tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69867200295156810752024-03-28T13:59:04.023-04:00People's PrayersPrayers Composed by Request or InspirationChristina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.comBlogger941125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986720029515681075.post-51739284744486793092024-03-28T11:49:00.000-04:002024-03-28T11:49:16.017-04:00Meditation in Lent ~ Holy Week Maundy/Holy Thursday '24<div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">March
28, 2024 ~ Maundy/Holy Thursday</span></b></p></div><div><b><i><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXs4YWNKIUfCBzYFASkdwYww7BQ3PI6I__62hd5WiLDBwx55K93Fg0osT5IwhxM0CaFefAM83UAsZtpwrsfCJ8jmbQvn-r2IUgpdRjYL7ldLHUsSYZ3-lp1duttS0NHr9siYGnocYm-IjzNt1Ft_plSRb19vuIesMKE3Sa8Gpp_yrD48IYS_-gHTCLLT5t" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="725" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXs4YWNKIUfCBzYFASkdwYww7BQ3PI6I__62hd5WiLDBwx55K93Fg0osT5IwhxM0CaFefAM83UAsZtpwrsfCJ8jmbQvn-r2IUgpdRjYL7ldLHUsSYZ3-lp1duttS0NHr9siYGnocYm-IjzNt1Ft_plSRb19vuIesMKE3Sa8Gpp_yrD48IYS_-gHTCLLT5t=w425-h231" width="425" /></a></div><br /></span></i></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Berkshire Swash",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Book of Exodus 12:1-14</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Berkshire Swash",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Gospel of John 13:1-7, 31b-35</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Berkshire Swash",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #275317;"> </span></i></b><span style="color: #275317;"> </span><span style="color: #275317;"> <b>For
the Passover, God, through Moses and Aaron, promised protection to all whose
homes displayed the blood of a sacrificed lamb and proclaimed it a day of
remembrance forever. It is celebrated this year before sundown on April 22 and
ends after nightfall on April 30. It is a Festival of Liberation remembering
the Jews’ Exodus from slavery in Egypt.</b></span></span></div></div><b><span><div style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><div style="color: #783f04; text-align: left;"><span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: large;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">On this </span></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Thursday</span></b><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">, Jesus
knew his earthly life was coming to an end. In his final Passover supper with
the Disciples, he gave them ~ and us ~ the mystery of the sacrament of His Body
and Blood ~ the Eucharist </span></b><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">[U-ka-rist]</span></b><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">~ as a
New Covenant with God, a perpetual remembrance of Him for the redemption of us
all. On this night, Jesus surprised his Disciples by washing their feet, as a
servant would do, to show them humility. And on this night, he told them that
Judas would betray him, and, that Peter would deny him 3 times.</span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #783f04; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> The phrase “Last Supper” never appears in the
Christian/New Testament as for Jesus and his followers, this was Passover,
which occasionally occurs at the same time as Christian Holy Week/Easter,
though not this year. The name for this day in our time varies with Christian
worship traditions: Holy Thursday, Great and Holy Thursday, or even Thursday of
Mysteries. The Anglican/Episcopal tradition calls it Maundy Thursday which
some say comes from the Latin <i>mendicare</i> for beg or, from <i>mandatum</i> for
mandate or command. <i>Maundy Money</i> is a silver coin distributed
by/for a reigning British monarch as a symbolic gesture to elderly pensioners
on this day. </span></span></b></div>
<div style="color: #783f04; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> We now enter the
solemn Easter Triduum </span></b><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">[trid-oo-um]</span></b><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">, a
period of three days, that in its fullest extent, begins with a
Liturgy tonight after sundown, reaches its high point in the Easter Vigil on
Saturday night or a sunrise service on Easter Day, and concludes with Evening
Prayer on Easter night.<i> </i>Counting from sundown to sundown<i>: </i>Thursday
to Friday is 1 day, Friday to Saturday is 2, and Saturday to Sunday is the 3rd
day.<i> </i> </span></b></span></div>
<div style="color: #783f04; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> However your Christian denominational
Tradition names it, on this night, Jesus said, <i>I give you a new
commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also
should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples
if you have love for one another</i> </span></b><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">[John 13:34-35].</span></b></span></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Jesus, Lamb of God,</span></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #783f04;">
Tonight, we remember You in the Garden of Gethsemane with the
disciples who could not stay awake with You for even <i>one hour</i>. In
ordinary human existence it isn’t that hard to imagine escaping into sleep as
someone else is praying for something you don't quite understand. Would I
have had the prayer words I'd need? Do I have them now? How much time
am I willing to give on this night, and in any day or night, to remember You in
moments of joy, or in everyday life trying to pay bills, grocery shopping, or
just filling the car with gas? </span></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #783f04;">
Lord Jesus, my Savior, thank You for who You were in Your human
time and for who You are in our time. Help me to be a better reflection
of Your love and humility in this world so that I may be known as a
disciple, as a true <i>Christian</i>. </span></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">
And, Lord Christ, today I’ll <i><u>give</u> <u>up</u></i> blasting
through life unconsciously and pay attention to all the people and all the
activities of everyday life that I usually overlook as unimportant or even
annoying. I’ll <i><u>take</u></i> <i><u>on</u></i> learning to love others
every day close in and at a distance ~ family, friends, and strangers alike ~
and <u>especially</u> all those with whom I disagree. I’ll <i><u>pray</u></i>
to be mindful of my thoughts, certain of my </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">(um)</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> spoken
and unspoken language </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">(!)</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">, and especially how what
I think, say, and do, expresses or diminishes how I <i>want</i> to love You in,
with, and for my time in this life. <i>amen</i>.</span></b></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><b><i><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: large; font-style: italic;">All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com
</span></span></b><div><b><i><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div>Christina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986720029515681075.post-47351444765068430642024-03-27T10:50:00.013-04:002024-03-27T10:56:41.818-04:00Meditation in Lent ~ Holy Week Wednesday '24: Forgiving THAT Guy?<div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">March 27, 2024 ~ Wednesday in Holy Week</span></b></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNX3bTVZWTdPOw_q_Bb5PpOmRdUF9jnQVcv-NzhmbWPaYUv6uO1LpJcq4xPZHm2aDJLapyzuFJJFRuAt6zbkYf0p-10WbmQ8hSqoCP--baBwt_7__c5GfqFmI4R6Gk1WOcxkbjO36pe0-tuRrsa3rjGopaZsj338x0fdhCWgnTlsCz4Rj5aChdnu7MV66m" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="549" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNX3bTVZWTdPOw_q_Bb5PpOmRdUF9jnQVcv-NzhmbWPaYUv6uO1LpJcq4xPZHm2aDJLapyzuFJJFRuAt6zbkYf0p-10WbmQ8hSqoCP--baBwt_7__c5GfqFmI4R6Gk1WOcxkbjO36pe0-tuRrsa3rjGopaZsj338x0fdhCWgnTlsCz4Rj5aChdnu7MV66m=w405-h274" width="405" /></a></div></span></b></div><b><div style="color: #7f6000; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div><div style="color: #7f6000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Berkshire Swash", serif;">The
Gospel of John 13:31-32</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: left;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i> </i> On this </span></b><b><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">Wednesday</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">, Judas Iscariot has conspired with the Sanhedrin to
support their efforts to trap Jesus. He is paid the sum of 30 pieces of silver,
enough to purchase a slave or a good potter's field. How much money is
enough to sell someone's life to an enemy ~ what if the seller is a
trusted friend of the one being sold? But of course, Jesus knew it would be
Judas...<br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Paul's
letter to the Hebrews says: <i>Consider him who endured such
hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose
heart</i> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">[Hebrews 12:3]</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> When I have felt the world is against me, or life is just too hard,
or I simply cannot cope with one more thing going wrong ~ did I ever once think
of the suffering of Jesus at the hands of others? Have I ever
thought of Judas if I did someone a wrong turn to benefit myself, even if
"only" in a small way? Perhaps Jesus is too big in my mind
to compare myself to and perhaps I think Judas is too bad... <br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> On this Wednesday in our time some churches mark this evening
~ or some others will on Maundy/Holy Thursday or Good Friday ~ with a service
called Tenebrae </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">[TEN-eh-bray]</span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">. The name
comes from the Latin and means shadows or darkness. The
service consists of readings and chanted/sung Psalms while candles are
extinguished in sets between readings and chants until the church is completely
darkened. Often at the end, in the dark, a sudden loud noise ~ a
gong, slamming a large book, or stamping of feet ~ is heard
as a symbol of the earthquake that signaled the death of Jesus.
Holy Wednesday in Holy Week, hearkens back to the penitence of Ash Wednesday
just a few weeks ago, as the solemnity of the mood of this Week of Weeks
deepens.</span><i style="color: #215e99;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #7f6000; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><b><span style="color: #215e99; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;"> </span></b></p>
<div style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><b style="color: #7f6000; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">O</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-style: italic;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Jesus</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">our</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Light,
and the Redeemer</span></b></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i style="color: #783f04;">of us </i><i style="color: #783f04; font-style: italic;"><u>ALL</u></i><i style="color: #783f04;"> ~ </i><span style="color: #823f05;">this night reminds us of
the story of Judas conspiring with the Sanhedrin and selling you out. This
night makes us wonder how he could have done that to You. This night makes
us shudder about ways we might have betrayed another for our own benefit even
if in far lesser ways. We’ve used his name to mark another as a traitor, to
feel better about ourselves. This night calls us to ponder true
forgiveness ~ You have forgiven us for all of our sins and
trespasses. But have <u>we</u> ever forgiven Judas, the only
Apostle never called "saint," the only original Disciple to have
died a remorseful death at his own hand, the only one <i>Satan entered</i> </span></span></b><span style="color: #823f05;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">[John
13:2] </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">to do the bidding that fulfilled the prophecy of our
coming Messiah? Who is a Judas in our own lives that we have
not forgiven? In whose life have we been a Judas? <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #823f05;"> On this night, I will <i><u>give</u>
<u>up</u> </i>my judgement of Judas (and too many others). Who am I to demonize
him or them? I will <i><u>take</u> <u>on</u></i> looking deeply into myself and
to my own faults, betrayals, and selfishness. I will <u><i>pray</i></u> for
myself, and us all, to begin to take a first step, and breathe the lightness
of forgiveness into Judas Iscariot that lifts us. Certainly Jesus has. God has.
