lenten reflections 2014

....StStStSt John John John John’s Episcopal Cathedrals Episcopal Cathedrals Episcopal Cathedrals Episcopal Cathedral

LENTEN REFLECTIONS 2014

The Gospels

Knoxville, TN Diocese of East Tennessee

413 Cumberland Avenue Knoxville, TN 37902-2302 P.O. Box 153, 37901-0153 | (865) 525-7347

http://www.stjohnscathedral.org

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Introduction to Lenten Reflections

The Season of Lent is the 40-day period before Easter, beginning on Ash

Wednesday (March 5 this year). It has historically been a season of soul-searching,

repentance, and reflection. It originated in the very earliest days of the Church as a

preparatory time for Easter, when the faithful rededicated themselves and when

converts were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism. By observing the

Lenten discipline, the individual Christian imitates Jesus’ withdrawal into the

wilderness for 40 days.

For close to a decade, contributors (parishioners and parish friends) to our Lenten

Reflections have focused on the daily readings. This year we focus on the Gospels,

revisiting Mark, the earliest of the three synoptic Gospels—almost certainly the

major source for both Matthew and Luke. Some pertain closely to the daily Gospel

reading; if so, the passage (or a portion of it) is quoted at the top of the page.

The pages for Sundays—our “little Easters”—list the readings for the day, but are

otherwise blank so that you may join us in this community activity by composing

your own Reflection based on one of the daily readings. Lenten Sundays are not

counted among the forty days, because each Sunday is a mini-Easter,

commemorating the Resurrection, Christ’s victory over sin and death.

You may join us in daily prayer, either in our Chapel (at 8 a.m. Tuesdays-Fridays

now, though watch for a time change) or by turning to the daily readings as listed

in the following pages or in the Book of Common Prayer pp. 951 953, 955, 957.

Contributors since 2004 include Jerry Askew, Margery Bensey, Michael Bensey, Sandie

Bishop, Charlotte Blair, Sharlyn Bolinger, Michelle Bolt, George Bond, Heather Booth, Chloe

Chitwood, Trey Conway, Elizabeth Corlew, John Coyle, Charles Craven, Delle Craven, Lindsay

Crawford, Justin Crisp, J. A. Frazer Crocker, Mary Kathryn Crone, Sister Michael Julian

Davidson, Jeanne Davis, John Davis, Debra L. Dalton, Melissa Sicard Dodson, Bethany K.

Dumas, Carolyn Ellis, Elizabeth Farr, John Michael Fox, Elsbeth Freeman, Mary Goodman, Kim

Gotschall, Sally Gouffon, Chris Hackett, Wanda Haralson, Peggy Harb, Thalia Hatmaker,

Barbara Hickey, Cornelia Hickman, Dana Hornby, Carney Ivy, Margaret Johns, Ginny Jones,

Kimberly Kertis, Kathy Lasater, Robert Leopold, Audrey Little-Crawford, Bo Lewis, Anne

Lovett, G. David Lovett, Beverley McGavin, Stephanie McIntosh, Sandy Maloy, Glo Marquis,

Kelly Marston, Cindy Matlock, Zulette Melnick, Joan Moneymaker, Marcia Moneymaker, Joel

Morris, Linda Morris, Janet Murray, Hugh G. Neil, Jr., Jim Orr, Charles Ovenshine, Jere Ownby,

Jamie Peabody, Ron Peabody, Joy Pinckney, Margaret Pinckney, Travis Porter, Thom Rasnick,

Eleanor Ripley, Buck Rogers, John Ross, Eileen Schilling, Sylvia Sergent, Melissa Sicard,

Jonathan Sowell, Anne Sprouse, Robert Sullivan, Nancy Tanner, Lloyd Terry, Pattie Thiele,

Juanita Vann, Michael van Vuuren, Charles Wareing, Catherine White, Donna White, Ben

Williams, Marcia Williams, Randall Willis, Zak Young—and some anonymous contributors.

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Ash Wednesday, March 5

Luke 18:9-14 The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were

righteous and regarded others with contempt: “Two men went up to the temple to

pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by

himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people:

thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give

a tenth of all my income.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even

look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me,

a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other;

for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will

be exalted.”

_________________________________

See that little phrase “standing by himself” in verse 11? Well, I have to say, it just

jumped off the page and into my life. You see, the Pharisee is not just trapped in a

destructive and self-reinforcing cycle of self-righteousness and contempt for

others; he has also removed himself and walked away from community. The tax

collector, for his part, is “standing far off” – but far off from whom, we must ask.

From the Pharisee. This man, engaged in pure repentance, is “standing far off”

because the Pharisee has walked away.

Repentance is done in community, something Episcopalians affirm each Sunday by

reciting the General Confession together and which, for that matter, the whole

Church affirms during the season of Lent. Today, each of us will walk up to the

altar rail as individuals, be told we are but dust and to dust we shall return, and go

back to our pews one community, the Body of Christ – a sacramental

transformation signified by the identical little crosses we will now wear on our

foreheads.

Those crosses remind us we do not live unto ourselves. We walk the pilgrim way

of Lent – and of life – together.

Psalms 32, 143—102,130; Amos 5:6-15; Hebrews 12:1-14, Luke 18:9-14

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Thursday after Ash Wednesday, March 6

John 17:1-8

John 17:3 and this is eternal life, that they know thee the only true God, and Jesus

Christ whom thou has sent.

In today’s Gospel reading, we are given a definition of eternal life. That definition

is that we have eternal life by knowing God and by knowing Jesus himself. But

what does “Knowing God” and “Knowing Jesus”, mean? Knowing is not just a

prolonged duration of life but it is also defined here as having a relationship with

the Father through His Son. Entering into this relationship, this “Knowing,” leads

to the fulfillment of God’s plan of not only eternal life for us, but also the abundant

life to which Jesus referred.

