A friend of mine recently blogged about giving up using plastic bags and disposable coffee cups as part of his Lenten Journey. It helped him be more mindful about certain daily tasks and added to his understanding about how we are to care for the creation we have been given. Others have given up chocolate, soda and even Facebook!
Typically, people have given up things that are convenient or could be considered luxuries for Lent. That’s how the practice of fish (i.e. not “meat”) on Fridays may have originated.
What I really want to give up for Lent: the stubborn anger at someone who has hurt me, a shortness of temper, feelings of frustration at things I cannot control. These seem to be the right way to respond to events in my world but they are really just convenient and luxurious wallowing in ego. I cling to these feelings like a life preserver not seeing that they are the very things that pull me down.
The Pharisees in 9 John cling to their ”right way” of doing things that they cannot see the essential truth and beauty of what was before them. The formerly blind man believes, accepts and is thankful. The blind man sees, the sighted men are blind. Another joyful and solemn contradiction found on the Lenten journey!
Lord, help me to be like the blind man - believing, accepting and thankful. Let me see what I can give up, and let me glimpse the essential truth and beauty I will be able to see when I do.
Amen. Amein. Ameen.
Paul Sannerud
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Come and See
I recall a few years ago visiting a man suffering with addictions and too many years of regrets. He had requested a pastoral visit. Yet in spite of my attempts to communicate or reach him, he sat still without speaking. I finally told him I'd be glad to come back and turned to leave. As I turned to exit, a voice quietly echoed... "Please stay."
In sharing his story, he said even his family had given up on him. He held a lot of anger inside and at this point didn't know if he could talk with God. Why would God want to listen to his anger, his regrets, so much wrong in his life. He had never learned how to talk to God...much less how to pray. I encouraged him to talk to God as he was doing with me... that God would love to hear his heart....that he was not alone.
Sometimes we journey through the days of Lent feeling inadequate to “the task” of preparing our hearts and spirits. Why? God doesn't change during this season. And even though we may uncover a renewed peace or some “aha” moment....we don't change either. The treasures we uncover may be that we are seeing or becoming more of who God is calling us to be. God is the same....and we are still God's sons and daughters.
If this sounds simple, so can our conversing with and praying to God. During this season of Lent, I would encourage you, wherever your life is now, to give yourself the peace of "just talking with God," and then listening to that still voice quietly tell you, "I am here."
By the way... I bet Jesus thought of You during His time in the desert.
Come just as you are......hear the spirit calling
Come just as you are....come and see......Come receive
Come and live forever...
Shalom,
Susan Moss
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
SABBATH and A VISION OF LENT
Memories from my childhood bring to mind visions of candles being lit for the Sabbath. The prayers spoken gave praise to God and thanks for this day. Our rituals for worship were set to the lunar calendar and so Sabbath began and ended at sundown...lasting a full 24 hours. Those who fully honored the Sabbath did not make use of any electrical components, including lights. And of course no work was performed. The day was meant to be spent with family and friends. Cooking was done the day before and meals were simple. All transportation was done on foot.
On the Seventh Day, God rested (from all work), marveling and praising the creation of this life. You and I are created in God's image, long ago and now. On this seventh or Sabbath day, I doubt that God awoke to a 5:00 a.m. alarm ring and pondered “What must I give up today?” (just a little humor)
Before the Passover Meal/Last Supper, Jesus went into the desert for 40 days to pray, to speak with God, to get away from all distractions (today this might relate to the busyness of our lives). I doubt then that Jesus pondered “What must I give up?” Jesus knew what he was about to give up. He also knew why, and what would be gained.....the Gift of Grace you and I were about to receive....eternally.
Lately I've been reflecting upon the Lent season in relationship to Sabbath. What if we were to turn around the question of 'what to give up for 40 days', and instead reflected on 'what we would like to envision during these 40 days'. To feel the breath of the Holy Spirit, to hear God whispering to you, to feel at peace?
As we make way for the One who gave his life for us, consider the idea of Sabbath moments during Lenten days......imagine yourself in the time of Jesus, take a walk, utter a prayer, and maybe even light a Sabbath Candle.....
Shalom,
Susan Moss
On the Seventh Day, God rested (from all work), marveling and praising the creation of this life. You and I are created in God's image, long ago and now. On this seventh or Sabbath day, I doubt that God awoke to a 5:00 a.m. alarm ring and pondered “What must I give up today?” (just a little humor)
Before the Passover Meal/Last Supper, Jesus went into the desert for 40 days to pray, to speak with God, to get away from all distractions (today this might relate to the busyness of our lives). I doubt then that Jesus pondered “What must I give up?” Jesus knew what he was about to give up. He also knew why, and what would be gained.....the Gift of Grace you and I were about to receive....eternally.
Lately I've been reflecting upon the Lent season in relationship to Sabbath. What if we were to turn around the question of 'what to give up for 40 days', and instead reflected on 'what we would like to envision during these 40 days'. To feel the breath of the Holy Spirit, to hear God whispering to you, to feel at peace?
As we make way for the One who gave his life for us, consider the idea of Sabbath moments during Lenten days......imagine yourself in the time of Jesus, take a walk, utter a prayer, and maybe even light a Sabbath Candle.....
Shalom,
Susan Moss
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Welcome to Lent!: A Joyful, Solemn Contradiction
I plead guilty to being somewhat of a liturgical geek. I treasure the rhythms and patterns of the church seasons, knowing that there is always something to look forward to and that God brings newness to even the most familiar. I particularly look forward to Lent because it always spurs spiritual growth.
