiling at you.

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

30
 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

T his verse lies within Paul‘s first letter to the community of Christ, in this case to the
body 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 isn‘t the right thing
to do. How do we really know what is good and what is bad? Paul goes all the way back to
the Commandments, the foundation of the Jewish law, to try and figure it out. In this letter
he 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, but
TODAY’S READINGS the evil that lies close to him prevents it.
Morning Psalms: 97, 99, [100]
Evening Psalms: 94, [95] I want to do the right thing. Caring for my two-year-old
Jeremiah 17:19-27 granddaughter helps my daughter and her husband as
Romans 7:13-25 they both work, but sometimes my granddaughter
John 6:16-27 makes me less than … pleased that I‘m 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 to
please me way more than cleaning house. Paul says that because we are of the flesh, we
struggle not to be ruled by sin and selfishness. Paul uses the Commandments to hammer
that home, as he‘s seen sin all around him. Are my thoughts sinful? Our Lord Jesus Christ
died 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 life
continues, however, because I wish to be in the new life of the Spirit.

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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 would
condemn them to death. (Psalm 109:30-31)

By Gina Garbo

I started to work on my reflection for Psalm 109 in my computer class. I got some glares
as I was talking to the computer saying, ―That‘s terrible! Are you serious?‖ To be honest,
I have felt the way the speaker has felt many times, and I don‘t think anyone in the world
can truthfully say that they haven‘t. 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 me
in the most painful way possible, or that God could punish him.

I now see a bit of humor in this passage, but it is a

wake-up call. Perhaps I was given this passage so that I TODAY’S READINGS
could realize that my feelings towards this no-longer Morning Psalms: 101, 109
friend are overkill. I have every right to be angry at Evening Psalm: 119:121-144
him, but I have absolutely no right to think the way Jeremiah 18:1-11
that I was thinking before, or the way the speaker in Romans 8:1-11
this psalm is thinking. I don‘t want him to suffer the John 6:27-40
pain of losing his children or wife in the future, or to
be a beggar like the psalmist suggests.

However, this passage isn‘t all humor, it asks God to show you his grace and his unfailing
love. 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 this
person, God would roll his eyes at me, like I did when I read this psalm. So I guess in
conclusion, 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 in
times of need.

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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

A s we approach the Easter celebration of Christ risen from the dead, we hear many
stories 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 all
people must go through him to the Father? It seems incredible that the common people all
around Israel began to embrace this Jesus as the coming
TODAY’S READINGS savior. Yet Jesus did not boast of being the son of God.
Morning Psalm: 69 Jesus spoke of love and kindness to our neighbors, helping
Evening Psalm: 73 those who have fallen along the roadside, even if they're very
Jeremiah 22:13-23 different from us. His message to the people of Israel was
Romans 8:12-27 about fully living today AND receiving eternal salvation
John 6:41-51 through his death and resurrection.

I look forward to the celebration of Jesus‘ body and blood every Sunday. Each week I try to
live my life as perfectly as Christ would have me, although I know that each Sunday, Jesus
is 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 we
would 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 irrelevant
to our lives.

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

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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

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

The first verse sums up today‘s Gospel passage: ―I am the bread of life,‖ it begins. ―He who
comes to me shall not hunger.‖

As we sing the refrain — ―and I will raise him up on the last day‖ — we avert our eyes. A
mere glimpse of Janis, and a catch seizes my throat. A glance at me, and her eyes well with
tears. It‘s over. We can‘t sing.
TODAY’S READINGS
We‘ve wondered why this melody and these words have
Morning Psalm: 107:1-32
this effect on us. It‘s not the only place in scripture (or the
Evening Psalm: 107:33-43
hymnal!) in which Jesus conveys the same message: He is
Jeremiah 23:1-8
the way and the truth and the life. Through him, we know
Romans 8:28-39
God.
John 6:52-59
Is the reference to ―the last day‖ a reminder of our
mortality? Are we gripped by the thought that something better awaits us, as long as we
give our lives to Christ and walk with him?

We began that walk together, Janis and I, at a small parish in South Florida where members
greeted newcomers on a cozy brick patio under a massive banyan tree. A cradle
Episcopalian, I had lapsed and finally returned with a young family. Janis, unchurched as a
youngster 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 into
active ministry. The parish worshipped with a mixture of contemporary songs and the
tradition 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 into
ourselves, to live and eat and breathe and drink a life guided by him.