The Holy Spirit has. If we can take that very small first step, then, with
Your love and help, perhaps we can look at forgiving the Judas closer to home
and forgiving, and then we feel forgiven and begin to forgive ourselves. <i>amen</i>.</span></span></b></div></div><div style="color: #7f6000; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="color: #7f6000; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="color: #7f6000; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="color: #7f6000; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="color: #7f6000; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="color: #7f6000; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="color: #7f6000; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: medium; font-style: italic;">All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Leeosophy@gmail.com
</span></span></b><div><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div>Christina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986720029515681075.post-9060473386940641202024-03-26T09:27:00.017-04:002024-03-27T12:40:25.493-04:00Meditation in Lent ~ Holy Week Tuesday: One. Single. Grain. '24<div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 14pt;">March 26, 2024 ~ Tuesday in Holy Week</span></b></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpD1S-IVn_byecEmH6U3ny6yvhjXhyzXbNwF2CWm2LVaJ4N4zEOa1X1ERiuid85Ll1uekLZX49hFJOeJR516P_QTPzJ2-wexCaM8YhZdac35AAJTxkL0KBKL2DyDUOgsTIObt6s130-EDvia0fVMrKKFZ2jYrjqurk0Qh7NzOAVXWSBeATludorXiOL3h1/s3000/Holy%20Week%20Tuesday%20'23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpD1S-IVn_byecEmH6U3ny6yvhjXhyzXbNwF2CWm2LVaJ4N4zEOa1X1ERiuid85Ll1uekLZX49hFJOeJR516P_QTPzJ2-wexCaM8YhZdac35AAJTxkL0KBKL2DyDUOgsTIObt6s130-EDvia0fVMrKKFZ2jYrjqurk0Qh7NzOAVXWSBeATludorXiOL3h1/w400-h267/Holy%20Week%20Tuesday%20'23.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><b><span style="font-family: "Berkshire Swash", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Gospel of John
12:20-36</span></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: "Berkshire Swash", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;"> On this </span></b><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="color: #215f9a; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;">Tuesday</span></b><b><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;">, disciples
Philip and Andrew told Jesus some visiting Greeks wanted to see him and he
replied cryptically, <i>The hour has come for the Son of Man to be
glorified...unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains
just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit... </i></span></b><b><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: Georgia, serif;">[John
20:24-26]<i> </i></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;"> When he met with the Greeks
he told them, "Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say, 'Father,
save me from this hour?' No, it is for this reason that I have come to this
hour. Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I
have glorified it, and I will glorify it again." When the voice came some
of the people only heard thunder while others thought it was an angel speaking
to Jesus. Jesus told them that the voice was for them to hear, not
him. </span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;"> Some questioned Jesus about
who he was and what he was all about. He told them the light would be
around a little bit longer and to walk in the light because <i>if you
walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going.</i></span></b><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;"> <b>If
you believe in the light, he told them, "you may become children of
the light." And with that, he went off and hid.</b></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #7f3a0b; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dear Jesus, our Prophet
and our Lord</span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #7f3a0b; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
What must your words sound like to those who haven't read The Book or just
don't know how things turn out? Sometimes <u>I'm</u> confused by
those words and I <i>have</i> read them many times. On this
Tuesday in Your lifetime, You told everyone what was happening
in what seems like very plain words yet the message is not quite
plain enough for us to grasp well. You were talking to God and the people
around you were confused. Help us understand. </span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #7f3a0b; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
On this Tuesday in my lifetime it is a day like any other ~ laundry,
meal planning, bill paying, list making ~ and Your list was clear enough in one
sense: walk in the light ~ <i>Your Light</i> ~ and our believing
will lead us to be Your children of Your light. It all sounds so easy and
yet so hard at the same time. </span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #7f3a0b; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Help me to <i><u>give</u> <u>up</u></i> being one of the grumblers with
the thundering rumblings of the naysayers and the woe-begones around me. Open
my heart, my head, and especially my soul to <i><u>take</u> <u>on</u> </i>searching
for and listening to hear the voice of God </span></b><b><span style="color: #7f3a0b; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">[particularly
when I’m driving and everytime my head starts judging others]</span></b><b><span style="color: #7f3a0b; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Give
me the courage to <i><u>take</u> <u>on</u></i> staying with Your light and
not wandering off into the darkness of a life with no faith-filled purpose
beyond chocolate bunnies, paper plates, and jellybeans. After the conversation
on that Tuesday in Your time, You hid away...as I should do more often
to spend time with You and think about how to live my life as a single
grain of wheat, that grows in faith and purpose, and one day fills another
field with its fruit. <i>amen.</i></span></b></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p></div></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><i><div><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div>All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact:</i> Leeosophy@gmail.com
</span></b><div><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div>Christina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986720029515681075.post-66538664336934973252024-03-25T18:55:00.001-04:002024-03-25T19:09:42.662-04:00Prayers of the People: This Son is Risen! ~ Easter Day '24 Yr B<div><h3 style="margin: 0in;"><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Goudy Type"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">For Sunday, March 31,
2024, Readings: Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; </span></i></b></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Goudy Type"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">1 Corinthians 15:1-11,
John 20:1-18</span></i></b></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Goudy Type"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTWldQfVQEx4qXmNEA_-vz6a1-UsnAAdq5LnkTHWwkOn5N9YEzy_a-EBAPO88UI0mNubLWVycpvkmP9tJMfP6sXY1cPUl1Ydz9Gvl_xZ1HKD-JaaFCDUkKRBAD4cCnYuV_dxUdQK86Kcl9rckrCeqoG1KAe6pZ7rvxCbwQtEh6J8nUs0aitPK7V0F8eDa/s1140/Easter%20Day%20'24%20Yr%20B.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="1140" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTWldQfVQEx4qXmNEA_-vz6a1-UsnAAdq5LnkTHWwkOn5N9YEzy_a-EBAPO88UI0mNubLWVycpvkmP9tJMfP6sXY1cPUl1Ydz9Gvl_xZ1HKD-JaaFCDUkKRBAD4cCnYuV_dxUdQK86Kcl9rckrCeqoG1KAe6pZ7rvxCbwQtEh6J8nUs0aitPK7V0F8eDa/w368-h303/Easter%20Day%20'24%20Yr%20B.jpg" width="368" /></a></div></i></b><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Goudy Type";"> </span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Alice;"> </span></span></i></b><span style="font-family: Alice;"><b><i><span style="color: #134f5c;">Peter began to speak..."I truly understand
that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does
what is right is acceptable..."[Jesus] commanded us to preach to the
people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living
and the dead...everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins
through his name.<span style="font-size: small;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b><b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: small;">[Acts 10:34-35]</span></span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> </span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Alice;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Alice;"><b><span style="color: #333333;"> </span></b><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Give thanks to the L<span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">ord</span>,
for he is good; his mercy endures forever....On this day the L<span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">ord</span> has acted and we will rejoice and be
glad in it. </span></i></b><b><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;">[Psalm 118:1, 24]</span></span></b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: Alice; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Alice;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">For I handed on to you as of first
importance...that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures,
and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance
with the scriptures...</span></i></b><b><span style="color: #38761d;"> <span style="font-size: small;">[1 Corinthians 15:3-4]</span></span></b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Alice; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Alice;"> Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said
to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni” (which means Teacher)…Jesus said to her…”go to my
brothers and say to them I am ascending to my Father…” Mary Magdalene went and
announced to the disciples...”I have seen the Lord…” </span></span></i></b><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Alice; font-size: small;">[John 20:16-18]</span><i style="font-family: "Goudy Type";"> <o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Goudy Type";"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: center;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b><span style="color: #bc8f00; font-family: Harrington; font-size: 18pt;">EASTER is here! </span></b><b><span style="color: #c55a11; font-family: Harrington; font-size: 18pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #C55A11; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-angle: 5400000; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-fscaled: no; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shadetype: linear; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-stoplist: "0 \#7A2F00 5 100000 lumm=75000 shade=30000 satm=115000\,50000 \#B14801 5 100000 lumm=75000 shade=67500 satm=115000\,100000 \#D35704 5 100000 lumm=75000 shade=100000 satm=115000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-style-textfill-type: gradient; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 191;">Hallelujah!!</span></b><b><span style="color: #bc8f00; font-family: Harrington; font-size: 18pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-angle: 5400000; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-fscaled: no; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-shadetype: linear; mso-style-textfill-fill-gradientfill-stoplist: "0 \#7A2F00 5 100000 lumm=75000 shade=30000 satm=115000\,50000 \#B14801 5 100000 lumm=75000 shade=67500 satm=115000\,100000 \#D35704 5 100000 lumm=75000 shade=100000 satm=115000"; mso-style-textfill-type: gradient;">
</span></b><b><span style="color: #548235; font-family: Harrington; font-size: 18pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #548235; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent6; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">Christ <u>IS</u> Risen!!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b><span style="color: #548235; font-family: Harrington; font-size: 18pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #548235; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent6; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"> There
are four Gospel accounts of the death and resurrection of Jesus. This year we
hear from the Gospel of John who tells us of Mary the Magdalene’s weeping at
the tomb and, looking in, seeing two angels sitting where the body of Jesus had
been placed. The angels asked why she was weeping. She turned around and saw
Jesus but didn’t recognize him at first and then, she did…</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"> How
long has it been since you took some time to reflect on what Easter actually
means to you? How would you describe it? Listen to the readings as they are given
aloud. If you weren’t listening or weren’t in Church, or if you did both, it’s
easy now to find them on YouTube as so many Churches have been recording since
the Pandemic. Take a listen and later, read the different accounts of the same
event in different translations.</span></b><span style="color: red; font-family: Alice; font-size: x-large;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"> Take
notes as you reflect on what surprises you and what questions arise. Notice the
similarities and differences. Wonder, and try to decide, if one account speaks
to you more than another and why? Visualize yourself in the time and place. Ask
yourself: </span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">So what?</span><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"> ~ <i>What does it all mean for my life today,
tomorrow, and beyond? What will I start doing ~ or stop doing ~ as a result of
reflecting on Christ's Death and Resurrection? </i>Put your notes in a
Bible or somewhere you can find them. Mark next year’s Easter on your phone’s
calendar with a reminder to do this exercise again. Then, retrieve your notes
from this year. Compare and contrast with the notes of the two years. Each time
we listen <u>and</u> read, we hear/see new things and can often gain a fresh
perspective and a new experience of the moments described.</span></b><b><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"> </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"> The
late Thomas Merton, who became a Trappist Monk after being a world traveler in
his early life, says in his book, <i>He is Risen</i>:</span></b></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Christ is the Lord
of a history that moves. He not only holds the beginning and the end in his
hands, but he is in history with us, walking ahead of us to where we are
going…True encounter with Christ liberates something in us, a power that we did
not know we had, a hope, a capacity for life, resilience, an ability to bounce
back when we thought we were completely defeated, a capacity to grow and
change, a power of creative transformation.</span></span></i></b></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">How important are
the Gospel words in these times, for you?</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"> Let us seek fresh joy, that fuels a
creative transformation. I want to dust off and resurrect my faith, to
meet and be liberated by Christ beyond the tomb. I believe that the Resurrection
of Easter requires the Cross of Good Friday, and as Christ is moving with us
and before us, our path though not easy, will surely lead us into the eternal
Easter of Life Everlasting. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"> And while you’re at it, don’t forget to be
in touch with those for whom the Church is always distant and unattainable, who
are isolated by age, illness, physical distance, and other reasons. A phone
call, a note, a mail-ordered or just a small-but-hand-delivered Easter basket
will go a long way to keeping Christ present by your presence in their absence
from us…a little taste of heaven on earth goes a long way. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"> Wherever you are on this planet whether
bursting into Spring, slipping into Autumn, or somewhere in between, today the grace of his forgiveness our is assured always, again, and still, through this <i>Risen </i>Lord
of All. This Son IS Risen! Hallelujah!</span></b></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Alice; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">*</span>The Resurrection accounts: Matthew
28:1-20, Mark 16:1-20, Luke 24:1-12 [13-44], John 20:1-18.</span></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Alice; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">**</span>For different translations, see <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/">https://www.biblegateway.com/</a></span><span style="font-family: Alice; font-size: large;">. Just search on the passages listed and choose
from a large number of translations. Some listed such as <i>The Good News
Bible, The Living Bible, The Message</i>, etc., are not translations but
paraphrases by authors choosing to make the more formal Scriptural language somewhat
easier to relate the translations to everyday thoughts and speaking. It often helps
in reverse by turning back to the Scripture to understand it more clearly.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;">LET
US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY</span></b></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Leader:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <span style="font-weight: normal;">~ O Christ,
Risen! On this Day the Lord has acted! We will rejoice and be glad in
it. In the midst of the darkness and fear in this world, let us revel in the
Divine Light of Your Glorious Resurrection.<br /><o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Hallelujah! Christ is Risen!</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;">
<b>Response: Jesus is risen indeed! Hallelujah!<br /><o:p></o:p></b></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;">~
O Christ, Risen! ~ Your Death and
Resurrection fulfilled the Scriptures as the Sacred Victim of political murder,
feared most by those whose political power was/is merely temporal and
time-limited. Help us strive to remind those who now hold earthly power in our
World, in our Country and in our Community, that God shows no partiality
and <i>all</i> are acceptable and forgiven
through You. We pray especially for: <i>add your own petitions<br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Hallelujah! Christ is Risen!</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;">
<b>Jesus is risen indeed! Hallelujah!<br /><o:p></o:p></b></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;">~
O Christ, Risen! Lavish Your healing grace and hope upon all who are ailing in
body, mind, or spirit, and all who give them daily care. We now join our hearts to pray aloud for those in need… <i>add your own petitions<br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Hallelujah! Christ is Risen!</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <b>Jesus is risen indeed! Hallelujah!<br /><o:p></o:p></b></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;">~
O Christ, Risen! Our grateful hearts commend to You those we love, who have
risen with You into the heavenly peace and splendor of life everlasting. We
pray especially for… <i>add your own petitions<br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Hallelujah! Christ is Risen!</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;">
<b>Jesus is risen indeed! Hallelujah!<br /><o:p></o:p></b></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;">~
O Christ, Risen! We <i>pause</i> in this moment to offer You our
other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials, aloud
or silently… <i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">add your own petitions<br /></span></i></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Hallelujah! Christ is Risen!</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;">
<b>Jesus is risen indeed! Hallelujah!<br /><o:p></o:p></b></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;">~
O Christ, Risen! Infuse the leaders of Your Church with limitless energy
and interior peace, as they strive in ever more creative ways, to guide our
prayer and encourage us to follow Your Truth. We pray especially
for: <i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">add
your own petitions<br /></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Hallelujah! Christ is Risen!</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;">
<b>Jesus is risen indeed! Hallelujah!<br /><o:p></o:p></b></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;">The
Celebrant adds:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Holy
Redeemer Christ, Resurrected in Glory, in dying You destroyed our mortal
death; in rising You claimed salvation for our souls.<span style="color: #274e13;"> </span>Release
us from temporal distractions that entomb us in this earthly life, and set us
again on the path to our True and Eternal Life in You. We ask through the Holy
Spirit, the Divine Breath of New Life; and our Merciful Impartial Creator, who
together with You are One God in Glory, Boundless, and Everlasting. </span><b>Amen.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Alice; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Alice; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div></div></div><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Goudy Type"; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></i></div></h3></div><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><i><div><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><b>All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com
</b></i></span><div><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>Christina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986720029515681075.post-91781131843193194592024-03-25T10:07:00.001-04:002024-03-25T10:07:37.781-04:00Meditation in Lent ~ Holy Week Monday: After the Hosannas... '24<div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">March
25, 2024, Monday in Holy Week</span></b></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_PaOGIm-6YI9j7A84vjhhbfgQZcu1vBlwOs23Cezkm07BP3UiQMw1aP_tgj80UqVdLhm93InliqxPRgZ3Bc61g41aPMiQfYDNvbbByaPKQIu0rzMwSopEUDQH85ghUX5RMS0uutI-fWavShGanRaW6yUbC9ySIOBwVgfFUpFSY9SVOGUxPEl03MOxiaI/s400/Holy%20Week%20Monday%20'24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="331" data-original-width="400" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_PaOGIm-6YI9j7A84vjhhbfgQZcu1vBlwOs23Cezkm07BP3UiQMw1aP_tgj80UqVdLhm93InliqxPRgZ3Bc61g41aPMiQfYDNvbbByaPKQIu0rzMwSopEUDQH85ghUX5RMS0uutI-fWavShGanRaW6yUbC9ySIOBwVgfFUpFSY9SVOGUxPEl03MOxiaI/w352-h292/Holy%20Week%20Monday%20'24.jpg" width="352" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #1f4e79; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #1f4e79; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">MONDAY</span></b><b><span style="color: #1f4e79; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, after
all of the joy and excitement of Palm Sunday,</span></b><span style="color: #1f4e79; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b>sees
Jesus back in the town of Bethany. On the previous Saturday, Jesus came
to raise his friend Lazarus from the dead. Lazarus had been dead in the tomb
for four days, and his sisters Mary and Martha were in anguish. Now on
this day, Jesus returns to a dinner by Martha to see Lazarus and enjoy a
meal among his closest friends. Mary decides to welcome him ~ in the
traditional way of hospitality of the time ~ by cleaning and
anointing His feet but instead of a simple washing, she uses an exquisite
ointment known as Nard. Then she dries His feet with her hair. <br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #1f4e79; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>
One of the disciples, Judas Iscariot, makes a snide comment about
the expensive perfumed ointment that Mary used saying that it could have
been sold and the money given to the poor. He didn’t care about the poor. He
was in charge of the money and also a thief skimming money for himself off the
top of whatever had been donated to the group of Jesus and his disciples.
Jesus, supportive of Mary's actions, told Judas that Mary had
purchased the jar of Nard in preparation for Jesus' own death and
burial and that, "You always have the poor with you but you
do not always have me."</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #1f4e79; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Meanwhile, a great crowd was assembling to see Jesus and
Lazarus together. The chief priests were not at all pleased at this
development, especially after throngs of excited people along the entry route
into Jerusalem the day before. They decided that they would put both Jesus and
Lazarus to death. All that was being said of the miracle of raising of
Lazarus were turning Jews away from the religious authorities of the Synagogue
toward this Jesus. The chief priests felt their own power threatened by this
new and very powerful prophet. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #1f4e79; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Have you ever really experienced the tension of
this week because of knowing the outcome? Try to imagine it. Listen, hear. Be <i>there. </i>Immerse
yourself in the Gospel of Mark 14:1-15:47 over this week. Live into them.