Entering into this relationship cannot be achieved by just knowing facts or ideas

about God and his Son, and believing that they are true. It also requires an

understanding of our sinful nature and how our sin separates us from God and

destroys our relationship with Him. This understanding leads to repentance,

forgiveness, and thus, a relationship with God.

Through our reflections and prayers during this season of penitence, may we come

to a deeper understanding of our sinful nature, our need for repentance and

forgiveness, which we must constantly seek, so that we can be in relationship with

Him— in a relationship that leads to abundant eternal life.

Psalms 37:1-18—37:19-42; Habakkuk 3:1-18; Philemon 3:12-21; John 17:1-8

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Friday after Ash Wednesday, March 7

John 17:9-19

In his longest prayer recorded in the Bible, Jesus prays for those whom God has

given him. He prays for those He is close to – those who have given over their

lives to serve Him, those who will go into the world to proclaim the good news.

We owe the same prayer for those whom we are close to in our communities.

Whether we are concerned about our families, our fellow workers, or our church

community, our ability to broaden our efforts and influence to these groups and

even beyond is dependent upon the people about us – the people we know.

Christ recognized the strength that ‘His community’ provided him, and he turned

to God and said “I pray for…those you have given me…glory has come to me

through them.”

Psalms 31—35; Ezekiel 18:1-4,25-32; Philemon 3:12-21; John 17:9-19

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Saturday after Ash Wednesday, March 8

John 17:20-26

John 17:20 “I do not pray for those only, but also for those who believe in me

through their word...”

Just before Jesus approaches his betrayal, he prays for not only for those to whom

he has given the Word, but also for the future generations who will receive the

Word from his disciples. This implies an awesome connection between Jesus, the

Christians of his time, and all of the generations of Christians who have followed.

To know that Christ included us in one of his final prayers as a man on earth is a

humbling thought. Even though there have been conflicts and theological

disagreements throughout history, and in our time we experience dissent among

denominations and even congregations, it is marvelous to know that , according to

Christ’s own words, we, along with all of the saints who lived before us, are all

members of the same “holy, catholic, apostolic” church.

Psalms 30,32—42,43; Ezek. 39:21-20; Philemon 4:10-20; John 17:20-26

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First Sunday in Lent, March 9

John 12:44-50

You are invited to participate in our reflection activity by reading the Gospel

passage—or another text—and writing your own reflection for this day.

My Reflection

Psalms 63,98—103; Dan. 9:3-10; Heb. 2:10-18; John 12:44-50

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Monday in Lent 1, March 10

Mark 1:1-13

Five Wishes

I wish

I had been John the Baptist’s contemporary,

And had followed this intriguing, religious man

To his wilderness home.

Would I have been appalled

By his mode of living or dress? No!

He wore a fantastic outfit,

Fashioned from the woven fabric of camel hair.

The costume hung off his shoulders,

And touched his sandaled feet.

A worn, leather belt snuggly tucked

The material in at the waist.

I wish

This incredible John

Had extended to me an invitation

To stay and dine with him.

We would have gorged ourselves on

Wriggly locusts

And wild, sweet honey.

I wish

I had lingered with John in the wilderness,

And watched the gathering people

Arriving from Jerusalem and all over Judea.

I would have listened to him sermonize

About sin, confession,

And forgiveness,

And baptism.

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I wish

I had remained with the uncommon man,

When the crowd departed.

And Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee, appeared.

I would have witnessed

John’s baptism of our Savior.

And watched the heaven’s split open,

As the Holy Spirit descended,

Like a dove, on the Son of God.

I wish

At that moment,

God had chosen me to become a member

Of His wilderness angel corps

To fulfill a forty-day assignment,

Caring for His Son,

The Satan-tempted Jesus.

Psalms 41,52—44; Genesis 37:1-11; I Corinthians 1:1-19 Mark 1:1-13

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Tuesday in Lent 1, March 11

Mark 1:14-28

Mark 1:17 “Come follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

These verses graphically illustrate what the call to follow Jesus means. We will be

called to a life of humility and service to others—without concern for wealth,

power or acclaim. Furthermore, though we may well be attacked by those who are

destructive and self-serving, we will teach by example and bring new followers to

the good news of God.

Oh, God, grant us faith in You that is strong enough to follow whenever and

wherever you lead us!

Psalms 47, 48 Genesis 37:12-24 1 Cor. 1:20-31 Mark 1:14-28

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Wednesday in Lent 1, March 12

Mark 1:29-45

Mark 1:41 … moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him…

At the store entrance where I pick up my rolling grocery basket, there is a stand

with antiseptic wipes for customers to disinfect where hands touch the cart. On the

back of the church pew at a local church, there are small bottles of hand sanitizer to

use before or after shaking hands. People are concerned with spreading flu germs

at this time of the year. So it was in Jesus’ time. People were concerned with

touching a “leper.” Those affected were though to be unclean and contagious. But

when the “leper” came to Jesus begging to be made clean, Jesus overlooked the

disease that affected his body. Jesus touched him, and he was made well. Jesus

looked for what was inside the man.

Now this does not imply that we are not to be mindful of flu and other germs and

take precautions. It does imply that there is more to people than we can often see

on the outside. My grandmother had nothing wrong with the skin on her hands. But

she was old, wrinkled and had dark age spots. Arthritis had caused some fingers to

be bent inward. In winter, her hands were often rough and red from working

outside on the farm. But when she used her hands to wipe away my tears and

bandage my skinned knee, the touch was soft and warm. Her hands seemed straight

and beautiful as she held the Bible during evening prayers. I shall always

remember how she reached out and touched me as she closed her eyes in prayer.

It’s what inside a person that God loves. He often passes that love on to others by a

touch.

Dear God, help me to remember that regardless of how great or unknown, well or

sick, rich or poor, young or old, saint or sinner, no person is beyond the loving

touch of Jesus. Amen.

Psalms 119:49-72—49, [53]; Genesis 37:25—36;1 Corinthians 2:1-13; Mark 1:29-45

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Thursday in Lent 1, March 13

Mark 2:1-12

Mark 2:4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an

opening in the roof...