The message wasn‘t a new one. But for a young family in South Florida, whose life was just
beginning, it was the first time they‘d heard and learned it — together.

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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

P salm 102 says “Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily on the day when I call…my
days 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 this
because my knees and bad shoulder remind me I am not young and indestructible as I once
was.

We all want answers and we want them right now. We don‘t have time to wait as life is too
short. If God would answer our spiritual questions quickly and efficiently we could go on
about our lives.

TODAY’S READINGS Psalm 102 continues “But you, O Lord, are enthroned for
Morning Psalms: 102, 108 ever; your name endures to all generations …They (the
Evening Psalm: 33 foundations of the earth and the heavens) will perish, but
Jeremiah 23:9-15 you endure; they will all wear out like a garment …you
Romans 9:1-18 are the same, and your years have no end.”
John 6:60-71
When I was younger I wanted to comprehensively
understand God in a quantitative, material way. I questioned everything about religion and
thought if I could not figure it all out in an analytical way, then religious ideas were flawed
and limited.

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

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

35
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

W hat can mortals do? Let me make a list!!! I imagine many of you, like myself, wonder what
the 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 even
be able to retire someday? Am I going to lose my job? Are my children okay? Can I pay for
college? 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 with
TODAY’S READINGS
these kinds of thoughts early in the morning. That seems to be
when such thoughts wiggle their way into my semi-consciousness Morning Psalm: 118
and start poking at me. Evening Psalm: 145
Jeremiah 23:16-32
What do we do when the world seems to be against us? Jesus gives 1 Corinthians 9:19-27
Peter a lesson on this in today‘s Gospel reading. Jesus told the Mark 8:31-9:1
disciples 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,‖ to
focus not on earthly things, but on spiritual things. It is a time to listen when Jesus says, ―If any
want 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 to
share in our sufferings, not so that he could take them away, but so that this world, all its
suffering and death, would not be the last word. God is there, walking with us through our
setbacks 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 the
beginning of Psalm 118 gives us a great thought to begin the day: O give thanks to the LORD, for
he is good; his steadfast love endures for ever! Rather than dwelling on the negatives, give
thanks for all that God has provided us. We have been blessed with incredible abundance in our
lives. If you don‘t think so, talk to any of our missioners that have been to Lui, Sudan, and hear
about the joy the people there have about the way God has blessed them. We can learn much
about 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 for
which I am thankful. First, I woke up! I have a roof over my head and food waiting for me in the
kitchen. I am already better off that over 90% of the world. Then to help me focus on things
divine and not worldly I turn to my Book of Common Prayer, p. 137. This is a short daily
meditation to set me in the right direction. The concluding collect for the devotion sends us out
the door and into the world ready for the day: Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you
have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may
not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of
your 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.

36
 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 strong
fortress to save me. (Psalm 31:1-2)

By Mary Richardson

M any of the psalms are attributed to David. Yes, the David of Goliath fame; the David
who 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, it‘s the power of the
story that intrigues me.

Any psalm that speaks of seeking refuge, especially in rocks and fortresses brings David to
my mind. This is the time when David was fleeing the wrath of King Saul, God‘s first
anointed king. But Saul‘s greatest flaw is his lack of trust in God. Time after time, Saul
prefers to take matters into his own hands instead of allowing God to work within him. He
sees David as a threat to his power and wishes to eliminate him.

TODAY’S READINGS David on the other hand, always trusts in God. Don‘t get me
Morning Psalm: 31 wrong, David is a sinner and a mighty one at that, but he
Evening Psalm: 35 always repents, always returns to God. He is blessed by God,
Jeremiah 24:1-10 but must patiently wait for God‘s time, not his own. So
Romans 9:19-33 David flees the wrath of Saul and hides in the rugged
John 9:1-17 country. A difficult place to survive and especially on the
run. ―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 don‘t live hiding
amongst the rocks, enduring hardships, fearing for our lives. Or do we? All of us have
experienced distress, grief, times of hardship, and enemies. Isn‘t it how we choose to react
to 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 his
abundant goodness,‖ just like he did David. ―Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all
you who wait for the LORD!‖ (Psalm 31:24)