Attend the Stations of the Cross in person or online. Also be present for
Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Be<i> here </i>in our own time, with
mounting tension in this country and around the world, with political executions
and increasing violence. Think about racing through a favorite mystery to
find out whodunit, or almost biting your nails in a thriller movie not knowing
the end. The clock is ticking...</span></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></b><b><span style="color: #4c216d; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sweet Jesus,</span></b><span style="color: #4c216d; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #4c216d; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b> On this <i>Monday in
Holy Week</i>, the Gospel speaks of You relaxing at dinner with friends and
being pampered as we go about the busy-ness of everyday life. How unaware are
we today, as were the disciples on that day, of the significance of this week
in our own lives as Christians? </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #4c216d; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b> The Sanhedrin were plotting
against You, and we are making lists of necessities for Easter Day,
including bunny-shaped chocolates and marshmallow peeps in brightly
colored baskets with plastic grass and hard-boiled eggs dyed in multiple
colors. <i>Where, in this country and in the world at large <u>on</u> <u>this</u> <u>day</u> <u>in</u> <u>our</u> <u>time</u> are
executions, official and individual, being planned and carried out against
innocent people? How many unknown </i></b></span><b><i><span style="color: #4c216d; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">women, men, and children will be brutalized for their
religious beliefs, their race, gender, ethnicity, who they love, or
simply because they seem to be a threat to some person or group
in power? </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #4c216d; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i> </i>Grace us with Your spirit
Lord, let us Your followers, hear and pay attention to that <i>still
small voice</i> inside that tells us to <i>take a moment</i> today
to <i><u>Give</u> <u>Up</u></i> a few minutes of our ordinary Monday to <i><u>Take</u>
<u>On</u> </i>truly reflecting on what the events of Holy Week, and especially
Easter Day, mean to us in our faith journey. <i><u>Pray</u></i> for insights
and opportunities to make even a small yet positive difference in someone’s
life today and often. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #4c216d; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Remind us
to give thanksgiving for the ordinary parts of a day that make
up an extraordinary life for the many of us that don't have to fear
murderous persecution. Help us to remember and realize, <i>today</i>,
why it is that we're privileged to be gathering fun fillings for an
"Easter Basket?" </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #4c216d; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> It's only Monday
and much more than shopping and preparing an Easter Feast is yet to come during
this very sacred, Holy Week. <i>amen.</i></span></b></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><b><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;">All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com
</span></i></b><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Christina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986720029515681075.post-50811938150488599312024-03-23T09:27:00.001-04:002024-03-23T09:27:54.636-04:00Meditation Moment in Lent ~ Day 34: Give Up, Take On, Pray '24<div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Lucida Bright",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Saturday, March 23, 2024 ~ Day 34</span></b></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQleowUmkNEJCPSACvX-hLSwM50FIuvcqiQT5GB3Ez6Gs9c-50Bm504D7zm_C8My2tTvLRK0l6TNUZ8PI8KmOO8PmnNovYkUU_5gDlm-Ow3i4Stf4krSBZuCkaUMoE_D1XvievrYXTLe6eq2CD_TDORRfqCYd-y91O1FxkezJyDgU89TVbwB3JfGJvTFu3" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="644" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQleowUmkNEJCPSACvX-hLSwM50FIuvcqiQT5GB3Ez6Gs9c-50Bm504D7zm_C8My2tTvLRK0l6TNUZ8PI8KmOO8PmnNovYkUU_5gDlm-Ow3i4Stf4krSBZuCkaUMoE_D1XvievrYXTLe6eq2CD_TDORRfqCYd-y91O1FxkezJyDgU89TVbwB3JfGJvTFu3=w433-h279" width="433" /></a></div><br /><div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> It is most
comfortable to be invisible, to observe life from a distance, </span></span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">at one with our own
intoxicating superior thoughts.</span></span></i></b></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Fondamento; font-size: large;">~ Anne Lamott</span></b><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Fondamento; font-size: large;">*</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Georgia",serif;"> </span></b></div><div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="color: #215f9a;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> I'm
not sure it's invisibility that I would find comfortable, perhaps just being aloof<i> </i>and
observing from an overhead vantage point or from my own personal pedestal.
There are times when I like being close enough but far enough away, keeping
everyone at arm's length. Then I can <i>dish</i> in my own head with
clever if less than kind judgments, point my (invisible) finger at those
who are merely <i>common</i> in their small lives, while I in my
brilliance could solve all personal and global issues if I allowed <i>them</i> close
enough for me to impart <i>my</i> wisdom. <br /> And then, something in my head breaks out into:</span></span></span></b></p>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #225c96;"><span style="font-family: Alice; font-size: large;">For my thoughts
are not your thoughts,</span></span></b></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #225c96;"><span style="font-family: Alice; font-size: large;">nor are your
ways my ways, says the Lord.</span></span></b></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #225c96;"><span style="font-family: Alice; font-size: large;">For as the
heavens are higher than the earth,</span></span></b></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #225c96;"><span style="font-family: Alice; font-size: large;">
so are my ways higher than your ways</span></span></b></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #225c96;"><span style="font-family: Alice; font-size: large;">
and my thoughts than your thoughts.</span></span></b></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #225c96;"><span style="font-family: Alice; font-size: large;">[Isaiah 55:8-9 NRSV]</span></span></b></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #481f67; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Dear Most Superior Invisible One,</span></b></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #481f67; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> I realize that my own
self-described</span></b><b><i><span style="color: #481f67; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;"> </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #481f67; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">superior thoughts</span></i></b><b><span style="color: #481f67; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> aren’t
worth much at all if I'm using them to be condescending to others. Clearly I am
not giving away the love and grace You are providing to me to share generously
with others </span></b><b><span style="color: #481f67; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(and myself)</span></b><b><span style="color: #481f67; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">, even if only silently at times.</span></b></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #481f67; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> For today, I’ll <i><u>give
up</u></i> being merely an observer of people from an impersonal distance.
I’ll <i><u>take on</u></i> becoming more up close and personal, when
appropriate and comfortable for another. I’ll <i><u>pray</u></i> to remember that
<u>I'm</u> <em>not </em></span></b><b><span style="color: #481f67; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">the judge of others, which, anyway,
is more likely a reflection of how I judge myself. Help me to remember, daily,
that the life You have given us is to be lived knowing You are <i>within </i>us
and seeing the radiance of Your love in every single person we meet. No
matter <u>my</u> <u>presumption</u> of the life circumstance,
attitude, faith practice or lack of, politics, size, age, gender, etc., of
another, You have taught me to love that neighbor as myself. Having You to lean
on, turn to, and continually learn from is a far better way to experience <i>superior
intoxication</i>. <i>amen.</i></span></b></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #58267e;"> </span></p>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, serif;">*</span></b><b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Anne Lamott [1954 - ], is an American political activist and
author of non-fiction and novels all largely autobiographical and with her
signature wit, humor, and self-deprecation. Tackling alcoholism,
single-motherhood, and depression, Lamott brings us in to everyday American
situations with down-to-earth, sometimes irreverent vocabulary and structure
that cuts directly to the center of life.</span></b></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><o:p></o:p></p></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p><br /><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather;">Oh Lord it's Hard to be Humble:</span> </span></b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/u/1/blog/post/edit/6986720029515681075/6338917750507593710"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYKWch_MNY0</span></b></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i>All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: </i>Leeosophy@gmail.com
</span></b><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Christina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986720029515681075.post-66568625088746506782024-03-22T08:44:00.001-04:002024-03-22T08:50:43.599-04:00Meditation Moment in Lent ~ Day 33: Give Up, Take On, Pray '24<div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Lucida Bright",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Friday, March 22, 2024 ~ Day 33</span></b></p></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLsATEBu2e0LFir--0RaBIDq2uMjkE2NRp35PdAdWBPjndIvMwmguJexJbqih52I4Ygcieq6YBkE6UJgoHreZY01hY83YsSMkoYTmdOibl8SXlkACV5SDUj668u-B7cs1m5Z6lPX5cHyroacs4_O7fImfnK3Byl1B1OX4HM950FnuqhIS21Ui-Mj5CMhEP" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="500" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLsATEBu2e0LFir--0RaBIDq2uMjkE2NRp35PdAdWBPjndIvMwmguJexJbqih52I4Ygcieq6YBkE6UJgoHreZY01hY83YsSMkoYTmdOibl8SXlkACV5SDUj668u-B7cs1m5Z6lPX5cHyroacs4_O7fImfnK3Byl1B1OX4HM950FnuqhIS21Ui-Mj5CMhEP=w343-h317" width="343" /></a></div><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">magnified fish scale</span></i></b><br /><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="background: white;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: medium;">Everybody
is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree,</span></i></b></div>
<div style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13;">
it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> </span><span style="color: #2e75b6;">
</span></i></b></span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Fondamento; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #073763;">~ Albert Einstein</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">*</span></span><span style="color: #2e75b6; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2e75b6; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Don't Judge a Fish by its Scales!</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span></i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> I cannot count the times I have felt diminished by
being told I wasn't capable of <i>x</i> or that I couldn't possibly
achieve <i>y</i> for a variety of reasons such as being too young,
too old, too stupid, and once because I have red hair. I've also been elated by
the encouragement of or compliment by some I respect and admire, and even by
strangers. How easy it can be to shake or make self-confidence, to thwart or
inspire development. How fragile we, who-pretend-even-to-ourselves-we-are-not,
often are. Let’s not judge ourselves by our own scales.</span></b><span style="color: #843c0c;"><br />
<b> </b></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Lord of all Created Life, </b></span></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"> For today
and all days ahead, I will strive ever harder to <i><u>give up</u></i> judging
others, even if it is only in my head and not coming out of my mouth, as I
remember the insensitive and hurtful things done or said unto me
(even if some of those say-ers were unaware). I
will <i><u>take on</u></i> and improve upon the role of encourager and
listener, and, even if I’m pretty sure that fish cannot climb that tree, let me
remember we can all be surprised at the outcomes when one is just<i> that</i> determined!
I <i><u>pray</u></i> for the serenity to let go of all the un-useful stuff I've carried within me, to forgive the intended and unintended slights by others, that I
may be forgiven for my too many slights and insensitive acts toward others, and to look within to get
on with scaling my own trees to their highest heights. <i>amen.</i></b><b style="font-family: georgia;"> </b></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span></span></span><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Fondamento; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">*</span></span></b><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Albert
Einstein [1879-1955], German-born, is an icon of theoretical physics, a Nobel Prize winner,
with such an enormous catalog of many intellectual and scientific achievements
to his credit that his name has become the synonym for <i>genius.</i> He
was visiting in the US in 1933 when Hitler came to power and he never returned
to Germany. He became a US citizen in 1940 and warned President Roosevelt of
the possible weapon development in Germany that would become the Manhattan
Project in the US leading to the atomic bomb. Einstein later denounced the use
of nuclear fission for weapons but had been worried that Germany would develop
it first. His career in the US was with the Institute for Advanced Study at
Princeton University in New Jersey which lasted until his death in 1955.</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i>All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: </i>Leeosophy@gmail.com
</b></span></div><div><br /></div>Christina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986720029515681075.post-64359492253190705272024-03-21T10:11:00.000-04:002024-03-21T10:11:12.606-04:00Meditation Moment in Lent ~ Day 32: Give Up, Take On, Pray '24<div><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: medium;"><b>March 21, 2024 ~ 6th Thursday in Lent</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvIU8Jrkmf5KaaE9OxTXLvoDqljblBjFvd-3cw9Jg_2u-ExQjfi9zV_1EIwuIO7aB5NHHBLVTIqy0Fxw0HJ-UEVYdQ3l7d47ZKHM2PiXrATv8FKx4Djey64rSXYJ7t5sAGiNJMuY53vt1-1vkQ8L8lYkoe5583tk9jPLjctvV8s7s7MMn2-lEuESwFcY2/s268/6th%20Thursday%20in%20Lent%20Day%2032%20'24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="268" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvIU8Jrkmf5KaaE9OxTXLvoDqljblBjFvd-3cw9Jg_2u-ExQjfi9zV_1EIwuIO7aB5NHHBLVTIqy0Fxw0HJ-UEVYdQ3l7d47ZKHM2PiXrATv8FKx4Djey64rSXYJ7t5sAGiNJMuY53vt1-1vkQ8L8lYkoe5583tk9jPLjctvV8s7s7MMn2-lEuESwFcY2/w350-h258/6th%20Thursday%20in%20Lent%20Day%2032%20'24.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: #0d3512; font-family: Constantia, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">“Imagine a trust in yourself, or another person, or in
life itself, that doesn’t need to be proved or demonstrated, that is able to
contain uncertainty. People sometimes put their trust in a spiritual
leader and are terribly betrayed if that person then fails to live up to
ideals. But a real trust of faith would be to decide whether to trust someone,
knowing that betrayal is inevitable because life and personality are never
without shadow. The vulnerability that faith demands could be matched by
an equal trust in oneself, <i>the feeling that <u>one can survive the
pain of betrayal</u>.</i>” </span></span></b><o:p></o:p><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Fondamento; font-size: large;"><b style="text-align: center;">~</b><b style="text-align: center;">Thomas Moore</b></span><b style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Harrington;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">* </span></span></b><b style="color: #38761d; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Goudy Type";">[emphasis added]</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span></b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Betrayal comes in many
forms and guises and when discovered it is deeper than a knife in the heart. It
can feel as if the depth of that knife is fatal and at times, for myself, I
wanted it to be so. But it <i>is</i> survivable ~ out of everyone
I've ever known, I know of only a few who have willingly mislead or
intentionally deceived me, and one or two that I’m aware of who didn't trust
me enough to tell me the truth. As with any trauma, however deep or embedded in
our hearts and souls and psyches, with help as needed, we can move forward.