We are all familiar with the story of Jesus healing the paralytic after his friends

lowered him through the roof. Jesus forgives his sins , heals him, and sends him on

his way. But how often do we think of the importance of the four friends? Suppose

they had not had time to take him to Jesus. Or suppose when there was a crowd at

the door, they had turned around and taken him home. Even before he was healed,

he seems to have been a very lucky man to have four such devoted friends. Are we

that kind of friend to others? Do we persevere to be sure our friends and family get

the help and encouragement they need? As we prepare for Easter, reflecting on

what really matters most to us is a way to prepare ourselves for the joyous

celebration of the resurrection.

Psalms 50—[59,60] or 19,46; Genesis 39:1-23; 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:15;Mark 2:1-12

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Friday in Lent 1, March 14

Mark 2:13-22

These passages explore some of the frictions between Jesus and the religious elite

of the day. He didn't fast; He hung out with tax collectors; and He ate on the

Sabbath. Basically, he didn't follow the “rules.” He led his friends to repent and

celebrate the joy of forgiveness. The wedding, the new wine, and the cloth are all

images of joy and strength from diving into the grace of God and celebrating in

His bountiful mercy.

Psalms 40,54—51; Genesis 40:1-23; 1 Corinthians 3:16-23; Mark 2:13-22

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Saturday in Lent 1, March 15

Mark 2:23—3:6

Mark 2:27 “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”

The Sabbath was made for man for his renewal. We need this offering of

His body and blood to sustain us for the week to come and to worship Him

and thank Him for all He does.

Psalms 55—138,139; Genesis 41:1-13;1 Corinthians 4:1-7; Mark 2:23—3:6

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Second Sunday in Lent, March 16

John 5:19-24



My Reflection

Psalms 24,19—8.84; Genesis 41:14-45; Romans 6:3-14; John 5:19-24

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Mark 3:7-19a

Jesus had been preaching. Because of His reputation as a healer, those with

infirmities had sought him out. They were everywhere. The Pharisees waited to see

if he would continue Healing on Sunday.

Jesus went with those who were with him to the sea to rest. Afterwards, He went to

the Mountain, to pray all night. Then He chose twelve to be his followers. They

became his Apostles and he taught them to heal and carry on his Ministry, even

though one of them would betray him.

We all possess weakness and we are all strengthened by our belief in the Goodness

of Jesus, for he changes our hearts to prepare us for his Ministry.

Psalms 56,57,[58]—64,65; Genesis 41:46-57; 1 Corinthians 4:8-20; Mark 3:7-19a

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Mark 3:19b-35

Mark 3:35: “Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

I have a friend who recently offered me a job. I’ve had friends whom I have

approached about jobs, but never have I been approached without having to ask.

My friend and I had not talked for a couple of years as we were just living our lives

and lost touch as sometimes people do. I have been in a significantly bad financial

position for what seems a long time. I have asked friends and acquaintances for

help with job leads. For the past two years things were about as bad as they could

get for me. I prayed, I searched, I prayed harder…nothing. Suddenly from nowhere

I was being offered a great position earning more money than I had been praying

for. My friend who knew that I was looking and was in a position to offer help did

so. Was my friend doing the will of God by offering the job to me? I have to

believe so. And I have to believe this friend is my sister for trying to do the will of

God. My new sister is a gift I thank God for every day. Amen.

Psalms 61,62—68; Genesis 42:1-17; 1 Corinthians 5:1-8; Mark 3:19b-35

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Mark 4:1-20

Mark 4:2-8 Jesus began to teach by the lake: "Listen! A farmer went out to sow his

seed. Some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky

places where it sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow. But when the sun

came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.

Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they

did not bear grain. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and

produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times." Then Jesus

said to his Disciples: "Don't you understand this parable? The farmer sows the

word. Some people are like seed along the path. As soon as they hear it, Satan

comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown in

rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no

root, when trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall

away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of

this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, come in and choke the word, making it

unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and

produce a crop--thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times what was sown."

This is one of Jesus' most familiar parables, related to daily life of the farm

community with which his hearers were most familiar. It is an illustration of

how hearers react to God's word. Today we can ask ourselves: which of these

describes my reaction to Jesus' teaching? What do I do about it? Ignore it?

Take it with enthusiasm but soon forget about it? Or receive it and live by it?

It is up to each person to identify what elements in his/her life are like the rocks or

the poor soil which produce no green sprouts. Recognizing these, and praying that

the Holy Spirit will help us remove these obstacles to spiritual fulfillment, can

move us into the good soil.

Psalms 72 119:73-96; Genesis 42:18-28; 1 Corinthians 5:9—6:8; Mark 4:1-20

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Mark 4:21-34

Mark 4:26-34 And he said, "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter

seed upon the ground, 27 and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed

should sprout and grow, he knows not how. 28 The earth produces of itself, first

the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the grain is

ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come." 30 And he

said, "With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we

use for it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown upon the

ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; 32 yet when it is sown it grows

up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so

that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade." 33 With many such

parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; 34 he did not

speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained

everything.

A mustard seed is the smallest of seeds. When planted it grows into a large

shrub over ten feet in height. This small seed is also a symbol of faith. Years

ago there were necklaces, each of which had a tiny mustard seed enclosed in a

clear glass sphere to symbolize that one needs only a little faith for great things

to happen. The mustard seed of a parable of Jesus plants itself in us and it grows

and allows us to achieve things that we would have thought not possible.

Many times through periods of dark doubt and uncertainty, something within us

wonders if God is near us. He sends a prayer or word of encouragement (a

mustard seed) our way. Julian of Norwich may have said it best: “And all shall

be well and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well.”

Psalms 70, 71—74; Genesis 42:29-38; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; Mark 4:21-34

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Mark 4:35-41

Mark 4:39-40 He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Quiet! Be still!’

The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you

terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”

When I read this passage, it made me think about the word faith. Who can … and

at what age can … a person have total faith in God and in His power?