37
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 come
again with joy, carrying their sheaves. (Psalm 126:5-7)

By Susan Naylor

E very Monday afternoon, the clergy and staff of St. Martin‘s gather around the conference
table 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 have
been chanted or sung by pilgrims on their way to the holy city of Jerusalem, the site of the
Temple. J. L. Mays, a contemporary Christian writer,
says that Psalm 126 is about ―joy remembered, and joy TODAY’S READINGS
anticipated.‖ It recalls the joy of Israel when God Morning Psalms: 121, 122, 123
delivered them from captivity, when King Cyrus let them Evening Psalms: 124, 125, 126
return from exile. What a wonderful and astonishing Jeremiah 25:8-17
thing it was, to be allowed to return home after so long, Romans 10:1-13
and to rebuild the Temple. It must have seemed like a John 9:18-41
dream, and oh, what joy they had. The psalm also looks
forward, to a joy not yet realized, but hoped for in faith and confidence in God‘s goodness.
The imagery is very real and present to me. Anybody who knows about our companion diocese
of Lui knows that it is very hot, and often very dry. The first time I traveled there, before the
wells were in, was at the end of the dry season. The weather was scorching, topping 110° every
day 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 tin
roof of the cathedral one day, and asked in astonishment, ―Is that rain?‖ ―No,‖ said Mama
Margaret, ―it is just a few of God‘s 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 around
Lui, where the dry wadis suddenly fill and run with water, becoming rushing torrents when the
rain begins. It is the time when the people who have prepared the dry land dare to take seeds of
hope in their hands and broadcast their crops, literally ―throwing away‖ grain that could have
been eaten, but instead being sown in the hope of rain and a good harvest. It is enough to make
you weep. But then, most often, the rains would come. Sometimes not for a year or more, but
they come. Now with nine wells in, another planned, and talk of irrigation systems, people are
more assured of a good harvest, and there are songs of joy. You just haven‘t heard ―Bringing in
the Sheaves‖ until you‘ve 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 own
dry times, when we wait on God‘s promise. In our struggles and anxieties, we are challenged to
both remember and anticipate joy. Just like the people of the exile, and the people of Lui, we are
challenged to go forward trusting in God‘s promises of redemption and renewal, and grace that
falls like rain.

38
 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

I have always loved the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. I can see the shepherd
calling 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, trusting
him, knowing they will be safe.

TODAY’S READINGS I think of Max, my American Eskimo, now 16 and a

Morning Psalm: 119:145-176 half years old. I don‘t know how long he will be around
Evening Psalms: 128, 129, 130 but I know it won‘t be much longer. Max is losing his
Jeremiah 25:30-38 hearing and his eyes are cloudy. He cannot walk easily
Romans 10:14-21 and it is painful to watch him try to navigate the stairs.
John 10:1-18 All his life, Max has pretended to be tough on the
outside so that no one would know what a
marshmallow he is on the inside. He used to race out into the yard every morning, spraying
everything in sight, barking vigorously at passing children, and doing his best to protect me
from harm. Nowadays, I carry him down the stairs from the bedroom where he sleeps by
my 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 my
shoulder, much lighter now than he used to be. I feel my heart fill and crack open. He trusts
me 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 Good
Shepherd, must be for us, his flock. All we have to do is trust, like the sheep, in the One who
cares for us.

39
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. No
one will snatch them out of my hand. (John 10:26-28)

By Rebecca Barger

O ne aim of John‘s Gospel was to encourage believers that Jesus is the Messiah and the
Son 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 to
know if he is the Messiah. They want a clear, straight answer to their inquiry. But Jesus
responds that he has already told them, and they still do not believe. They failed to see the
divine elements within the very works that Jesus had done and their lack of faith has
blinded them from seeing the unity between him
and the Father. But for the Jews, they only hear TODAY’S READINGS
Jesus speak words of blasphemy. This wasn‘t Morning Psalms: 131, 132, [133]
because they were deficient of knowledge; instead it Evening Psalms: 140, 142
was their unwillingness to believe. For them, Jesus‘ Jeremiah 26:1-16
testimony should have been sufficient in bringing Romans 11:1-12
understanding of the relationship between himself John 10:19-42
and God.