Today is all we have in this Earthly existence. Living in past anguish prolongs
it. Counting the ones we can and do trust, relieves it and steadies the <i>ground
of our being</i> that theologian Paul Tillich described, even if we are,
understandably, a bit wary for a time.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></b><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Dear Jesus,<br />
Betrayal in my life pales in comparison to
Yours. While You saw it coming and predicted it to the very people who would
betray You, perhaps in Your humanness You still hoped that it would not come to
be. <br />
As for me, learning to trust after
discovering a betrayal was very difficult and very painful. I have moved on but
the faint echo of the hurt is still there yet fading with the time that passes.
So, for today, I will <i><u>give up</u></i> needing to replay the
anguish in my mind and <i><u>take on</u></i> making certain that I am
not one who will ever deceive another or cause any emotional harm. I will <i><u>pray</u></i> to
trust my own instinct about people and accept that I will sometimes be
disappointed, and I, no doubt, may disappoint others. AND I will concentrate on
all the many, many others who have been and are grace-filled gifts in my life.
This is proof enough that I can have faith and trust in others as I have in
You. More importantly, whatever happens in human relationships, I <i>know</i> that
my faith and trust in You will always be well-placed. amen. </span></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Goudy Type";"><span style="color: #cc0000;">*</span></span><span style="color: #084f6a; font-family: "Goudy Type";">Thomas Moore </span></b><b><span style="color: #084f6a; font-family: "Goudy Type";">[1940- ]</span></b><b><span style="color: #084f6a; font-family: "Goudy Type";">, is a writer, psychotherapist influenced by Carl Jung and James
Hillman. He is also former monk, and has been a professor at Glassboro State
College and Southern Methodist University. Dr. Moore has authored <i>Care
of the Soul,</i> which was on the NY Times bestseller list for almost a
year, and <i>Soul Mates</i> among 30 other books on soul,
spirituality, and depth psychology, and lectures internationally on ecology,
psychotherapy, and religion.</span></b></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i>All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: </i>Leeosophy@gmail.com
</b></span><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div>Christina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986720029515681075.post-17401200907214326492024-03-20T11:49:00.000-04:002024-03-20T11:49:18.185-04:00Meditation Moment in Lent ~ Day 31: Give Up, Take On, Pray<div><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: medium;"><b>March 20, 2024 ~ 6th Wednesday in Lent</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4bSzrTDtuPQ7BPseUg67qYROYxt_4YhyYQpYGzb0gcHwmiV2AGa-H3Dvzy8pkx1pL4xN-Vp2MEhweGJxhPezPP3iXc68UU4iqT-k5j1y1o4N2nvp5loEpDm9amwalJqcLNDmnBbDancHG7Bz-ZxR4pPN8Jg53ELjIxd9LJeqGTvHry4pI3cBuFc-Eetpp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="629" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4bSzrTDtuPQ7BPseUg67qYROYxt_4YhyYQpYGzb0gcHwmiV2AGa-H3Dvzy8pkx1pL4xN-Vp2MEhweGJxhPezPP3iXc68UU4iqT-k5j1y1o4N2nvp5loEpDm9amwalJqcLNDmnBbDancHG7Bz-ZxR4pPN8Jg53ELjIxd9LJeqGTvHry4pI3cBuFc-Eetpp=w440-h302" width="440" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #0d3512; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #0D3512; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent3; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 128;">“[There are those
activities that] we use...for a kind of pleasure which can be called
"fun." But it is not the creative kind of fun often connected with
play; it is, rather, a shallow, distracting, greedy way of "having
fun." And it is not by chance that it is that type of fun which can easily
be commercialized, for it is dependent on calculable reactions, without
passion, without risk, without love. Of all the dangers that threaten our
civilization, this is one of the most dangerous ones: the escape from one’s
emptiness through a ‘fun’ which makes joy impossible.”</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #275317; font-family: Harrington; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #275317; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent6; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 128;">~ Paul Tillich</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Harrington; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">*</span></b><b><span style="color: #275317; font-family: Harrington; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #275317; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent6; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 128;"> 1886-1965<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;">-What
kinds of things do you do "for fun" or relaxation or simple pleasure:
Photography, playing a musical instrument,
cooking, </span></b><b><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;">reading,
bird watching, dancing, video games, playing the slots, gardening, playing
or watching outdoor sports, watching </span></b><b><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;">television
or movies or Facebook or other social media, or </span></b><b><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;">games, on
your phone in a restaurant at a table with others... </span></b></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;">-When
does fun turn into idle play or idle play into an obsession or addiction,
or trying to always please others?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;">-When
is "entertainment" at the expense of or in exploitation of
others (however well they are being paid)?</span></b></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;">-Do
your fun times improve your life financially, enhance </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;">a relationship,
or your physical, and mental health?</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #591751; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dear God of Free Time ~ </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #591751; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> What should I do when my time is my own ~ is there a right way or a wrong
way to do "fun"? Does everything I do in life have to be filled with
usefulness and meaning? Sometimes I just want to sit and vege-out in
front of the tv, sometimes I want to run on the beach, learn to paint, or sing
in the car. Sometimes I want to write the perfect sonnet or cook the most
sumptuous meal for friends. I don't want to be responsible for saving
civilization.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #591751; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Well, then let
me think this through. For today, I'll <i><u>give up</u></i> some
of the empty time of mind<u>less</u> "entertainment." I'll <i><u>take
on</u></i> some <i>mindful </i>relaxation that will give me a
positive outlook on life and then transfer some of that into energy to
contribute something use-<u>full</u> to at least local civilization if only in
a small way. I'll <i><u>pray</u></i> to keep idle play from
becoming idol play. I'll keep trying to remember that You are present in
every moment of my day and only through You can I experience the joy that this
life has to offer and then offer it in a variety of ways to others. amen.</span></b></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<span style="font-family: Cardo;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 15pt;">*</span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: 15pt;">Paul
Tillich is considered as one of the most influential theologians of the 20th
century, and Christian Existentialist Philosopher. His seminal work
is a three-volume series on <i>Systematic Theology, </i>which<i> </i>is
his most widely known writing though there are many others.
A German-born Lutheran pastor, Tillich came into conflict at the rise
of Nazi power and was encouraged by Reinhold Niebuhr [see
Prayers for Lent Day 23] to join the faculty of Union Theological Seminary
in New York. He later became one of the Five highest ranking
Professors at Harvard University and later a professor of theology at
the University of Chicago. His strong influence continues in the
world of academic philosophy and theology with its critics and apologists - a
legacy that will survive for a very long time to come.</span></b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: 15pt;"> </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i>All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: </i>Leeosophy@gmail.com
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div>Christina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986720029515681075.post-33836628920396637032024-03-19T11:31:00.003-04:002024-03-20T11:34:58.960-04:00Meditation Moment in Lent ~ Day 30: Give Up, Take On, Pray '24<div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: medium;">March 19, 2024 ~ 5<sup>th</sup> Tuesday in Lent</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div><span><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span><b style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvB19a9HxPeAnxpHNUlsp5XDr_M_sL37tWwTqKR3CcR-08FswCc6Q4Rv4UPd4AXy8vx5KV2mD8OS7TwgPRvGD6j-RLWVMhYucscgof6UqvVxh4EfcggJVL5gKpQBo_HupRm-gDnhDbeBmcTJwEYeHFEK24kkmSGuEVbRqbDNRGlJhdSkbf4qOuwZ2G20Du" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="601" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvB19a9HxPeAnxpHNUlsp5XDr_M_sL37tWwTqKR3CcR-08FswCc6Q4Rv4UPd4AXy8vx5KV2mD8OS7TwgPRvGD6j-RLWVMhYucscgof6UqvVxh4EfcggJVL5gKpQBo_HupRm-gDnhDbeBmcTJwEYeHFEK24kkmSGuEVbRqbDNRGlJhdSkbf4qOuwZ2G20Du=w511-h346" width="511" /></a></div></i></b><div style="background: white; font-style: italic; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"><i>Doubt is not the opposite of faith; </i><o:p></o:p><i>FEAR is.</i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; font-style: italic;"><i><span style="font-family: Fondamento; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #660000;">-</span><b><span style="color: #660000;"> Verna J. Dozier</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">*</span></b></span></i></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-style: italic; margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><br /></h3>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: large;"><i style="color: #275317;"> </i><span style="color: #275317;"> </span><span style="color: #274e13;"> </span><span style="color: #003106;">"Back when I first
started talking about ministry, it was seen as something the ordained did. Lay
people had no ministry at all except as they participated in the work of the
institution. If you taught in the Christian education program, you had a
ministry. If you taught in the public schools, you 'did time' five days a week
until you could get to your ministry. When I began my second career, people
would say, 'You taught school for thirty-two years; then you began your
ministry.' … In my unredeemed way, I would steel myself and reply through
clenched teeth, 'No, I continued my ministry.'"</span></span></b></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="color: #050671; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 17pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;">Perhaps our American Constitutional concept of
"Separation of Church and State" permeates our consciousness more
than we realize. According to most definitions work is work and ministry is
what certain officially ordained clergy do for work. But are we <i>ordinary
people</i> not Christians every part of every day, and representatives of
Christ, or does that only happen when we're in Church? How does our idea of
ministry change if we are being Christ's ministers whenever and wherever we
are? Maybe that seems easier if you're a teacher, a doctor, or a social worker.
Is it possible to be a minister if you're a motorcycle mechanic, house painter,
file clerk, in a grocery store line, or corporate CEO? If we truly are one body
in Christ, with many members each with our own gifts, what, in even shaky
Faith, is there to Fear from accepting our roles as ministers of the Gospel
whatever, whenever, wherever it is that we are <i>doing</i>? </span></b><b><span style="color: #050671; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 17pt;"><br />
</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17pt;"><br />
</span></b><b><span style="color: #3c1a56; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 17pt;">Dear Chief Minister:<br />
I really don't want to stand on the street corner
and handout leaflets, or knock on doors to proclaim You to the world. Even so,
I would like to believe that I can be one of Your ministers without having to
be so formal about it. Maybe I'm just being presumptuous to think so if I have
no special training or credentials. So, how do I get to have a ministry?
Maybe if for today I <i><u>give up</u></i> the notion that only
specially educated, formally trained, ordained people can be ministers, I can <i><u>take
on</u></i> looking at the most mundane, or more important task as a
ministry. If it is something that needs to be done, wherever it is, I can
complete it or at least contribute time and energy to it without grumbling and
resentment. I can smile at someone I pass on the street. I can listen to
someone without interrupting. I can just be a comfortable presence and accept
people for who and where in life they are. I can serve soup, or read at the
Sunday service, serve on a church vestry or council; I can learn how to do
other kinds of <i>ministry</i> in and out of “Church.” I can
seek some training in an area of Church life that interests me. I </span></b><b><span style="color: #1e0d2b; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 17pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #1E0D2B;">will</span></b><b><span style="color: #3c1a56; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 17pt;"> <i><u>pray</u></i> to
know You are with me always and allow that to guide my thoughts, my actions,
and my sense of being an integral part <u>Your</u> <u>One</u> <u>Body</u>.
If everything I do is in the spirit of and as a minister of Christ's
Gospel, then perhaps I will more easily be conscious of what I will NOT do,
and, act accordingly. amen.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #163e64; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What is your definition of ministry? Here are a few that still only recognize the ordained:</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #163e64; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>-</i>From <u>Webster</u>:<i> the body of ministers of religion</i><strong style="font-style: italic;">:</strong><i> clergy</i></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #163e64; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>-</i>From <u>Dictionary.com</u>:</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #163e64; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><i>1. the service, functions, or profession of a minister of religion;</i></span></b><span style="color: #163e64; font-style: italic;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #163e64; font-family: Georgia, serif;">2.the</span></b><span style="color: #163e64;"> </span><b><span style="color: #163e64; font-family: Georgia, serif;">body</span></b><span style="color: #163e64;"> </span><b><span style="color: #163e64; font-family: Georgia, serif;">or</span></b><span style="color: #163e64;"> </span><b><span style="color: #163e64; font-family: Georgia, serif;">class</span></b><span style="color: #163e64;"> </span><b><span style="color: #163e64; font-family: Georgia, serif;">of</span></b><span style="color: #163e64;"> </span><b><span style="color: #163e64; font-family: Georgia, serif;">ministers</span></b><span style="color: #163e64;"> </span><b><span style="color: #163e64; font-family: Georgia, serif;">of</span></b><span style="color: #163e64;"> </span><b><span style="color: #163e64; font-family: Georgia, serif;">religion;</span></b><span style="color: #163e64;"> </span><b><span style="color: #163e64; font-family: Georgia, serif;">clergy.</span></b><span style="color: #163e64;"> </span></span></p><div><b><span style="color: #163e64; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">-From <u>TheFreeDictionary.com</u>:<i> a. The profession, duties, and services of a minister; b. The Christian clergy; c. The period of service of a minister</i></span></span></b></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><b><span style="color: #2e74b5; font-family: "Goudy Type";"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span 1911="" bookletter="" c75="" color:="" goudy="" serif="" style="font-family: "";">From
the 1979 Episcopal Book of Common Prayer Catechism, pg 855:</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span 1911="" bookletter="" c75="" color:="" goudy="" serif="" style="font-family: "";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Q.<i> </i>Who are the ministers of the Church?</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><b><span 1911="" bookletter="" c75="" color:="" goudy="" serif="" style="font-family: "";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A. The ministers of the Church are lay persons, bishops,
priests, and deacons.</span></span></b></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span 1911="" bookletter="" c75="" color:="" goudy="" serif="" style="font-family: "";"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span 1911="" bookletter="" c75="" color:="" goudy="" serif="" style="font-family: "";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Q. What is the ministry of the laity?</span></span></b></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span 1911="" bookletter="" c75="" color:="" goudy="" serif="" style="font-family: "";">A. The ministry of lay persons is to represent Christ and his
Church, to bear witness to him wherever they</span></b> <b><span 1911="" bookletter="" c75="" color:="" goudy="" serif="" style="font-family: "";">may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on
Christ's work of reconciliation in the world;</span></b> <b><span 1911="" bookletter="" c75="" color:="" goudy="" serif="" style="font-family: "";">and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of
the Church.</span></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-style: italic;">All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: </span><span style="color: #351c75;">Leeosophy@gmail.com
</span></span></b></span><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Christina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986720029515681075.post-88658840221592863632024-03-18T16:20:00.002-04:002024-03-18T17:30:52.464-04:00Prayers of the People: From an End to a New Beginning, Palm and Passion Sunday, 6th Sunday in Lent '24 Yr B<div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;">For
Sunday, March 24, 2024, Readings: Liturgy of the Palms: Psalm 118:1-3,
19-29; Mark 1:1-11; Liturgy of the Word: Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 31:9-16,
Philippians 2:5-11; </span></span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;">The Passion according to </span></span></i></b></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;">Mark 14:1-15:47</span></span></i></b></div></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_NTOIajUI3VHCoBvcJyn4U78PgKmj43CtIRCfPeJN2bTwpzbXqgK8gSqplebmjB3mKTwpfD9MG2lCux9jT0asVo5juYPj1l9kyVRsmkwvf5sH2eOT0-oNrq73KSVHXw7mTnrPh4EkGDbk0l3npcQLV3BTXxuGc8OEci9IiXCAgR7iwHHNldLNhZehQQY/s1070/6%20Lent%20Palm%20Passion%20Sunday%20'24%20Yr%20B.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="1070" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_NTOIajUI3VHCoBvcJyn4U78PgKmj43CtIRCfPeJN2bTwpzbXqgK8gSqplebmjB3mKTwpfD9MG2lCux9jT0asVo5juYPj1l9kyVRsmkwvf5sH2eOT0-oNrq73KSVHXw7mTnrPh4EkGDbk0l3npcQLV3BTXxuGc8OEci9IiXCAgR7iwHHNldLNhZehQQY/w337-h282/6%20Lent%20Palm%20Passion%20Sunday%20'24%20Yr%20B.png" width="337" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background: white;"><b><i><span style="color: #385723; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> Then those who went
ahead and those who followed were shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one
who comes in the name of the Lord!" </span></i></b><b><span style="color: #385723; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[Mark
11:9]</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background: white;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></i></b><span style="color: #783f04;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Who
will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let
them confront me. </span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[Isaiah 50:8]</span></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span style="color: #274e13;"> </span></i></b><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><i>But as for me, I have trusted in you, O
LORD, I have said, "You are my God, my times are in your
hand... </i></b><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">[Psalm
31:14-15a]</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Let the same mind be in you that was in
Christ Jesus...and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to
the glory of God the Father. </span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[Philippians 2:5, 11]</span></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><i><span style="color: #7f6000;"> Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, The
one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard." So
when [Jesus] came [the betrayer] went up to him and said, "Rabbi!"