When I was three years of age, I lived in an apartment with my mother and brother.

One night a very powerful storm hit Knoxville. Trees were falling, rain was

pouring down, and there were warnings of tornadoes in the area. Now my mother

had started teaching my brother and me the Gospel, the Bible when we were very

young. During that storm, I climbed up in a chair, got on my knees, and prayed,

“Dear Lord, please make the storm stop, ‘cause me scared!” Right after I prayed,

the wind stopped blowing and the rain quit pouring. Everything became calm.

The power of prayer is an amazing thing. I learned at an early age that no matter

who you are or what age you are, if you have total faith in God anything is

possible.

Psalms 69—73; Genesis 43:1-15; 1 Cor. 7:1-9; Mark 4:35-41

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Mark 5:1-20

Mark 5:19 “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done

for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”

A common message in the readings for today is that God is Generous. He is

generous with gifts, with wisdom, with love, and with mercy. It is not surprising

that we have difficulty grasping, believing, and trusting the purity of God’s gifts to

us and for us, for we are not that generous. Thus we may become afraid and even

shun these gifts of His Spirit. We must remember that God has no hidden agenda!

Allow yourself to be awe-inspired, not overwhelmed. Envelope yourself in the Gift

of God-His love, His generosity, His wisdom, and His Guidance.

Today, I will make a commitment to remember that God Loves Me, and to

incorporate just how profound and life-changing it is to believe and honor these

words. I will not be afraid of the vastness of His love. I will embrace it! I invite

you to do the same.

Psalms 75, 76—23, 27; Genesis 43:16-34; 1 Cor. 7:10-24; Mark 5:1-20

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Third Sunday in Lent, March 23

John 5:25-29



My Reflection

Psalms 93, 96—34; Genesis 44:1-17; Rom. 8:1-10; John 5:25-29

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Mark 5:21-43

The reading from Mark shows the power of Jesus to heal the sick and bring the

dead back to life. It begins with Jairus, a synagogue leader, who implores Jesus to

save the life of his twelve-year-old daughter, who is dying. On his way to heal the

sick child, Jesus encounters a woman who has had hemorrhages for twelve years.

She touches the garment of Jesus as the crowds are pressing against him and his

disciples. She is immediately healed, and Jesus realizes that His power has gone

out, but does not know to whom. When she reveals herself to Jesus and gets down

on her knees, he tells her to go in peace and be healed. Jesus continues on to the

home of Jairus, where he asks Jairus’s daughter to get up and walk—and she does.

Both the woman with hemorrhages and the daughter of Jairus are healed because

of faith in the power of Jesus. Our journey with Jesus by our side is about our own

faith in His power and love.

Psalms 80—77[, 79] Genesis 44:18-34 1 Corinthians 7:25-31 Mark 5:21-43

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Mark 6:1-13

Mark 6:7-10 Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them

authority over evil spirits. These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the

journey except a staff – no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals

but not an extra tunic. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that

town.”

“Be prepared.” Whether you have stated that motto as a Boy Scout or not, our

culture has ingrained upon us the need to be prepared. How then can we begin to

understand what the disciples set out to do? The plan was simple and the

instructions were few. There were no timelines or agenda, no “Plan B”. They

simply took the authority they were given by Jesus and set out. That must have

been both powerful and daunting. What would that look like today? I wonder if I

am too concerned with having a “Plan B” to be open to what I really need to do as

a Christian. It might involve changing the pattern I’ve so carefully sculpted for my

life and the lives of my family. It might involve letting go of details that are

important to how we attend our daily lives. My daily prayer is that I can become

more open to what lies before me and more capable of living into the gifts and

opportunities I have been given so that I can live more fully. It is a daunting task.

Psalms 78:1-39—78:40-72; Genesis 45:1-15; 1 Cor. 7:32-40; Mark 6:1-13

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Mark 6:13-29

Do you court favor with someone? While King Herod respected and feared John

the Baptist, out of impulse and a desire to please his family and friends, Herod had

John beheaded. Herod was a weak man. He took a strong stand on honoring his

word, and pleasing his guests without regard to the nature of the request. Such a

stand, however, is a sign of weakness and cowardice. When you found yourself

facing the conflict of acting honorably versus pleasing someone else, how did you

feel? Did you recognize the decision? What choice did you make?

Psalms 119:97-120—81, 82; Genesis 45:16-28; 1 Cor. 8:1-13; Mark 6:13-29

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Mark 6:30-46

Of all the miracles of Christ, none could be more mystifying than the feeding of

the five thousand. As is the case in so many New Testament stories, the role of the

apostles is that of the perfect foil to the Deity. Their disbelief is all-too-human.

I too would have been incredulous if asked to cater a gig of such size. No one

should expect us expect us to pull food out of thin air. Right?

But therein lies the miracle. After Christ invoked the blessing of His father, there

was not only an adequate supply of food, but a surfeit as well. So explain that.

As humans, this story defies our understanding and is deservedly called a miracle.

For a magician may pull a rabbit out of a hat, but only God's grace cause a miracle.

And only God can pull our salvation “out of thin air.”

Psalms [83] or 42, 43; Genesis 46:1-7, 28-34; 1 Cor. 9:1-15; Mark 6:30-46

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Mark 6:47-56

As I reflect on the miracle of the feeding of the multitudes in Mark, I am reminded

of the limitless power of God. Trusting in His power brings to light the fact that

nothing is impossible, if we put our trust in Him. I think we lose sight of His

magnitude; and perhaps we entertain doubts when life becomes frustrating. We

cannot fix today's problems on our own. Like the disciples who lost faith and

wanted to send the crowds away to forge for themselves, we need to realize that we

are sheep who desperately need a shepherd—a shepherd who knows what we need.

Psalms 88—91, 92; Genesis 47:1-26; 1 Cor. 9:16-27; Mark 6:47-56

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Mark 7:1-23

Jesus’ disciples were in serious trouble…in a boat…rowing hard…struggling

against the wind and waves. Jesus came to them—yes, walking on water—saying,

“Don’t be afraid,” “Take courage, I am here.”