But in the narrative lies a message of hope for us today held within the imagery of Jesus‘
flock. 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 that
believers cannot be separated from him and the Father. We as believers have been
distinguished as his own, for Jesus would make all to become believers.

40
 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

I believe Psalm 22 is a picture of the suffering of Christ, but it can also be applied to any
suffering 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 a
TODAY’S READINGS hand to help, a voice to cheer, or a light to guide.
Morning Psalm: 22
Evening Psalms: 141, 143 Jesus cried out in his time of need ―My God, my God, why
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-13 have you forsaken me‖. These words were a cry of a child to
Romans 11:13-24 his Father feeling that he had been forsaken. As we think of
John 11:1-27 or 12:1-10 these words coming from our Savior, our human mind
really cannot comprehend it completely. But we can relate
to those words coming from the troubled soul of a man. Jesus was literally alone in this
world as He bore our sins on the cross, but many times we find ourselves feeling loneliness
akin to His.

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

As frightening as the darkness may be, as intense as the pain may be, we must never lose
our 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.

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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

T 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 to
TODAY’S READINGS
Morning Psalms: 137, 144
life. Sister Martha believes in Jesus and everlasting Evening Psalms: 42, 43
life. What a message for us! Jeremiah 31:27-34
Romans 11:25-36
Having recently lost my dear husband of 49 years, I John 11:28-44 or 12:37-50
believe, like Martha, that he also has everlasting life. I
do so miss him, but am joyful and comforted that he has risen and has joined our deceased
friends and relatives in the hereafter. As Christians, we are joyful, God is our ROCK. He is
always with us. The message of salvation and life everlasting is the bottom line.

42
 Palm Sunday, April 17
“He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.”
(Palms 103:10)

By Sandy Baranowski

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

TODAY’S READINGS In the dining room was a five tiered shelf about six feet
Morning Psalms: 24, 29 tall and maybe two feet wide. My grandfather had built
Evening Psalm: 103 this shelf for my grandmother from the empty wooden
Zechariah 9:9-12, 12:9-13:9 spools of sewing thread. For a 5-7 year old this shelf was
1 Timothy 6:12-16 fascinating with all the different sized spools making up
Matthew 21:12-17 the legs of the shelf. Even more fascinating for me was
the 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 grind
the coffee and then open the drawer to see what was there. Though I loved this pastime, I
knew I was not supposed to touch this coffee grinder. I knew that each time I did, I was
being bad; it was a sin to disobey my grandmother, but I couldn‘t seem to help myself.

Many times as an adult I‘ve thought about my childhood and the coffee grinder. I believe
Jesus looked at me more as what I was---a curious child rather than a sinner. My
repayment you ask?

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

43
Monday, April 18
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

W hen I think of Palm Sunday I immediately think of Jesus' conscious decision to go to

Jerusalem 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 be
trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean
and reverent."
TODAY’S READINGS
Jesus was obedient to his Father even though it meant Morning Psalm: 51
his death on the cross. Jesus' loyalty to God was Evening Psalms: 69:1-23
completely different from the crowd's loyalty to Jesus Jeremiah 12:1-16
following him on that Sunday progression. The crowd Philippians 3:1-14
shouting ―Hosannas‖ on Sunday turned into them John 12:9-19
shouting "crucify him" on Friday.

It is amazing to me that all I have to do is believe in Jesus Christ in order to receive the
eternal life He purchased for me on the cross. I try every day in some way to be worthy of
the great gift that has been given to me.

44
 Tuesday, April 19
For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I
tell you even with tears. Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is
in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and
it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform
the body of our humiliation so that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the
power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. (Philippians 3:18-21)

By Jean Whitney

T he readings for today see humans full of doubt about God's goodness and recrimination
over bad things that happen to good people or when the bad guys win.

Ultimately, through all the low periods and questioning about where is God in all of this
earthly struggle, Paul's letter to the Philippians ties it all together with key advice, for me.
He spends no time on explanations about why bad things happen, but advises us to keep
moving in the right direction. To keep our eyes on the goal. To forget what is behind and
struggle for what is ahead.