and kissed him. </span></i></b><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[Mark
14:44-45]</span></span></b></p>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><b><i> </i></b><b><i>[Peter] began to curse, and he swore an
oath, "I do not know this man you are talking about." At that moment
the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said
to him, "Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times."
And he broke down and wept. </i></b><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">[Mark 14:71-72]</span></b></span></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #010b62; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif;">The
Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday</span></b><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; text-align: left;"> </span></span></i></p>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #2f5597; font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> What a day it was! The palms, the cloaks, and branches on the
road with cheering and exuberance for this Jesus, heralded as a prophet and a
known miracle worker, riding into Jerusalem on a donkey (a donkey was
symbol of peace, a warrior king would have ridden a horse). It was all being
carefully watched by the Roman occupiers and the Sanhedrin, the Jewish Council
who had its own police force and trial court. </span></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #2f5597; font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Just as suddenly as the air fills with joyous gusto, the week
turns deadly and <u>the</u> <u>same</u> <u>crowd’s</u> <i>Hosannas </i>turn
to shouts of <i>Crucify him!</i> And this is the Sunday we revisit,
re-enact, and relive it all through the appointed readings.</span></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #2f5597; font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Decades ago the celebration of <i>Palm Sunday</i> and the commemoration
of <i>Passion Sunday</i> were two separate successive Sundays. These
were later combined into the one-Sunday, two-part Liturgy we have now. At first
thought it seems a shame to shortcut the two experiences and yet, I think, it
can truly heighten the experience of both parts ~ if we let it. It highlights
the stunning speed at which any and many of us can be manipulated into changing
what we think we believe, and by virtue of <u>who</u> is telling us, we can be
artfully redirected to know that we want to believe whatever he/she/they are saying. </span></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Yet,
whether we are attending church in person this Sunday, or watching online, how
much of the combined readings do we really <u>hear</u>, <u>feel</u>, or <u>think</u>
<u>about</u> later in the day, or the week? We’ve heard them all before, or at
least we know the story. The readings are long, even if acted out more than
simply read. Where am <i>I</i> in this? Am I listening, or watching
the clock, warming the coffee or tea in the microwave, answering texts, or
thinking about the grocery list for Easter baskets and Easter Dinner and peeps,
jelly beans, and chocolate bunnies? </span></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Am I
willing to look at the world as it is <u>now</u>, with how many examples of
crowd-manipulating, politically- and religiously- , sexually-, ethnically-, racially-,
and gender- motivated-murders take place <i>every day</i> in my
country and around the world? Am I willing to wonder what it is that I could
possibly do about it now? Or, at the very least, am I even considering who and
what Jesus is to me? </span></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> When my younger
grand-daughter was 4, she loved singing a little happy-clappy ditty she learned
in Vacation Bible School, "I am following Jesus" and her volume
increased exponentially ~ as she also learned ~ with the line <i>he
changed my life forever. </i>So, wise and self-proclaimed Christian
grandmother that I think I am, the hard question for myself, again, is how
am <i>I</i> following Jesus? Has he changed <i>my</i> life
forever, or, more to the point, have I<i> let</i> him? When
have <i>I</i> betrayed and deserted him ~ or if that's too hard for
me to willingly acknowledge ~ when have I <i>ignored</i> him?
Yes, it’s Palm AND Passion today, and it's here all week! And, it's here every
day of every year that I choose to profess my faith in all that I think and do
~ often uncomfortably and unpopular in places, but oh so <i>redeeming</i>. </span></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Anticipating the
Gospel events as they arise this week, I resolve to start over, re-read the
lessons, pray with them, and seek the courage and confidence to live into
and <i>confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God </i>[Phillipians
2:11]<i>. </i>It is time for me to look at each day in this Holy Week,
again, as if for the first time, as a sincere period of reflection, penance,
and re-commitment. There's no Easter without Good Friday, and when I am
following Jesus ~ the real Jesus ~ my life does change, and the <i>rising </i>joy
is palpable. Holy Week takes us from an end to a new beginning in, of, and
through Jesus, as Christ takes us forward into Forever.</span></span></b></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY</span></b><b><span style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> <br />
</span><b><span style="color: #333333;">Leader: </span></b><span style="color: #333333;">~ Jesus, Light of God, today
we begin with Hallelujah and Hosanna and end with Heartbreak and
Hostility. How quickly the crowds turn, prodded by intentional distortion
of truth, political manipulation, and betrayal. Grant us the courage to listen
deeply, to walk the path to Your coming death as if for the first time, to
stand with You through it all now, and to never deny that You are our Messiah,
our Lord.<br />
<br />
Hosanna! Messiah!
<br />
<b> RESPONSE: Into Your hands we commit our
souls<br />
</b> <br />
~ Jesus, Light of God, embolden us to earnestly engage the leaders of this
World, this Country, and this Community, to confront and eliminate the fear
mongering, treachery, and racism, and all
-<i>isms</i> that lead to cruel deaths like Yours. We pray
especially for: <i>add your own petitions</i><br />
<br />
Hosanna! Messiah!<br />
<b>Into
Your hands we commit our souls<br />
</b> <br />
~ Jesus, Light of God, enfold with Your loving arms all who are ill,
desperate, or hopeless, and all who worry and care for them. We now
join our hearts to pray for those in need… <i>add your own petitions</i><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><i><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></i><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: medium;">
Hosanna! Messiah!<br />
<b>Into
Your hands we commit our souls<br />
</b> <br />
~ Jesus, Light of God, You came to lead us all into the glory of
eternal life through Your gift of Salvation. We rejoice in knowing that those
we mourn are alive again with You, in everlasting peace. We pray especially
for: <i>add your own petitions</i><br />
<br />
Hosanna! Messiah!<br />
<b>Into
Your hands we commit our souls<br />
</b> <br />
~ Jesus, Light of God, we <i>pause</i> in this moment to
offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and
memorials… <i>add your own petitions</i><br />
<br />
Hosanna! Messiah!<br />
<b>Into
Your hands we commit our souls<br />
</b> <br />
~ Jesus, Light of God, as we begin this sacred week, endow our
spiritual leaders with extraordinary grace, that we may all be drawn
together, to be opened and accept the same mind in us that was in You, and live
always aware of Your continuous life-changing embrace. We pray especially
for: <i>add your own petitions</i><br />
<br />
Hosanna! Messiah!<br />
<b>Into
Your hands we commit our souls<br />
</b> <br />
<b>The Celebrant adds:</b> O God of Enduring Mercy, guide our
experience this day and through the fullness of the week to come. Grant us
awareness of the times when we, too, have deserted and betrayed Jesus by
turning first to the ways of this world. Guide us in the willingness to confess
through our thoughts, words, and actions, that Jesus Christ IS Lord, to the
Glory of You, our God. We ask this through our Savior Christ, Your Holy and
Sanctified Son; and the Most Holy Spirit, Your Breath and Wisdom within us; who
live and reign with You, One God, now and forever.<b> Amen.</b> </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Crimson Text",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: medium;"><b><i><div><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: </i>Leeosophy@gmail.com
</b></span><div><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>Christina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986720029515681075.post-32404031082273253152024-03-18T14:36:00.004-04:002024-03-20T11:32:59.340-04:00Meditation Moment in Lent ~ Day 29: Give Up, Take On, Pray '24<div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>March 18, 2024 ~ 5<sup>th</sup> Monday in Lent </b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: verdana; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: verdana; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgSR8oG_fH0Tn8GZn9rU9DAM5C0ik-za06jBQfSPeg0MxR4Q2lqB0IzRIkdHBOYFyfyCx6QFmheXLkBN5JBFUlItpkFqt2JiQavdA6WIJWDIOoly5lct8aPH_1AVt0foQ9eKah0MlIv00B4lGSP6r6STnbq6cTwLemVCLrZLPq0ROdaMmnG_0LtICNyar/s1400/5th%20Tuesday%20in%20Lent%20Day%2030%20'23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1400" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgSR8oG_fH0Tn8GZn9rU9DAM5C0ik-za06jBQfSPeg0MxR4Q2lqB0IzRIkdHBOYFyfyCx6QFmheXLkBN5JBFUlItpkFqt2JiQavdA6WIJWDIOoly5lct8aPH_1AVt0foQ9eKah0MlIv00B4lGSP6r6STnbq6cTwLemVCLrZLPq0ROdaMmnG_0LtICNyar/w426-h363/5th%20Tuesday%20in%20Lent%20Day%2030%20'23.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: verdana; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><strong><i><span style="color: #65290b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">[A] personal God can become a grave liability…a mere idol
carved in our own image, a projection of our limited needs, fears and desires.
We can assume that [God] loves what we love and hates what we hate, endorsing
our prejudices instead of compelling us to transcend them.</span></span></i></strong></div><div style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #65290b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span></i><span style="color: #65290b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span><span style="color: #2e75b6; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Fondamento; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #84350e;">~ Karen Armstrong</span></b><b><span style="color: red;">*</span></b></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Fondamento; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #084f6a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> In an “</span></span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><em><b><span style="color: #084f6a; font-family: Georgia, serif;">us</span></b></em><b><span style="color: #084f6a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #084F6A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent4; mso-themecolor: accent4; mso-themeshade: 128;"> and </span></b><em><b><span style="color: #084f6a; font-family: Georgia, serif;">them”</span></b></em><b><span style="color: #084f6a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #084F6A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent4; mso-themecolor: accent4; mso-themeshade: 128;"> world, where do
we place “God” as <i>maker of heaven and earth, of all</i> <i>that is, seen and
unseen</i></span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Georgia",serif;">**</span></b><b><i><span style="color: #084f6a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #084F6A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent4; mso-themecolor: accent4; mso-themeshade: 128;">, </span></i></b><b><span style="color: #084f6a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #084F6A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent4; mso-themecolor: accent4; mso-themeshade: 128;">in<i> </i>the image
of<i> God </i>that we have been given? </span></b><b><span style="color: #084f6a; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Is it that there is only one <em>side </em>that God is on? Is it always <i>our</i> side
or <i>their </i>side? At what age do we start thinking about what image of God
we’re holding, praying to, wondering about? How difficult is it really to let
go of any humanized vision of our Creator? Is God in the sun and moon and
stars, the breeze that becomes wind that becomes as tornado, rain that becomes
a flood or a hurricane? Who, What, and How does “God” look like in your mind’s
eye?</span></b></span></div>
<strong style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #66304b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><strong style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #66304b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></strong></p><div style="text-align: left;"><strong style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Dear God,</span></strong></div></span></span></strong><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong style="color: #66304b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> Of course you're
on </strong><em style="color: #66304b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-weight: bold;"><b>our</b></em><strong style="color: #66304b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></strong><strong style="color: #66304b; font-family: Georgia, serif;">side ~ don't <i>we</i> always kneel on the
field and pray to You before the game to help our team win? Aren't <i>we</i>
the correct color, political party, gender, sexual orientation, and citizen of
the best country? </strong></span></div><span style="color: #66304b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: left;"><strong> For today, I
will </strong><em><b>give up</b></em><strong> trying to have You act on </strong><em><b>my</b></em><strong> will. I will </strong><em style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><b><u>take on</u></b></em><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></strong><strong>looking more closely for ways to try to discern <i>Your </i>will.