We too row against powerful forces. At times, we get discouraged, become

frustrated, and feel weary, but we are never alone. God uses the storms in our lives

to stretch our faith, and every storm is an opportunity to trust God. Just as Jesus

sent the disciples into this situation and watched them struggle, he watches us and

our struggles. As he delivered them, he will deliver us. We cry out, and Jesus

comes to us. We are never out of his thoughts and concern; in fact, he prays for us

(John 17:9). He knows our circumstances and dangers and is with us, and many

times comes to us in unexpected ways.

In these verses of Mark, just as Jesus healed the disciples’ fear, he also healed the

sick. As our compassionate shepherd, he is with us always, especially in our

suffering. He gives us comfort, hope, direction, support and wisdom.

To rely on God is to face our trials with courage. He is faithful and does not try us

beyond our ability to bear. He always provides a solution. God uses our

weaknesses to demonstrate his power. Our blessings are many! Thanks be to God!

Psalms 87, 90—136; Genesis 47:27—48:7; 1 Cor. 10:1-13; Mark 7:1-23

29

Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 30

John 6:27-40



My Reflection

Psalms 66, 67—19, 46; Genesis 48:8-22; Rom. 8:11-25; John 6:27-40

30


Mark 7:24-37

Looking for guidance in these two stories, which appear on the surface to be

simple accounts of healings, I consulted two respected sources. The first said that

they showed Jesus reaching out beyond the Hebrew community. The second said

that his response to the Gentile woman showed his reluctance to act beyond the

Hebrew community. Are both correct?

It has not come quickly, but finally, to me, these are stories about comfort zone.

Jesus has gone to a community not his own and appears to be seeking anonymity, a

good night's sleep, and a period of restorative privacy. But the local paparazzi are

on the job! Before he has time to get settled the first request comes, and a refusal

based on his tradition is countered well and successfully. Later he cures still

another outside Judaism, evidently without hesitation. He has stepped into a new

arena, and we Gentiles are the eventual beneficiaries.

In retirement I find living and serving primarily within my personal comfort zone a

lovely privilege. I tend to limit outreach - partially from sad experience - to those

areas I feel competent to handle without too much effort. This passage is forcing a

re-evaluation of several opportunities for service, service that I could, perhaps

should, and definitely don't want to, do.

Oh, fiddle!

Psalms 89:1-18—8:19-52; Genesis 49:1-28; 1 Cor. 10:14—11:1; Mark 7:24-37

31

Tuesday in Lent 4, April 1

Mark 8:1-10

The meaning in this passage is both physical and spiritual. The people have

nothing to eat and they are hungry. Jesus is filled with compassion, thinking “If I

send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way. Some have come a great

distance. They will collapse ‘on the way,’ on the road.” Jesus is the Way, the Road.

To walk the road of Jesus, we need a certain kind of nourishment. This is what

Jesus came to give.

The people are told to sit down. Jesus took the seven loaves, and after giving

thanks, he broke them and handed them to his disciples to distribute. And they

distributed them among the crowd. Jesus did not give out the food the people

needed. It came from him but as distributed by his disciples. The same happens

today. It is our task to feed the hungry–both physically and spiritually. All were

filled—4,000 people altogether—and there was bread left over, sign of God’s

abundance shared with his people.

Jesus sent the people away and immediately got into the boat with his disciples.,

leaving no room for misinterpretation. The disciples left because there was no self-

congratulation or glorying in their connections with Jesus the wonder worker.

Through the miracle the teaching had been given and that was it.

Lord, teach me to serve you as you deserve;

to give and not count the cost;

to fight and ignore the wounds;

to work and seek no reward

but knowing that I do your holy will.

Psalms 97, 99, [100]—[94], [95]; Genesis 49:29—50:14; 1 Cor. 11:17-34; Mark 8:1-10

32

Wednesday in Lent 4, April 2

Mark 8:11-26

Rediscovering Faith

These passages call us to awaken to God’s miracles, which are all around us. They

remind us to be aware of God’s constant work in our lives.

The daily duties we undertake—work, oversight of household financials, yard

duties, and meal preparation—can distract us from the blessings God constantly

provides. In Mark 8:19-20, Jesus reminds those who have forgotten their blessings

of the abundance that He provided to the multitudes. In these difficult economic

times, perhaps we question why such misfortune could be happening to us and yet

God continues to bless us with His abundance—if only we open our hearts and

minds to take note of it. His abundance takes many forms and can go unnoticed in

the fray of daily life. His abundance may enter our lives in the form of renewed

friendships, the natural beauty of the world we live in, a deeper understanding of

self and purpose in His creation; and even in opportunities that appear to not work

out to our immediate favor because He has another path in store for us.

In the final passages of this lesson, Jesus is asked to demonstrate another miracle,

though He had performed many already in the presence of those who questioned

Him. In verse 25, Jesus restores the blind man’s vision entirely and sends him

directly home so that His miracle will not be witnessed by those in the village. Let

us utilize this time in Lent to recognize the blessings God provides, however subtle

they may be.

Psalms 101, 109—119:121-144; Genesis 50:15-26; 1 Cor. 12:1-11; Mark 8:11-26

33

Thursday in Lent 4, April 3

Mark 8:27—9:1

Mark 8:29 "And you, who do you say I am?"

Jesus asked his disciples, "And you, who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You

are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This is a very personal question, but

Jesus demands that each person answer that question for himself. And we can only

answer as Peter did if we have had a personal encounter with Christ. Some people

know all about Christ, what he did and what has been written about him in the

Bible and by reputable theologians, but that is second-hand knowledge that does

not always change one’s life. It is the kind of thing we know about our American

president, for example. We all know what the President does and says, but do we

really know him? Second-hand knowledge is never sufficient to know someone..

So how do we know Christ?