This is what takes me through the rough patches in life.

TODAY’S READINGS
Morning Psalm: 6
Evening Psalm: 94
Jeremiah 15:10-21
Philippians 3:15-21
John 12:20-26
Taking a few steps back to get perspective, to take the larger
view, helps me remember it's not always all-about-me when
things look grim. Whether it's on the job, in a long-term
relationship, or learning to raise an independent child, the
notion of going forward and not in reverse, works for me.
That's not to say don't learn from the past, but use it to move
forward on better footing.

For example, when as a parent of a teenager I learned that I had vast failings--was I going to
hold on to that pain and poison the remaining years of our relationship? No, but not
without reminding myself to keep my eye on the goal of raising a healthy adult. And Paul
reminds us we aren't perfect, but to just keep moving in the right direction regardless.

I have brother-in-law who describes this notion through a favorite line in Woody Allen's
movie "Annie Hall." To paraphrase, a relationship is like a shark. It has to constantly move
forward or it dies. It's seems true in relationships with people and with God, and with the
natural world. I've come to understand I won't know why on many tough times and topics,
but it shouldn't stop me from moving ahead with possibly a course correction, in the right
direction

Paul points out that the road leading to hell is surely about caring only for worldly things
and ignoring the heavenly. Anyone who has spent sleepless nights worrying can attest to the
truth in that.
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Wednesday, April 20
Remember your congregation, which you acquired long ago, which you redeemed to be
the tribe of your heritage. Remember Mount Zion, where you came to dwell. Direct your
steps to the perpetual ruins; the enemy has destroyed everything in the sanctuary.
(Psalm 74:2-3)

By Breanne Fencl

H ow long must I pray, must I pray to You?

How long must I wait, must I wait for You?
How long 'till I see Your face
TODAY’S READINGS
Morning Psalm: 55
Evening Psalm: 74
See You shining through
Jeremiah 17:5-10, 14-17
I'm on my knees Philippians 4:1-13
Begging You to notice me John 12:27-36
I'm on my knees
Father, will You turn to me, yeah?
One tear in the dropping rain
One voice in a sea of pain
Could the Maker of the stars
Hear the sound of my breaking heart?
One life is all I am
Right now I can barely stand
If You're everything You say You are
Would You come close and hold my heart?
-- ―Hold My Heart‖ by Tenth Avenue North

In times of trial, when we are calling out to God it is common to feel unheard and distant
from Him. In Psalm 74, the author is distraught because the king of the Neo-Babylonian
Empire, Nebuchadnezzar, had destroyed their temple. Although this ancient scenario can
seem far off from us today, the desperate feelings he experiences are not.

Cancer. AIDS. Natural Disasters. Bullying. Car crashes. These are all bad things that can
get us down and potentially hinder our faith in God. Why does God let bad things happen to
good people? We Christians are not protected in spiritual Bubble Wrap, kept save from
danger, tragedy, or heartache. God does not give us an easy answer to why we suffer.
Instead he gave us his Son who suffered with us. God‘s love in Christ goes with us through
our deepest pain and our most difficult circumstances. In times of trouble, it is important
for us to keep our faith in God and trust his work. I personally am a firm believer that
everything happens for a reason. Everything, good, bad, or seemingly insignificant is part
of God‘s plan for us. We just have to push through our grievances and doubts to put our
trust and faith in this plan.
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 Maundy Thursday, April 21
But the Lord is with me like a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble, and
they will not prevail. They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal
dishonor will never be forgotten. (Jeremiah 20:11)

By Jon Hall

T he ―needy‖ mentioned in the Jeremiah reading are those who depend on him. While he is
being persecuted by enemies his focus is not merely about all the things that are going wrong
with the situation but on serving those who rely on him. Jeremiah‘s faith is gifted with the
confidence that God will hear and deliver. I believe that part of his salvation came from focusing
on his genuine desire to serve others.
TODAY’S READINGS Years ago I regularly visited a man who was entering
Morning Psalm: 102 into the latter stages of Alzheimer‘s. He never attended
Evening Psalms: 142, 143 a service at my church but was related to a family who
Jeremiah 20:7-11 had run the parish, for better or worse, for over two
1 Corinthians 10:14-17, 11:27-32 decades. Jim was a sweet soul and responded with
John 17 familiarity whenever communion was brought to him.
He always said the Lord‘s Prayer and sometimes we
would sing a verse or two from a popular hymn. During the three years that I visited him there
was a shift in the leadership of the parish. The family that had exerted control was being asked
to share decision making with others. They felt threatened and I can‘t blame them for fearing
the change that was inevitably bound to happen anyway. I became the lightening rod for their
anxiety. Meanwhile my trips to see Jim continued with their permission. Sometimes I
wondered if it was really worth it. This situation required heavy doses of extra grace.