Despite this eager anticipation of my favorite season, Ash Wednesday service is always jarring in its contradictions. I'm excited for the growth ahead, yet anxious for what I know will not be an easy journey if I go with a receptive heart and open spirit. I look forward to learning about God in new ways and sensing His presence, but I dread the discomfort that will come with sincere examination of my life and the rigor of discipline. I feel alone when marked with the cross of ashes and oil, yet I can see and sense that I am surrounded by a community of believers. Most of all, I'm reminded how far short I fall of loving our Lord with all of my heart, soul, strength, and mind and neighbor as self, yet simultaneously aware of His overwhelming grace and the wonder of our baptismal promises.
Lent is a stark reminder of the contradictions that are the essence of our Christian faith and life. Much of what we practice and believe is contradictory to contemporary, secular society. No one promised us that our life as a baptized people would be easy or without cost, yet we know that we find our life through losing it in Him.
As we journey together this Lent, I pray that we would find His promises and presence through embracing the contradictions and whatever is to come. May it be so.
Rachel S.
Despite this eager anticipation of my favorite season, Ash Wednesday service is always jarring in its contradictions. I'm excited for the growth ahead, yet anxious for what I know will not be an easy journey if I go with a receptive heart and open spirit. I look forward to learning about God in new ways and sensing His presence, but I dread the discomfort that will come with sincere examination of my life and the rigor of discipline. I feel alone when marked with the cross of ashes and oil, yet I can see and sense that I am surrounded by a community of believers. Most of all, I'm reminded how far short I fall of loving our Lord with all of my heart, soul, strength, and mind and neighbor as self, yet simultaneously aware of His overwhelming grace and the wonder of our baptismal promises.
Lent is a stark reminder of the contradictions that are the essence of our Christian faith and life. Much of what we practice and believe is contradictory to contemporary, secular society. No one promised us that our life as a baptized people would be easy or without cost, yet we know that we find our life through losing it in Him.
As we journey together this Lent, I pray that we would find His promises and presence through embracing the contradictions and whatever is to come. May it be so.
Rachel S.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Some Final Thoughts on Exodus
I hope you enjoyed our series on Exodus as much as I did! It was wonderful to hear again these wonderful stories of God interacting with God's people.
Why did I enjoy it so much?! I have been mulling that question over for a few days now. These stories are vivid, exciting ones that are worthy of Hollywood movies. They follow people who move from slavery to freedom who show a combination of fear and trust as they follow God's leading.
Perhaps I have enjoyed this series because they are stories of us and me. No, I've never been in slavery to a cruel master, but we have heard in the past month from many who are. I have never truly gone hungry in my life, but I have met many people who have. While I have enjoyed my life's journey there have been days that I want to cry out like the Israelite people: " ..why have you brought me out to die in this desert?"
Following our life path isn't as easy as the financial company whose TV advertisements show a green path on the ground that promises good things if we just follow. My life's path has had many unexpected twists and turns that have brought great joy and great heartache, new challenges and ones that just won't go away easily. Through it all I have felt the presence and God rising to lead me forward one day at a time.
The Exodus story for me is about faith. Faith of people in a God who shows faith in them as well. In the end, that's exactly what I need to move me forward in my faith journey! I guess that is why I have enjoyed this series so much....
Shalom,
Paul Petersen
Campus Minister/ELC Intern/Faith Traveler
Why did I enjoy it so much?! I have been mulling that question over for a few days now. These stories are vivid, exciting ones that are worthy of Hollywood movies. They follow people who move from slavery to freedom who show a combination of fear and trust as they follow God's leading.
Perhaps I have enjoyed this series because they are stories of us and me. No, I've never been in slavery to a cruel master, but we have heard in the past month from many who are. I have never truly gone hungry in my life, but I have met many people who have. While I have enjoyed my life's journey there have been days that I want to cry out like the Israelite people: " ..why have you brought me out to die in this desert?"
Following our life path isn't as easy as the financial company whose TV advertisements show a green path on the ground that promises good things if we just follow. My life's path has had many unexpected twists and turns that have brought great joy and great heartache, new challenges and ones that just won't go away easily. Through it all I have felt the presence and God rising to lead me forward one day at a time.
The Exodus story for me is about faith. Faith of people in a God who shows faith in them as well. In the end, that's exactly what I need to move me forward in my faith journey! I guess that is why I have enjoyed this series so much....
Shalom,
Paul Petersen
Campus Minister/ELC Intern/Faith Traveler
Upcoming Blog Topics
Last Sunday, English Lutheran Church completed our Exodus Series in the "Book of Faith" initiative. Our "Book of Faith" initiative will return this summer when we examine the formative early years in the Kingdom of Israel and the towering figures of Joshua, Samuel, David and Solomon. Thank you to our faithful readers from all over the world.
Our ELC Blog continues with the focus shifting to Lent. Ash Wednesday, March 9, marks the beginning of seven weeks of Lent. During Lent, our bloggers will continue to post their thoughts and reflections on a regular basis.
We encourage our readers to add their comments to any of our blogs. The Holy Spirit works through all of us and I am sure we will be enriched by your thoughts also.
Our ELC Blog continues with the focus shifting to Lent. Ash Wednesday, March 9, marks the beginning of seven weeks of Lent. During Lent, our bloggers will continue to post their thoughts and reflections on a regular basis.
We encourage our readers to add their comments to any of our blogs. The Holy Spirit works through all of us and I am sure we will be enriched by your thoughts also.
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