We come to know Christ by following him, by learning from him, by loving him,

by searching for him in his church and in the Gospels and in each other. What will

your answer be when Jesus asks you, “Who do you say I am ?”

Johann Schwedler wrote:

Ask ye what great thing I know, that delights and stirs me so?

What the high reward I win? Whose the name I glory in?

Jesus Christ , the crucified.

Who defeats my fiercest foes? Who consoles my saddest woes?

Who revives my fainting heart, healing all its hidden smart?

Jesus Christ, the crucified.

This is that great thing I know; This delights and stirs me so:

Faith in him who died to save, him who triumphed o'er the grave,

Jesus Christ, the crucified. Amen.

Psalms 69—73; Exodus 1:6-22; 1 Cor. 12:12-6; Mark 8:27—9:1

34

Friday in Lent 4, April 4

Mark 9:2-13

The Transfiguration

Linens, dazzling white

such as no one on earth

could bleach them.

Swathed in pure light,

Jesus meets Elijah

and Moses atop

the mystic mountain.

Then, from a cloud, God

speaks words far from

foggy—but crystal clear

like baptismal water:

This is my Son,

the Beloved,

listen to him!

Christ swears three who

saw and heard to silent

secrecy until the Creator

makes all things new-

strips off the bandages,

robes the earth

in glory’s light,

rolls back the tombstone,

and scoops up

the pearl so dazzling white

such as no one on earth

could bleach Him.

--written to the glory of God

Psalms 102—107:1-32; Exodus 2:1-22; 1 Cor. 12:27—13:3; Mark 9:2-13

35

Saturday in Lent 4, April 5

Mark 9:14-29

Mark 9:27 “But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to

stand.”

The passage in Mark is clearly about a boy who had epilepsy. The boy’s father

asks Jesus for help in ridding his son of the disease (back then any illness like

epilepsy was thought to be demonic possession). When Jesus attempts the healing,

the boy has a major epileptic seizure. When he stopped, the onlookers thought the

boy was dead. Jesus then reached out and raised the boy up. This resurrection

healing is the same as what we all ask of Jesus. We seek to be raised by the hand of

God out of our illness or trouble or distress. In thinking they were expected to

drive out a demon, the disciples were unable to heal the boy of his seizures. The

end of the passage tells us that the disciples asked Jesus why he was able to heal

the boy and they could not. Jesus replied that what the boy needed was prayer.

Sometimes, nothing can heal or absolve us of our burdens but prayer. We should

be more aware of this truth and recognize that prayer has tremendous power to heal

each of us, whatever our affliction.

Psalms 107:33-43, 108—33; Exodus 2:23—3:15; 1 Cor. 3:1-13; Mark 9:14-29

36

Fifth Sunday in Lent, April 6

John 8:46-59



My Reflection

Psalms 118—145; Exodus 3:16—4:12; Rom. 12:1-21; John 8:46-59

37

Monday in Lent 5, April 7

Mark 9:30-41

Jesus revealed this prophecy to his disciples: that the Son of man would be taken,

killed, and then on the third day he would rise from the dead. Upon hearing this,

the disciples became afraid; they discussed many questions among themselves,

thinking that Jesus didn’t know of their debate. Among other things, they wanted

to know which of them would be the most important of the twelve. Jesus explained

that all who accept and love all children of God will be equally important to the

Father. The disciples spoke of those that had been trying to help their fellow men

but who were not part of their movement to do the will of the Father and live their

lives in the manner of the Son. Jesus explained that anyone who strives to do the

will of the Father and live the life of the Son will receive the reward that is

promised to everyone.

Psalms 31—35; Exodus 4:10-31; 1 Cor. 14:1-19; Mark 9:30-41

38

Tuesday in Lent 5, April 8

Mark 9:42-50

Nothing should keep us from trusting completely in our Lord. Nothing should keep

us from seeking Him and developing a close, personal relationship with Him. Of

course, Jesus is not telling us to cut off our limbs or blind ourselves if we use one

of our body parts in committing a sin. He would not have us maim ourselves, but

rather He is emphasizing how important it is for us to yearn for and strive for

everlasting life with Him. Nothing should ever be so important to us that we would

allow it to come between us and God. Jesus is stressing to us the importance of

avoiding separation from God. He is further emphasizing community with each

other. Nothing we do should ever cause or prevent someone from coming to Him.

We should help each other, encouraging one another to develop and grow in our

spiritual journey, striving always to be closer to the Lord.

Psalms [120], 121-123—124-126, [127]; Exodus 5:1—6:1; 1 Cor. 14:20-33a, 39-40; Mark 9:42-50

39

Wednesday in Lent 5, April 9

Mark 10:1-16

Rabbi Hillel, a highly respected 1st century BCE theologian, taught that a man

could divorce his wife for unbinding her hair in public or over-salting his food.

This set the tone for a popular debate in which we find the Pharisees questioning

Jesus. His answer must have surprised them. It is certainly surprising to us.

But in reading this passage, we must remember that the Pharisees were not really

interested in what Jesus thought about divorce or any other matter. They were

trying to test Him and His knowledge of Jewish law. Marriage is considered sacred

to God and should be taken seriously. Unfortunately, sometimes circumstances

dictate that divorce be granted. We should always seek God’s will for our lives and

pray for His guidance. Remember, as a young child, how we completely trusted

and believed everything our parents told us? We believed they knew what was

right and we believed that what they told us was the truth. We trusted them to take

care of us and to ensure our needs were met. So, too, should be our trust in our

Heavenly Father. He wants us to love Him and come to Him as a child comes to a

parent or other trusted elder. He wants to be a part of our lives and He wants us to

depend on Him completely. We should take to Him in prayer all of the problems

and concerns that affect our lives and the lives of others, trusting Him to guide us.