At the very least, I will think more deeply about the teachings of Jesus to
love You with all we have and to love others as ourselves ~ to love</strong><em><b> them</b></em><strong> as if they were </strong><b><i>us </i></b></div><b><div style="text-align: left;"><b>because <i>they</i> and <i>us </i>were ALL
created by You<strong>. I will </strong><em>pray</em><strong> for the will and the courage to walk this walk for as long as
I am given and think differently about what image I serve. amen.</strong></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><strong><br /></strong></b></div></b></span></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></b></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "CG Times", serif;">*</span></b><b><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "CG Times", serif;">Karen Armstrong [1944 - ] is a British commentator and
renowned author of a multitude of books on quite a breadth and depth
of comparative religion studies. A former Roman Catholic nun,
she has given us such books as <em>A History of God: A 4,000 Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity, and
Islam; Through the Narrow Gate; </em>and<em> Jerusalem: One City, Three Faiths.</em> Her
work centers around the commonalities across major religions and, in
particular, the importance of the Golden Rule, which spans multiple faith
traditions and Compassion. Her work, research, and authorship has
garnered her ~ among many other awards - the $100,000 TED prize in 2008
with which she started the Charter for Compassion: "A document
that transcends religious, ideological, and national differences. A cooperative
effort to restore compassionate thinking and action to the center of
life." Individuals, groups, and even countries can sign and participate in
this most human quest to develop humanity to its highest ideal. <a href="http://charterforcompassion.org/"><span style="color: #002060;">http://charterforcompassion.org/</span></a></span></b></span></b></div><p></p>
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, serif;">**</span></b><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #275317; font-family: "Goudy Type";">From <i>The Nicene Creed: </i> <a href="https://www.bcponline.org/"><span style="color: #00007f;">https://www.bcponline.org/</span></a></span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: verdana; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><div><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div>All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com
</span></i></b><br /><br /><div><br /></div>Christina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986720029515681075.post-34651636201925071312024-03-16T11:47:00.028-04:002024-03-20T11:29:29.763-04:00Meditation Moment in Lent ~ Day 28: Give Up, Take On, Pray '24<div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">March
16, 2024 ~ 5<sup>th</sup> Saturday in Lent</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Every War Has
Passionate Reasons on All Sides</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And Passionate Supporters
and Detractors</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Taking Sides Requires
Full Knowledge of ALL Reasons, And</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In-Depth
Self-Examination as to Why One Cause is Chosen Over Another</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And Every War has <i>Innocents</i>
On All Sides Caught in the Middle</span></div></div></div><span><b><div style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_4j3aAa38iiq4t32uYCZxOhDyRKV7zfcZiP0Cs9DflbqQm3G5NQJP0krWteSYSf8K9rlmDBZHE8JodEr_o6RhuUXBF4H-iIqzp7pvdtspWNpGADFWNsx_xVWc3gUDghP3HVS5GEW55bVpa840HWt4LC2rIHFw3gGIcmYmUFp49fy5cBON-ccu7xSnndJ/s686/5th%20Saturday%20in%20Lent%20Day%2028%20%20'23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="686" height="685" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_4j3aAa38iiq4t32uYCZxOhDyRKV7zfcZiP0Cs9DflbqQm3G5NQJP0krWteSYSf8K9rlmDBZHE8JodEr_o6RhuUXBF4H-iIqzp7pvdtspWNpGADFWNsx_xVWc3gUDghP3HVS5GEW55bVpa840HWt4LC2rIHFw3gGIcmYmUFp49fy5cBON-ccu7xSnndJ/w576-h685/5th%20Saturday%20in%20Lent%20Day%2028%20%20'23.jpg" width="576" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="color: #7f6000;">"Racism,
prejudice and discrimination still exist in the world, and the Jews have
endured the longest continuous manifestation of this racism. I have
written that we, as Palestinians, should face Israel candidly and say that we
are appalled by the Holocaust, that we should open our hearts "and with a
new, magnanimous attitude we should say to the Jews, 'We will accept you and
share the land with you. You have suffered for so long. Come share our land.
This is God's land. We will live in it together as brothers and
sisters.'" </span></span><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: italic;"> </span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">~ Naim Stifan Ateek</span></b><b style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: red;">*</span></b><b style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #2e75b6;"> </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #2e75b6;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #215f9a;"> </span><span style="color: #215f9a;"> </span><span style="color: #215f9a;">After the discoveries and then acknowledgement of the
horrors of the Nazi Holocaust, in which the Jewish people were the largest but not the only targets, a homeland for the Jews was understandably and
sympathetically promoted for Palestine as "A Land Without People for
People Without A Land," because this desert land would obviously be mostly uninhabited. But the significant fly in the ointment of the great
repatriation was there were <u>many</u> people already there for thousands of years: a few Jewish people and
also many non-Jewish people ~ Muslims, Christians, and people of a variety of beliefs, cultures, and traditions. </span></b><b><span style="color: #215f9a;">But if you’d never been there, it seemed more
than reasonable through the publicity campaign that a “deserted” piece of land
would be mostly uninhabited and ready for <i>Settlement</i>.</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #215f9a;"> The
debates, the wars, the persecutions, the walls, the barbed wire fences, the
guns, the bombs, the bloodshed continue and escalate on a daily basis...and
yet, a question always remains: to whom does the land of the Earth really belong? </span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #215f9a;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> We
cannot take the land with us when we die but so many are willing to die ~
or to kill ~ to prove it. While this is one example, think Ukraine,
Crimea, "Yugoslavia," Turkey and Greece, Russia and China and Mongolia, Asia, the
South Pacific and Caribbean Islands, North/Central and South America, Africa, etc., and
everywhere the suppression of Indigenous Peoples occurs. Religion isn't the primary force as it's more like race, ethnicity, gender identity, and intentionally false propaganda, etc. Its true purpose is more likely and simply that it's a useful ruse. </span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #215f9a;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> The really bad news is that this distorted "hatred" isn't limited to full scale war between or among two or more countries. It happens among a few people that are so dogmatic and doctrinally committed that criminalizing, imprisoning, and even killing others becomes acceptable among otherwise ordinary, "very nice people" who have been taught to disapprove of people of color, people with differences of sexual orientation and gender identity, even those with disabilities, and just because someone who has human power over them and proclaims some "divine" authority tells them it must be done.</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #215f9a;"> R</span></b><b><span style="color: #215f9a;">eligion is not <i>the</i> reason, but it can be a useful excuse to exercise
power, and, all-too-often to feel better when others engage in <i>ethnic </i>and<i> other human cleansing</i> aka: murder, for <i>God and Country.</i></span></b></span></div></div></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #26014a; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>God of Heaven and of Earth, and of all the Universes known
and unknown:</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<span style="color: #26014a; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>
We grieve for the pain and suffering, the torment and anger on all sides
of this and every other feud over who can, must, should, shouldn't, can't
live here or there, do this or do that because... Deep as the core of this earth, the anguish
belongs to everyone. We are all Your people: Jews,
Christians, and Muslims are ALL Children of Abraham, and the vast millions of others whose beliefs about You are different. But
You created EVERY ONE of us ~ please, we implore, we beseech, we beg You ~
show Your care for Your children everywhere and help us all learn to care for
each other and to live together in peace, safety, and freedom. Open our
eyes, our hearts, and our souls to see ourselves in each other's
faces and especially in the faces of all of our children. </b><br />
<b>For today I must <u>give up</u> thinking
more about fixing blame and <u>take on</u> learning more about
the history of all sides of a conflict whether in the Middle East, Eastern
Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, Central America, and the entire world which,
of course, includes my own country, my city, and even my family. I <u>pray</u> for
the courage to support and participate with those who abhor violence in all
forms and who will encourage dialogue to promote understanding among us
all. Help us especially with the eternal question: Who really
are my neighbors, as Jesus specifically says we are to love as our
selves?</b> <b>I entreat You through the Saving Love of Jesus the
Christ, and the Wisdom of Your Holy Spirit, who live and reign with You as one, the Creator of ALL, for now, for tomorrow, for eternity.
amen.</b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #26014a;"><br /></span>
</span><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><br />
<br />
</span><b style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather;">*</span></span><span style="color: #1c3b11;"><span style="font-family: Cardo; font-size: large;">The Rev Dr Naim Ateek is a Palestinian priest in
the Anglican Church and founder of Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center
in Jerusalem. A former Canon of St. George's Cathedral in Jerusalem, Dr.
Ateek is a much sought after lecturer at home and abroad and receives
support across all denominations and faith traditions including those of the
Jewish faith. Educated at Hardin-Simmons University, Baptist University
in Abilene, Texas; and the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, a seminary in
the US Episcopal Church in Berkeley, California, Dr. Ateek is a well-respected author of a number of books and articles on Palestinian
Liberation Theology, and he has been the recipient of many honors and awards
for his work.</span></span></b><span style="color: #1c3b11; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #224814; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span></span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><i style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com
</i></b></span><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>Christina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986720029515681075.post-23966538933158676412024-03-15T09:37:00.002-04:002024-03-20T11:32:39.104-04:00Meditation Moment in Lent, Day 27: Give Up, Take On, Pray '24<div><b style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Constantia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">March 15, 2024 ~ 5<sup>th</sup> Friday in Lent</span></i></b></div><b><div>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgojfo84btJh_a-CPQX4DOeDIveYYT1HpSVKxi94V0jns4_vBrxms4axd1HsF4H6VKBFsL5YMb2tjYE5tUW6C-T_ZlApZCI04p9RjLc4iY_E3Iqa8AGmj91Y89qgEwaR2ES-LWsj1syMA-1XUmSv3gPL2xOodaY2zfdO9vV4Nabh7EsxwA6jRL5StfyhCQu" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgojfo84btJh_a-CPQX4DOeDIveYYT1HpSVKxi94V0jns4_vBrxms4axd1HsF4H6VKBFsL5YMb2tjYE5tUW6C-T_ZlApZCI04p9RjLc4iY_E3Iqa8AGmj91Y89qgEwaR2ES-LWsj1syMA-1XUmSv3gPL2xOodaY2zfdO9vV4Nabh7EsxwA6jRL5StfyhCQu=w436-h277" width="436" /></a></div><p></p>
<div style="background: white; color: #351c75; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Fondamento;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">― Anthony de Mello</span></b><b><span style="color: red;">*</span></b></span><b style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></b></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #2f5597;"><i style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Merriweather;">
</span></i><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: medium;">If you knew that this would be the very last time we would speak to each other,
would our conversation be different? We have those moments every day with
store clerks, shoppers, people on elevators, those we sit next to in church, at
a concert, or sporting event. And then there are our families and friends. What
feelings, thoughts, awareness arise if you realize we all are dying. A
shocking thought! But it’s true. Some sooner, some later. Some at length and
painfully, and some quite suddenly. Some will have a comfortably long life and
quietly and peacefully just go. Most of us take daily living for
granted and yet none of us know the time or the hour </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: medium;"><b style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #2f5597;">[Matthew
25:13]</span></b><b style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #2f5597;">. So let us all LIVE while we can with <u>all</u> that
life brings and, yes, even all it takes away. Let us turn our eyes to the
Creation that our Creator surrounds us with and look for joy in all the life
within it, accepting those moments when joy must await our return, as return to
it we will and we must. Let us <u>live</u> for those we’ve loved and who have
loved us and who can no longer be in this life, yet from the next they want and
will us to go on as they walk with us in heart and memory. Embrace LIFE!</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Dear
Lord of Life:</b><br />
<b> You have given each of us this precious gift of the
breath of life; what are we doing with it? Is it wasted on the young, regretted
by the old, dismissed by those in-between who are too busy to recognize it for
what it is? For today, I will <u>give up</u> taking
breathing and life for granted and <u>take on</u> the
understanding and compassion that even if the next breath isn't my last it
will be for someone. I'll <u>pray</u> for the fullness of
breath that inhales Your love, patience, and understanding and with each exhale
to disperse anger, frustration, and bitterness. Today may be the last chance
we'll have in this life and any days beyond it will truly be a blessing to be
used well. Help us to not waste it by being oblivious to all that we have been
given and being thoughtless about the needs of others. Help to make each
conscious breath a way to inhale calm and exhale any chronic crankiness. Most
especially, may each time we awaken to a new day we simply think or murmur Thank
You, Lord, so we are not forgetting to remember You. amen.</b><b> </b> </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic;"><br />
</span><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 18pt; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: red;">*</span></i><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: medium;"><b>Anthony
de Mello [1931-1987], </b><b>was a Jesuit priest from India and a psychotherapist who wrote a
number of books and made videos on spirituality with an eastern flavor. His
first published book Sadhana: A Way to God contained spiritual
exercises influenced by Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Long after his sudden death,
then Cardinal-Prefect Ratzinger, later Pope Benedict XVI, convened a commission
to study de Mello's work and seemed to find some of his writings and lectures
theologically problematic. There was a temporary ban on them for Roman
Catholics which has since been lifted. Millions of Catholics and non-Catholics
alike, however, have found great wisdom and transformational thought in de
Mello's writings, many more of which were published posthumously.</b> </span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: italic;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt; font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: "Goudy Type";"> </span></p></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><i style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com
</i></b><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Christina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986720029515681075.post-22543977444517702422024-03-14T12:01:00.002-04:002024-03-20T11:32:27.097-04:00Meditation Moment in Lent ~ Day 26: Give Up, Take On, Pray ‘24 <div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: medium;"><b>March
14, 2024 ~ 5<sup>th</sup> Thursday in Lent</b><b> </b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CD2BXW4DNgZce24TMO2JxbQm2WGBXu6AlsMo_Kb9W_ffNcxaXJPZGso9c1XYBNTjvOZaD7MQAXsnt7SuQ-ygdE-3ydixtABBiqWbbJSSFJjDkwTLUetRBIHREDAiSiIxfacQv98cHrVKtvLMl26MMTA45rLcdvNxmI3-qVgGlZ3fiEREVQq_J9wj170l/s1024/6th%20Thursday%20in%20Lent%20Day%2026%20%20'24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="1024" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CD2BXW4DNgZce24TMO2JxbQm2WGBXu6AlsMo_Kb9W_ffNcxaXJPZGso9c1XYBNTjvOZaD7MQAXsnt7SuQ-ygdE-3ydixtABBiqWbbJSSFJjDkwTLUetRBIHREDAiSiIxfacQv98cHrVKtvLMl26MMTA45rLcdvNxmI3-qVgGlZ3fiEREVQq_J9wj170l/w425-h236/6th%20Thursday%20in%20Lent%20Day%2026%20%20'24.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Fondamento; font-size: large;"><b>Dietrich Bonhoeffer<span style="color: #cc0000;">*</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Fondamento; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Fondamento; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;"> Dietrich
Bonhoeffer’s date on the U.S. Episcopal Calendar is April 9, but I've brought him here today because his voice is an important one, especially in our today world. He rises regularly in my consciousness
with the strong desire to re-read his writings. Bonhoeffer has long inspired me
through his writing and especially through a biography by American Charles
Marsh entitled <i>Strange Glory: A Life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer,</i> that
showed the young and privileged arrogance of a brilliant mind grow into a
passionate and compassionate theologian for all of humanity; and, the spiritual
torture of deciding to join the plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;"> He
wrote with a particular passion about living in each day seeking and listening for the spiritual
messages that we often simply miss: <i>We must be ready to allow ourselves
to be interrupted by God.</i> As for all the earth-bound material we chase
after, he said, <i>The way to misuse our possessions is to use them
as an insurance against the morrow. Anxiety is always directed to the morrow,
whereas goods are in the strictest sense meant to be used only for to-day.</i></span></b><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;"> <b>He also reminds us of another critical lesson that</b> <b><i>time is the most valuable thing we have,</i> and we only have NOW. What will
I do with my time today....what will you?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
</span><b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Holy
God of Yesterday, Today, and (maybe) Tomorrow,<br />
The manna You give me today will not last
until tomorrow so <i>interrupt</i> and cajole me not to waste it or fritter it away or misuse
it. For today I will <em><u>give up</u></em> the
worry about what might come tomorrow. I will <em><u>take on</u></em> seeing to the
necessary business of this day, but more importantly, letting those I care about
KNOW, specifically, deliberately, intentionally, definitively, that I
care. I will <em><u>pray</u></em> that
we will each be part of each other's lives for much longer and for the gift of
grace to let God, again, interrupt my plans and help me to understand, as Dietrich
Bonhoeffer said also, “There is meaning in every journey that is unknown
to the traveler.” <em>amen.</em></span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<span color="windowtext" face=""Aptos",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;"><br />
</span><span color="windowtext" face=""Aptos",sans-serif" style="font-size: 4pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;"><br />
</span><b><span face=""Aptos",sans-serif" style="color: red; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;">*</span><span style="color: #333f50; font-family: "Goudy Type"; font-size: 13pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Dietrich
Bonhoeffer [1906-1945], theologian, Lutheran pastor, dissident anti-Nazi.
