This doesn't exactly sound like Lent, I know. But set out to be austere, and watch the invitations to feast roll in. Lent, more than being a time for fasting is a time to put priorities in order.
"I desire mercy, not sacrifice."
It is easier to refuse a cherry-cheese danish than it is to sit down for a chat with someone who is lonely. In retrospect, it is easy to discern God's Will on this one but in the moment, ah! A bit different. I am sounding a bit fluffy now, so let me qualify. We take up fasting to avail ourselves to be put into order by God- to remind us of our weakness. Once we understand this, through mortification of the flesh, our hearts and minds become closer to being synched with that of Christ. True charity lies in being fully present to those around us.
My thoughts on this topic are disjointed but I feel that we must set out physical sacrifices to which we fully intend to be faithful. Then we must watch with great attention as God sanctifies our intentions. "I know that you wanted to do this for me, but in this moment of grace, why not do this?" We become hyperaware of the deviations to OUR plans as those of God find a home in our hearts. It is our hope that the two sets of thoughts become indistinguishable. This is the idea of Lent. A willful sycronization of two hearts.
So bring him comfort. Bring Him coffee. Rend your hearts not your garments.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Tu es Petrus
"Simon Peter said to him 'Lord, where are you going?' Jesus answered, 'Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow afterward." Peter said to him, 'Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.' "
-Today's gospel according to John (John 13: 21-33, 36-38)
-Today's gospel according to John (John 13: 21-33, 36-38)
the longest winter
“Be creative in all things”- some recent advice given to me.
In order to follow more closely in the footsteps of the Master: find art in all things; in all things seek out an act of creation. Veni, Creator Spiritus!
Today is snowy. I almost allowed myself to become disappointed when I awoke as this morning represented the prolongation of what has been the longest winter of my life. I then remembered one sunny morning in early April two years ago. The sun was pouring in through the living room window of my Nova Scotia family home. It seemed inevitable that Spring has arrived. I was reading Anne of Green Gables and dreaming about wide-open fields and more carefree days. My father was facing me in his hospital bed with a far-off expression on his face.
“ I would like to see one more snow fall,” he said wistfully “just one more and then I can go home”. A few days later on April 7th. 2009, my father passed into eternity most gracefully. The snow flew as his soul flew to the Home of the Father.
Today when I awoke, I was disappointed with the snow.
This afternoon, I am blessing the snow.
Eternal Rest grant unto him O, Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him and may he rest in peace.
In order to follow more closely in the footsteps of the Master: find art in all things; in all things seek out an act of creation. Veni, Creator Spiritus!
Today is snowy. I almost allowed myself to become disappointed when I awoke as this morning represented the prolongation of what has been the longest winter of my life. I then remembered one sunny morning in early April two years ago. The sun was pouring in through the living room window of my Nova Scotia family home. It seemed inevitable that Spring has arrived. I was reading Anne of Green Gables and dreaming about wide-open fields and more carefree days. My father was facing me in his hospital bed with a far-off expression on his face.
“ I would like to see one more snow fall,” he said wistfully “just one more and then I can go home”. A few days later on April 7th. 2009, my father passed into eternity most gracefully. The snow flew as his soul flew to the Home of the Father.
Today when I awoke, I was disappointed with the snow.
This afternoon, I am blessing the snow.
Eternal Rest grant unto him O, Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him and may he rest in peace.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)