Let us remember also that by raising the idea of marriage to an almost unattainable

level of perfection, Christ called us to look beyond petty legal contracts and see

marriage as a deeply sacred bond. He invoked a mystical image: the two become

one body...what God has united, no man must divide. This summons a profound

respect, encouraging single people not to enter casually and challenging those

considering exit to understand union more deeply. Mark coupled this teaching with

the Blessing of Children narrative for a reason. Christ tells us that it is to [children]

that the Kingdom of God belongs. To enter the Kingdom, we must receive it as a

child. Like the "beginner mind" of Zen, this child approaches every relationship,

married or otherwise, with wonder and unconditional love, accepting people just as

they are.

Psalms 119:145-176—128-130; Exodus 7:8-24; 2 Cor. 2:14—3:6; Mark 10:1-16

40

Thursday in Lent 5, April 10

Mark 10:17-31

Mark 10: 21-22 Jesus … said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what

you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come,,

follow me. At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many

possessions.

I have read of a woman who remembers the first time she read this story. She said

that she was seven years old, reading Mark’s Gospel in bed. When she got to verse

25, she became so alarmed that she slammed the Bible shut, jumped out of bed,

and went running down the hall. She shook her mother out of a sound sleep.

“Mom,” she whispered urgently, “Jesus says that rich people don’t go to heaven!”

Her mother replied, “We are not rich. Go back to bed.” She knew better. She knew

that she had all she needed plus plenty more. Later she would learn of fascinating

attempts to soften the text (the use of the word "camel" for "rope," of "eye of the

needle" for "a small gate"), but the little girl inside her knew that these words of

Jesus were clear and hard and scary—and she knew that when she was only seven

years old.

Did you know anything when you were very young that you deny or ignore today?

What the man in the story in Mark lacks is that he does not lack. This man is

possessed—by his possessions. Jesus is offering to free him of his possessions, to

cure him of his excess. But the rich man turns his back.

Will you turn your back?

Psalms 131-133—141, 142; Exodus 7:25—8:19; 2 Cor. 3:7-18; Mark 10:17-31

41

Friday in Lent 5, April 11

Mark 10:32-45

Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and

to give his life as a ransom for many.”

How many times do I find myself running here and there tending to all ages and all

problems, getting anxious and edgy and finally worn out and finally mad? Mad,

maybe, that there never seems to be enough time for me!

In reading this last line of today’s Gospel reading in Mark, I was reminded that that

is what is expected of me. I am able, and organized, and fed, and clothed, and well,

and I can do for others, and I can do a lot. I needed this reminder, though. I needed

to count my blessings and I did. I counted, and I realize that I can do more, way

more than I do. It all pales compared to our Father and his Son. How could I begin

to complain? Shame on me.

I have always said the busier the more productive. Somehow though I have not

been so busy with my daily readings, or my quiet prayer time, or so organized that

I always start my day with prayer and meditation. This Lent I am going to do more

for myself, but it is going to lie in spiritual quests—daily spiritual quests. I will do

this so that I can better serve, especially with a better attitude, I will be found

reading, every day, I promise.

Psalms 22—141, 143; Exodus 9:13-35; 2 Cor. 4:1-12; Mark 10:32-45

42

Saturday in Lent 5, April 12

Mark 10:46-52

Mark 10:47 Many of the people scolded him and told him to be quiet. But he

shouted even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Bartimaeus was sitting by the road outside Jericho. When he heard that Jesus was

passing he called, “Jesus, son of David! Have mercy on me!” There would be no

story had he stopped shouting as others told him to. But he persisted, louder, until

Jesus called for him and healed this blind beggar. Had he not persisted, even to the

point of annoyance, would he have been healed?

There is in this story an appreciation of faith and persistence. Jesus told him, “Go,

your faith has made you well.” Do I have the faith to persist and keep calling to

God in prayer and meditation? I hope for the willing and ready faith to seek the

power of God in my life. Jesus is asking us, just like Bartimaeus, “What do you

want me to do for you?”

Psalms 137, 144—42, 43; Exodus 10:21—11:8; 2 Cor. 4:13-18; Mark 10:46-52

43

Holy Week, Palm Sunday

April 13



Luke 19:41-48

My Reflection

Psalms 24, 29—103; Zech. 9:9-12, 1 Tim. 6:12-16—Zech. 12:9-11, 13:1, 7-9; Luke 19:41-48;

44

HOLY WEEK

Monday of Holy Week April 14

Psalms 51—69;1-23; Lam. 1:1-2, 6-12; 2 Cor. 1:1-17, Marl 11:12-25

Mark 11:12-25

Jesus approaches Jerusalem and sees a beautiful fig tree in the distance, yet is has

no fruit. He enters Jerusalem and sees the beautiful Temple, yet it has no fruit. No

longer is it God's house, a house of prayer. It has become a den or robbers who

extort money from the worshippers. Jesus cleanses the temple of the

moneychangers so that faith may grow once again.

Jesus says that we should have faith in God. Faith grows a beautiful fruit and a life

full of surprises. Faith does not deliver us from suffering. Suffering allows the fruit

of the Holy Spirit to be poured into our life.

Whatever you ask in prayer, have faith that you will receive it. It may not come in

the way you expect, but an answer will come. Thus clean out the temple of your

soul by forgiving others and God's forgiveness will produce wonderful fruit.

Psalms 51—69:1-23; Lam. 1:1-2, 6-12; 2 Cor. 1:17; Mark 11:12-25

45

HOLY WEEK

Tuesday of Holy Week April 15

Mark 11:27-33

Mark 11:29 “By what authority are you doing these things?”

By “these things” the scribes and Pharisees were referring to the cleansing of the

Temple and Jesus’ teaching about prayer and forgiveness. “You have defiled the

House of the God for all people….begin prayer by asking forgiveness. Then you

might be able to believe God will hear your prayer.”

The question of authority is absurd. So Jesus answers with an unanswerable

question, leaving the Elders baffled and answerless. Don’t concern yourselves with

outward shows of piety but approach your spirituality with simple humility. Be

conscious of forgiveness of others so you will be able to believe you are forgiven.