His book <em>The Cost of Discipleship</em> is
considered a modern classic. Polish by birth, he studied at the
University of Tubingen and received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees and his
Doctor of Theology at the University of Berlin. He completed a
second doctorate - all before the age of 25. He did post graduate study at
Union Theological Seminary in New York and was introduced to and was
profoundly inspired by the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem. His
teachings and writings continue to inspire generations after his death.
With great angst but complete abhorrence of the Nazi dictatorship
and violence, he was involved with the German Military Intelligence
Office's plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. He was arrested by the Gestapo
in 1943 and executed on April 9, 1945, 23 days before the German surrender. His
"time is the most valuable thing we have..." comes from his <em>Letters and Papers from Prison</em>.
He never justified or excused his action but accepted that he was taking
guilt upon himself as he wrote "when a man takes guilt upon himself in
responsibility, he imputes his guilt to himself and no one else. He answers for
it...Before other men he is justified by dire necessity; before himself he is
acquitted by his conscience, but before God he hopes only for grace."
There is so much more that can be said about Dietrich Bonhoeffer and all in his
own words.</span></b><span color="windowtext" face=""Aptos",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ligatures: none;"><br />
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<!--[endif]--></span></span></div></div><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><div><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div>All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: </i>Leeosophy@gmail.com
</span></b><div><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div>Christina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986720029515681075.post-37957047750416610282024-03-13T10:26:00.001-04:002024-03-20T11:29:57.915-04:00Meditation Moment in Lent ~ Day 25: Give Up, Take On, Pray '24<div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Goudy Type"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">March
13, 2024 ~ 5<sup>th</sup> Wednesday in Lent</span></b></p></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibfEeduvUzGPo6Q2P1NsaVsZimzn5MUOGshxbFQuiFrVxXRC3_iYqWi_WFFqMMxwOpWtq6CbcLlbiqjKIsFgagrYUA8qkOKi5EuDIWXu0uWrI_19mLhOChNvRbmiWajQluSnZ-0f8ztIRV3MNZa4RtLFeKaKyEwzGnC0arHnZiy_zalBpkf4z0dVt43IAf" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="526" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibfEeduvUzGPo6Q2P1NsaVsZimzn5MUOGshxbFQuiFrVxXRC3_iYqWi_WFFqMMxwOpWtq6CbcLlbiqjKIsFgagrYUA8qkOKi5EuDIWXu0uWrI_19mLhOChNvRbmiWajQluSnZ-0f8ztIRV3MNZa4RtLFeKaKyEwzGnC0arHnZiy_zalBpkf4z0dVt43IAf=w401-h253" width="401" /></a></div><br /><div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: medium;">Holding on to anger is
like drinking poison </span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;">and expecting the
other person to die. </span></i></b><span style="color: #333333;"> </span></span></div><div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: medium;">Holding on to anger is
like holding hot coals </span></span></i></b></div><div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: medium;">you intend to throw at someone </span></span></i></b></div><div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: medium;">but you're the one who
gets burned.</span></span></i></b></div><div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: medium;">Anger
is an acid that does more harm </span></i></b></div><div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: medium;"><b><i>to the vessel </i></b><b><i><span style="color: #333333;">in which it is
stored </span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: medium;">than to anything on which
it is poured.</span></span></i></b></div><div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Goudy Type";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></i></b></div><div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Cardo; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #4c1130;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #990000;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">All of
the above quotes, in a variety of similar iterations, have variously been
attributed to The Buddha, Mark Twain, Roman Stoic philosopher Seneca, 12-Step
programming, and any number of contemporary authors. It is often difficult to
pin down the actual origin of almost epigrammatic expressions especially when
widely quoted. Nonetheless, whoever said them first, the consensus of the above
is that anger is more dangerous to oneself than to others. Anger that escalates
to rage and/or combines with desperation, however, can certainly be dangerous for
everyone around.</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Cardo; font-size: large;"> But not all anger is bad or dangerous ~ it's quite
appropriate and justified, when it's directed at or a result of personal loss,
instances of gross injustice, discrimination, economic hardship, and so on. It
is how we <i>use</i> our anger, how we <i>respond</i> that
makes the difference between poisoning ourselves and resolving an
issue. Thoughtful response rather than impulsive reaction? Some days are
better than others. How can I pull back when pushed over an edge? Counting to
10? Deep breathing? </span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Cardo; font-size: large;"> So much depends on when and how the anger surfaces
and who is pushing my buttons and what else is going on within me that may be
completely unrelated. </span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Cardo; font-size: large;"> For one who is
constantly seething over things small and large, “itching for a fight”
consciously or otherwise, or keeping it all inside unexpressed with an
all-gracious exterior, seeking outside help, pastoral and/or professional is a
useful step in self-care.</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Cardo; font-size: large;"> We all know that Jesus says to love our neighbors as we
love ourselves. If I’m spending much of my brief life raging at others,
even <i>just </i>inside, it says more about how I feel about <i>me</i> than
how I actually feel about her, him, and them. </span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Cardo; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Cardo; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #24095f;"> Dear God,</span></b></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Cardo; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #24095f;">
There are days when I want You to be Your Old Testament
Self ~ smiting and plaguing, wrathful and condemning, thundering, destructive,
and vengeful, oh my! That gives me permission, sort of, to impose the eye for
eye/tooth for tooth thing as I plot my revenge against a perceived enemy.
But mostly, I want ~ and need ~ Your New Testament Self in the form of
Jesus who relieves my angst and anger, and shows me a quieter yet equally
satisfying path. For today, I'll <i><u>give up</u></i> attempting to
bend my part of the world to my will by shouted recrimination or internal rage.
I'll <i><u>take on</u></i> seeking more positive outlets to right
injustice, overcome discrimination, promote understanding, or get involved with
organizations that work to resolve large issues that affect us all. I'll also
work toward calming my inner upsets, examining the why and how of what
bothers me, and continuing my quest for the inner peace that will reflect
outwardly. I'll <i><u>pray</u></i> for the guidance and blessing of
the Holy Spirit, the support and friendship of a loving community of faith, and
the collective wisdom and love of family and close friends. Oh, and I'll keep
working on what I'm thinking about <i>those other drivers </i>when
I’m in the car. amen.</span></b><span style="color: #24095f;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: </i>Leeosophy@gmail.com
</b></span><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Christina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986720029515681075.post-56254641021283713452024-03-12T07:53:00.001-04:002024-03-20T11:30:27.334-04:00Meditation Moment in Lent ~ Day 24: Give Up, Take On, Pray '24<div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Goudy Type";"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>March
12, 2024 ~ 4<sup>th</sup> Tuesday in Lent</i></span></span></b></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Goudy Type";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Goudy Type"; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciOrU74VCa50roKMrPkwg5NphInPrRvSx6K9khT49zQ9cdccGb1lAeu8q_CNElUXlnlvp7qjAFwbatwVTR_kHbeqFNXJgj9jrBKqfWASivwnsGRhSeg7rgMgglf73XJIbrVMfbMMvul0SrMx3WzD8vNkp9APiK-x78_sUzBjdr8Ij-RjUmzXPTX30QuW3/s2201/5th%20Tuesday%20in%20Lent%20Day%2024%20'24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2201" data-original-width="2200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciOrU74VCa50roKMrPkwg5NphInPrRvSx6K9khT49zQ9cdccGb1lAeu8q_CNElUXlnlvp7qjAFwbatwVTR_kHbeqFNXJgj9jrBKqfWASivwnsGRhSeg7rgMgglf73XJIbrVMfbMMvul0SrMx3WzD8vNkp9APiK-x78_sUzBjdr8Ij-RjUmzXPTX30QuW3/w358-h320/5th%20Tuesday%20in%20Lent%20Day%2024%20'24.jpg" width="358" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="background: white; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather;">The power of faith is the power of goodness and truth, </span></span></i></b></div><div style="background: white; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather;">which is
the power of God…</span></span></i></b></div><div style="background: white;"><b style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather;">The opposite of faith is therefore fatalism...</span></span></i></b><b style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather;">[that] finds
expression in statements like </span></span></i></b><b style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather;">'Nothing can be done about it.' and 'There is no
hope.' These are the statements </span></span></i></b><b style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #7f6000;">of people who do not really believe in the
power of God, </span></i></b><b style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #7f6000;">people </span></i></b><b style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #7f6000;">who do not really hope for what God has
promised. </span></i></b></div>
<div style="background: white;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Fondamento;"><b><span>~ </span></b><b><span>Albert Nolan, O.P.</span></b></span><b><span style="color: red;"><span><span style="font-family: Fondamento;">*</span></span><span style="font-family: times, serif;"> </span></span></b></span></div><div style="background: white; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Goudy Type"; font-style: italic; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Faith....do I have
it? I think I do ~ I must, I go to church, I pray ~ but then there are
those moments when I am unsure of what God means to my life. There are times
when I am certain there is nothing I can do that will make any useful
difference in the world. I even struggle with hope as the world seems to be in
constant chaos and turmoil, twisting and turning in violence and calamity. I
question my faith often and I suppose I always will. And then what helps
is seeing that tiny mustard seed ~ is that really all I need? I think I
can muster that much in my way of <i>Faith</i>.</span></span><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"></span></b></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #50164a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dear Jesus,<br />
In the Gospel of Matthew 17:20,You said that if I have faith as
small as a mustard seed I can move mountains. I feel that strength and
know I can move anything larger than myself on those "good days." On
those not so good days, sometimes it's all I can do to move myself. But when I
look at that tiny seed, I begin to approach hope. For today, I'll <i><u>give
up</u></i> pondering the details of what I'm sure I believe and what I'm
not so sure of. I'll <i><u>take on</u></i> walking through each day
with that mustard seed as a tangible sign of Your love and inspiration ~ from
its tiny beginnings to its full leafing of surprising height that produces more
seeds to give flavor and warmth to my life. I'll <i><u>pray</u></i> for
more hope and more confidence in my faith. In the meantime, I have faith in
that tiny seed's magic ~ within it there is the potential for tremendous
growth, just as there is within me when I feel my faith reaching for You. <i>amen.</i></span></span></b></div></div></div><b><div style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="font-style: italic;"><span><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBvkWZF8yr8o3Kv_2sCy0Hgj2Ju_7-qyusc_oaTOip6Iqtn4KcKs6jFEYd4v4iEvm5QETUy-WB78GwaHtlC4k-x98KQYBqj0ESeX04I8bZ_fisOSTaVOTMN4lIJL-gLS67zPs99VuyM-diRm8GjqNlxdFbHaGwQAc5QoxbRdjm_P2V5wUqTysop40e-m_h" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="577" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBvkWZF8yr8o3Kv_2sCy0Hgj2Ju_7-qyusc_oaTOip6Iqtn4KcKs6jFEYd4v4iEvm5QETUy-WB78GwaHtlC4k-x98KQYBqj0ESeX04I8bZ_fisOSTaVOTMN4lIJL-gLS67zPs99VuyM-diRm8GjqNlxdFbHaGwQAc5QoxbRdjm_P2V5wUqTysop40e-m_h=w400-h255" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">A Full-Grown Israeli Mustard Tree</span></i></b></div></span></i></b></span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><br /></div></b><b><div style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span><span style="font-family: Fondamento;">*</span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #283f19;">Albert Nolan, OP [</span><span style="color: #283f19;">1934-2022]</span><span style="color: #283f19;">, was born in Cape Town as a 4th generation South
African of English descent. </span><span style="color: #283f19;">With
inspiration from reading the works of Thomas Merton, he entered the Dominican
Order in 1954. He taught theology to and had been Vicar General of the
Dominicans in South Africa. The author of several books, his 1976, J<i>esus
Before Christianity,</i> is the most well-known and has been reissued
several times and as recently as 2001, its 25th Anniversary edition. In
it, Nolan discusses Jesus' radical struggle for the full humanity of the poor in
the time of first-century Palestine. Nolan writes that Jesus "challenged
the rich to identify in solidarity with the poor," a universal theme that
is persistently relevant across time and culture.</span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-style: italic;">All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: </span><span style="color: #351c75;">Leeosophy@gmail.com
</span></span></b><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Christina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986720029515681075.post-81045487374274471612024-03-11T18:18:00.043-04:002024-03-11T18:50:29.050-04:00Prayers of the People: Cracking it Open ~ 5th Sunday in Lent '24 Yr B<div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="color: #351c75;">For Sunday, March 17, 2024, Year B, Readings: Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-13, </span></span></i></b></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Hebrews
5:5-10, John 12:20-33</span></span></i></b></div></div><div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="font-style: italic;"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #783f04; font-size: 9pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RDMdLqWM93ugCjyEnqudrzlI6J8J8EwIYHG9oZiXxFzNdcvXJwt-k8AgQo1PSQGXpjeg8Vs30v_vcm1JI8SUDQJKEVmlSwtG6OS6roMIhN7DAMKj70enUkmUxLxF0IGEH7iDF1ZmQFze3pVUSCFnKHUNLIRWs7TUvXfra5-k9rAhJaO0DlMcIC2ma2mz/s780/5%20Lent%20'24%20Yr%20B%20If%20Crack%20open%20the%20seed.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="780" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RDMdLqWM93ugCjyEnqudrzlI6J8J8EwIYHG9oZiXxFzNdcvXJwt-k8AgQo1PSQGXpjeg8Vs30v_vcm1JI8SUDQJKEVmlSwtG6OS6roMIhN7DAMKj70enUkmUxLxF0IGEH7iDF1ZmQFze3pVUSCFnKHUNLIRWs7TUvXfra5-k9rAhJaO0DlMcIC2ma2mz/w346-h291/5%20Lent%20'24%20Yr%20B%20If%20Crack%20open%20the%20seed.jpg" width="346" /></a></div><span style="color: #015102;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"> ...I will make a new covenant...I will put my
law within them, and I will write it on their hearts...I will forgive their
iniquity, and remember their sin no more.</span></span></span></i></b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #015102;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">[Jeremiah
31:31,33b,34b]</span></b></span></span></div></b></span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; font-weight: bold;"><b style="font-style: italic;"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #013402;"> </span><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: medium;"> </span></span></i></b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><b style="font-style: italic;"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Have mercy on me, O
God...in your great compassion...Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a
right spirit within me...Give me the joy of your saving help and sustain me
with your bountiful spirit.</span> </span></i></b><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[Psalm 51:1, 11, 13]</span></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="color: #792704; font-size: medium;">Although he was a Son, he learned