Jim died and we prepared for his funeral. I remember walking into the funeral home the
evening of the visitation. One of the main people I was in conflict with saw me entering and
immediately met me at the door. I wasn‘t sure what was about to happen. She stepped right in
front of me, looked deep into my eyes, and took me by the hand. I followed her to her father‘s
casket and we cried together. The next day we celebrated his life together through the promises
of God‘s holy word and in the taking of Holy Communion.

The theme of resurrection happens when we die to self and serve Christ in the other. I don‘t
think it was just her hand that met mine. I believe Christ took both of us on a path of
reconciliation. Partly because we needed it. Partly because others were later going to depend on
our leadership in humility.

Who may be depending on you to cry out to God with courage? Trust that God will hear and
deliver. We are blessed to be a blessing. Amen and amen.

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Good Friday, April 22
And Abraham looked up and saw a ram, caught in a thicket by its horns. Abraham went
and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt-offering instead of his son. 14So Abraham
called that place „The Lord will provide‟; as it is said to this day, „On the mount of the Lord
it shall be provided.‟ (Genesis 22:13-14)

By Jeff Klieve

T his Old Testament reading is the familiar story of God‘s extreme testing of Abraham‘s
faith by asking him to sacrifice Isaac, his only son, as a burnt offering. I have always
found this story to be troubling, especially now as the very proud parent of 2 children,
including a son. Surely God is not asking that we sacrifice, or even harm, our own flesh and
blood whom we love more than life itself, but rather
this is a story that illustrates depth and breadth of TODAY’S READINGS
faith that God asks and expects of us. Because of Morning Psalms: 95 & 22
Abraham‘s complete faith in God, he did not Evening Psalms: 40, 54
hesitate, protest, or even question God when asked Genesis 22:1-14
to sacrifice Isaac. How often do we hesitate, 1 Peter 1:10-20
protest, and question God even when he asks us to Morning Gospel: John 13:36-38
make the simplest of sacrifices? Evening Gospel: John 19:38-42

So why is this reading from Genesis appointed to Good Friday? I think it‘s because there
are some striking parallels between the reading and the events of Good Friday. For
example, Abraham's willingness to give up his own son Isaac foreshadows the willingness of
God the Father to sacrifice his Son. Also, recall that at the last minute, the angel of God
stops Abraham from slaying Isaac, and a ram is sacrificed instead. Likewise, God sacrificed
his own Son on this Good Friday as a substitute for humanity, much like the ram God
provided for Abraham.

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 Holy Saturday, April 23
I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the
Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:13-14)

By Helen Murphy

G ood Friday and Holy Saturday have always been days of sadness for me, as I am sure
that they are for many others. These feelings occur despite knowing that Jesus arose on
Easter. I think that the feelings of sadness arise due to remembering the terrible way that
Jesus Christ was treated, leading to his being placed on the cross, with more torture and
humiliation, eventually leading to his death. I also think of his loyal followers, plus his
mother Mary and Mary Magdalene, having to witness their loved one innocently being put
to death on a cross.

TODAY’S READINGS On Saturday, I think about the deep sadness and

Morning Psalms: 95 & 88
Evening Psalm: 27
Job 19:21-27a
Morning Epistle: Hebrews 4:1-16
Evening Epistle: Romans 8:1-11
confusion that his loved ones must have been
feeling, and how they spent their time. I remember
that they did not know that Jesus Christ would arise
from the dead. I think of the story of Mary visiting
the tomb, and trying to have faith in God‘s plan for
her Son.

I believe that this process is part of one‘s reflection upon God‘s reasoning and plan for
Christ‘s death, burial and resurrection.

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