Psalms 6, 12—94, Lam. 1:17-22; 2 Cor. 1:8-22; Mark 11:27-33

46

HOLY WEEK

Wednesday of Holy Week April 16

Mark 12:1-11

In this passage, Jesus is speaking to an audience of chief priests, scribes and elders

in the temple court in Jerusalem. He had, the previous day, driven out the money

changers and other traders, and had been teaching a spellbound crowd. The learned

audience in His presence had questioned Jesus’ authority and, at the same time,

were afraid of the crowd of people who esteemed Him so highly. The parable of

the vineyard is clearly allegorical and conveys the history of the prophets sent by

God to the people of Israel, as well as foreshadowing the imminent death of Jesus.

In the parable, the people, the tenants of the vineyard, believe that if they kill the

son of the owner, they will inherit the vineyard. The vineyard is, metaphorically,

the Kingdom of God. Thus, in the conclusion of this passage, Jesus, prophetically,

warns that those who put him to death will not inherit the Kingdom of God, and

that He, rejected and crucified, will be the foundation of a new faith in God (the

Christian Church). Conversely, one could read this to mean that accepting Jesus as

the Son of God is to inherit the Kingdom.

Are we tenants of this vineyard? Does the vineyard represent our souls? In the

prayer of confession, I admit I have not loved God with my whole heart, not loved

my neighbors as myself. Am I not admitting that I, too, within my heart, in some

measure, have rejected God and not given Him what is due to Him?

Psalms 55—74; Lam. 2:1-9; 2 Cor. 1:23—2:11; Mark 12:1-11

HOLY WEEK

47

Maundy Thursday April 17

Mark 14:12-25

Mark 14:22-24 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it,

and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took the

cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. “This is my

blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them.

Today is Maundy Thursday, a day like no other. In the evening, many of us will

gather to celebrate in community the institution of the Holy Eucharist. We can

prepare ourselves for the commemoration of its institution by remembering that

when we receive the cup and the bread we participate in the blood and body of

Christ and thereby become one body. It is fitting to examine ourselves before

partaking of the cup and bread so that we may discern the nature of the body of

which we will become a part. Our act of participation in the Eucharist should be

informed and intentional.

I have come to understand that in the sacrament of the Eucharist we—those of us

who have been marked in baptism as Christ’s own forever—participate in a visible

expression of our communion with Christ and with the Church and with each

member of the Church. We are members of the Body of Christ; indeed, it may be

that it is only when we are in communion with each other that the Body of Christ,

the church, can even exist.

In communion we join with Christ so that we become one—one body. As Thomas

Merton once wrote about the Feast of Corpus Christi: “It is anomalous and even

blasphemous to claim Christ for one's self as Lord and Master apart from his Body,

a community united in common need of him, who is aware of its failures, a

community in pilgrimage, realizing that they must help one another as pilgrims,

with no one lording it over them for Christ is their only Lord.”

Psalms 102—142, 143; Lam. 2:10-18; 1 Cor. 10:14-17; 11:27-32; Mark 14:12-25

48

HOLY WEEK

Good Friday April 18

Morning: John 13:36-38

John:13:36-38 Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus

replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”

Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”

Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the

truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!”

Most of us, thank goodness, are not asked to lay down our lives for Christ! But we

are asked to lay down our egos, the façades we present to the world, our little white

lies, our unkind thoughts about others—the list goes on and on. How many times

have we ignored the car trying to change lanes or exit a parking lot? Or

rationalized not tithing our income? Or gossiped about someone? Or fudged on our

income tax return? In fact, most of us disown Jesus time and again without even

giving it a thought. But Jesus, in His infinite mercy and wisdom, promises Peter

and all of us that we will follow Him—afterward. He knows that we will fail time

and again. That’s why He accepted death; He was willing to make a sacrifice for us

so that we can follow Him to heaven. Today, Good Friday, let us meditate on how

we can honor Jesus’ sacrifice by turning our lives more toward Him.

Psalm 22; Lam. 3:1-9, 19-33; 1 Peter 1:10-20; John 13:36-38

49

HOLY WEEK

Good Friday April 18

Evening: John 19:38-42

Isn’t life like this? A seed is planted in our hearts and minds and it takes time to

sprout, grow and produce something in us. That is the reminder of our Good Friday

story. Joseph of Arimathea goes to prepare Jesus’ body for burial – and who is

with him?—Nicodemus, whom we met much earlier in Jesus’ life.

It was Nicodemus the Pharisee who vigorously questioned Jesus early in His

ministry. At that time we were not sure that Nicodemus understood Jesus or

believed anything that this young rabbi was preaching. Now on this day we see that

Jesus planted a seed in Nicodemus that has sprouted, grown, and produced fruit—

because Nicodemus is risking everything to bury Jesus—he is risking his

reputation, his community status, his position in the Pharisean religious sect, and

yes he is risking his life and probably his family’s life as well.

Here we are at the end of Jesus’ life we are offered a “first” lesson of faith. Jesus

planted seeds and that is our job as well. St. Paul will echo this very mission-

minded teaching in his writing. We plant seeds, and God does the watering.

Psalms 40, 54; Lam. 3:1-9, 19-33; 1 Peter 1:10-20; John 19:38-42

50

HOLY WEEK

Holy Saturday April 19

[No Gospel reading on Holy Saturday.]

You are invited to participate in our reflection activity today by reviewing past

reflection and journaling here about your Lenten season.

s

Psalms 88, 27; Lam. 3:37-58; Heb. 4:1-16; Rom. 8:1-11 [No Gospel reading on Holy Saturday]

51

Easter Sunday April 20

Morning readings:

Psalms 148, 149, 150; Exodus 12:1-14; John 1:1-18

Evening readings:

Psalms 113, 114, or 118; Isaiah 51:9-11; Luke 24:13-35, or John 20:19-23

Alleluia! You are invited to participate in our reflection activity by reading the

Gospel passage—or another text—for Easter Sunday and writing your own

reflection for this joyous day as we enter the season of Easter.

My Easter Reflection

lenten reflections 2014

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