obedience through what he suffered...he became the source of eternal salvation
for all who obey him...<span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></b><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #792704; font-size: x-small;">[Hebrews 5:8a, 9b]</span></span></b></p>
<div style="background: white; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="font-style: italic;"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span></i></b><b style="font-style: italic;"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> Very truly, I tell
you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a
single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.</span></i></b></span><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">[John 12:24] </span></span></b></span></div><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><b><br /></b></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; font-weight: bold;"></p><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><span><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #2f5597; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">From the
beginnings of Christian Liturgy until the late 1950s, the 5th Sunday in
Lent was known across many liturgical denominations as Passion Sunday and it
marked the beginning of a two-week </span></span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #2f5597; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Passiontide.</span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #2f5597; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> The 6th Sunday was Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, with the
Passion cycle finishing with the Hallelujahs of Easter Day. There are a few traditionalists that
still follow that liturgical line but these days in our corner of
Episcopal/Anglican Land, the two weeks of <i>Passiontide</i> is no
longer observed in that way. The 6th Sunday in Lent is now the combined </span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #2f5597; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday</span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #2f5597; font-family: Georgia, serif;">. </span></b></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #2f5597; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span></b></span><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> We who have been
Christian for a fair amount of time know what is coming, especially as parish
calendars are filled with the schedules of preparations and services for Holy
Week and Easter. Some will
enter the experience of the next weeks as a rote exercise of obligation
with a sense of the sacred a bit worn or dimmed. Some will skip a few or all of
the extra events in favor of laying all their spiritual eggs only in the joy of
Easter. But for me, in this 5th Sunday in Lent, it is time again that I consciously think more
about what it <u>all</u> means for me now and especially for <u>my</u> <i>eternal</i> </span></b></span><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #2f5597; font-family: Georgia, serif;">life.</span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #2f5597; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> How do I break out of my self-protecting
shell and be rooted again in Christ, growing, blossoming in Holy Ground? </span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #2f5597; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> This week, Jeremiah tells us that God plans a new covenant and <i>from the least of them to the greatest</i>, God says, <i>I will...remember their sins no more.</i> </span></span></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #2f5597; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Jesus tells his disciples about the grain of
wheat that must die in order to bear fruit. It is a cue for me to remember that
my life in this world is brief and shortening with every day that passes. It is
time for me to crack open the seed of wisdom and truth in the ground of my being,
to grow its fruit in my soul, and perhaps, along the Way, it may plant a few
seeds in others. </span></span></b></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #2f5597;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;">LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Leader: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;">~ O L<span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">ord</span> our God, turn us from
our earthly wants and purge us from our sins. Strengthen our faith in and by
Your constant Presence that we may hear again, intentionally follow, and obey
Jesus the Christ, our Source of eternal salvation.</span></span></p>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
O God of
Compassion </span></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">RESPONSE: Create in us
clean hearts</span></span></b></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">~ O L<span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">ord</span> our God, renew right spirits and write Your
Law and Covenant on the hearts and souls of all who have or take political
authority in this World, in this Nation, and in this Community, that their
actions will restore all Your people to justice, mercy, and peace. We pray
especially for: <i>add your own petitions</i></span></span></p>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
O God of Compassion</span></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> <b>Create
in us clean hearts</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">~ O L<span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">ord</span> our God, calm the fears and pain of all who
are afflicted by illness, turmoil, or doubt, and refresh the energy of all
who give them care. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in
need…<i>add your own petitions</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> O God of Compassion</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> <b>Create in us clean hearts </b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">~ O L<span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">ord</span> our God, we offer our praise and unending
gratitude for the joy and gladness of those we love, who now live again
forever, in Your glorious and bountiful Spirit. We pray especially
for: <i>add your own petitions</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> O God of Compassion</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <b>Create in us clean hearts </b></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;">r other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions,
petitions, and memorials, aloud or silently…</span><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;">add your own petitions</i></span></p>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> O God of Compassion</span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> <b>Create in us clean hearts </b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">~ O L<span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">ord</span> our God, grant special grace and blessings to
all who endeavor in Faith to live in and bring us Your Word and
Sacraments, that we all may know the reconciling love of Christ. We pray
especially for: <i>add your own petitions</i></span></span></p>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
O God of Compassion</span></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <b>Create
in us clean hearts </b></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><span><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: large;">The Celebrant adds:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> God
of Loving-Kindness, break us out of our self-protecting shells to die to
temporal distractions, that, rooted in the holy ground of Christ, our spiritual
fruitfulness may nourish the souls of ourselves and others, guiding us all into
eternal life. We ask through Jesus, our great High Priest; and the Holy Spirit,
our Sanctifier; who together with You, live, love, and reign as One God, now
and forever. <b>Amen.</b> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div></div><div style="background: white; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #2f5597;"><br /></span></b></span></div></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com
</span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Christina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986720029515681075.post-3430981425258616112024-03-11T10:26:00.000-04:002024-03-11T10:26:46.080-04:00Meditation Moment in Lent ~ Day 23: Give Up, Take On, Pray '24<div><div style="background: white; margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i>March 11, 2024 ~ 4<sup>th</sup>
Monday in Lent</i></span></b></span></div></div><div style="background: white; margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></span></div><div style="background: white; margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzb_wWMq9WuI1I7VVxm5faLcDL7MDEeZfnp23KzZI36TJ3pXuq3MS9iByY-5DYE5RQsoAVuGOsArESGVtGtLkUiNJWPbj3bmsJJwuT6stSiKdMKu-IazBUck7LFvSIPBuB55Q-HoPbObOky-LCnTBAZ5mVVdscTFyFq7qiDrT5yABvXB5NNoKAHTJmKTEF/s550/4th%20Monday%20in%20Lent%20Day%2023%20%20'24%20God%20names%20titles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="550" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzb_wWMq9WuI1I7VVxm5faLcDL7MDEeZfnp23KzZI36TJ3pXuq3MS9iByY-5DYE5RQsoAVuGOsArESGVtGtLkUiNJWPbj3bmsJJwuT6stSiKdMKu-IazBUck7LFvSIPBuB55Q-HoPbObOky-LCnTBAZ5mVVdscTFyFq7qiDrT5yABvXB5NNoKAHTJmKTEF/w407-h248/4th%20Monday%20in%20Lent%20Day%2023%20%20'24%20God%20names%20titles.jpg" width="407" /></a></div><br /></span></b><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #c55a11; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Just as how we
conceptualize God</span></span></b></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #c55a11; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> affects what we think the Christian life is
about,</span></span></b></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #c55a11; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">so do our images of God.</span></span></b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Crimson Text", serif; font-size: 4pt;"> </span></div>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Fondamento;"><b><span style="color: #843c0c; font-size: 14pt;">~ Marcus Borg</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">*</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Crimson Text", serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have
you ever thought about what image of God you have? We’ve all had lifelong
influences, some more unconscious than others. In your mind does "<i>he"</i> look
like the illustrations in Children's Bibles, or maybe a kindly white grandfather
with a beard by Michaelangelo, or a stern disciplinarian <i>father</i>? What about Jesus as
a white sun-tanned, blue eyed European whose long flowing locks shine with
expensive-looking highlights? How about a middle eastern semite ~ a darker-skinned
young Jewish man deeply tanned from the desert of Palestine? Does your mind see the
Holy Spirit as a white dove descending upside down or as non-burning tongues of
fire come first in your mind? </span></span></b></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Of course
it's easier to relate to and feel comfortable with someone we can picture in
our minds, someone who looks like us or someone we know and like. Have you ever had the
experience of meeting up with a friend from childhood ~ you have
that old photo in your mind and suddenly you're confronted with the
reality of time passing. Perhaps it all works fine or perhaps the memory and the reality
are difficult to mesh together. </span></span></b></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> Just as we watch children grow from newborns, to
toddlers, to older children, teens, young adults...and just as
we sometimes want to hold on to our images of them at a certain moment in
time, it's important for our relationships with them to grow and allow who they
become to deepen our bonds. It’s also important to understand that a Jewish
child, a Muslim child, an Asian-African-Palestinian-Caribbean-South American-Christian
child will likely </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, serif;">[and hopefully]</span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> have imagined anthropomorphic images depicting the God of
Abraham as much like older versions of themselves.</span></span></b></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Of course we don't have the luxury of knowing what God looks like ~ and if we did,
would it be <i>God</i>? But, we can look at how or if our early ideas
about our mind-image of God have or have not evolved as we’ve grown and how
that expresses the stagnation or the maturity of our faith. </span></span></b></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Sr.
Sandra Schneiders, IHM, STD, Professor Emerita of New Testament Studies and
Christian Spirituality at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley has
said, <i>God is more than two men and a bird. </i></span></span></b></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Book Antiqua", serif;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Has <i>your</i> Trinity
ever looked like <i>two men and a bird</i> in your mind's
eye? How does your current mind's image affect your prayer, your
relationship, your sense of who God is in <i>your</i> life?</span></b></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="color: #552579;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Dear God,<br />
I'm concerned that I might have
the wrong image of You in my mind. I want so much to capture the <i>right</i> picture
of You in my imaginings ~ all of You, the Trinity ~ God, Jesus, Holy Spirit,
so that I can feel that I'm relating to You correctly. And yet somehow
that doesn't seem quite right, either. Well then, for today
I'll <i><u>give up</u></i> trying to apply and accept someone else's
image of You. I'll <i><u>take on</u></i> thinking about how <u>I</u> am
made in <u>Your</u> <u>image</u> instead of You being made
in <i>my</i> image. I'll <i><u>pray</u></i> for the inner security and spiritual freedom to let You out of the box I try to
keep You in. And as I mature in my relationship with You, perhaps I will be
able to realize that all I need to do to know You in my mind and heart and
soul, is to look in the mirror and at all those I meet daily and all those I love
and have loved, then I will see the faces of My Trinity. amen.</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #552579;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="color: #cc0000;">*</span></b><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><b style="color: #274e13;">Marcus Borg </b><b style="color: #274e13;">[</b><b style="color: #274e13;">1942-2015</b><b style="color: #274e13;">]</b><b style="color: #274e13;">,</b><b style="color: #274e13;"> was a Fellow
of the Jesus Seminar</b><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">**</span></b><b style="color: #274e13;">, and the first person to be designated as Distinguished
Professor of Religion and Culture at Oregon State University. Educated at
Moorhead College in Concordia, Minnesota; Union Theological Seminary, in New
York City; and earned a Masters degree in theology and a Ph.D. at Mansfield
College, Oxford, England. A progressive Christian with a significant record of
scholarship and research of the Historical Jesus, a prolific author and
lecturer, and known internationally through videos, lectures, and television,
Borg was a frequent collaborator with other theologians with whom he both agreed
and disagreed. He remains one of the most recognized
and influential theologians of today. Two of his best known
works are </b><b style="color: #274e13;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span></b><b style="color: #274e13;"><i><span style="text-decoration-line: none;">Meeting J</span>esus Again for the First Time: The
historical Jesus & the heart of contemporary faith</i></b><b style="color: #274e13;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">; and, </span></b><b style="color: #274e13;"><i>Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Taking
the Bible Seriously but Not Literally</i></b><b style="color: #274e13;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">.</span></b></span></span></p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="color: #cc0000;">**</span></b><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #203864;">The Jesus Seminar,
then and now:</span><span style="color: #203864;"> </span><span style="color: #203864;"><a href="https://theconversation.com/getting-the-gist-of-a-historical-jesus-the-jesus-seminar-30-years-on-44465">https://theconversation.com/getting-the-gist-of-a-historical-jesus-the-jesus-seminar-30-years-on-44465</a></span></span></b></span></span></div><b><span style="color: #351c75;"><i><div><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><span style="font-size: medium;">All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: </span></i><span style="font-size: medium;">Leeosophy@gmail.com
</span></span></b><div><b><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div>Christina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986720029515681075.post-9710926596789087102024-03-09T08:54:00.003-05:002024-03-10T16:49:42.965-04:00Meditation Moment in Lent ~ Day 22: Give Up, Take On, Pray '24<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><i>March 9, 2024 ~ 4th Saturday in Lent</i></b></span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKiTl4j-fRceLuI897SN5mpiDc828vEFRvjgZQn9AvjX-ZwV-g6SnK-i5D9BTKHeKVf5zuf1BOJAnWCa9Whm-s75tPicU0nUV3b5Tb4z6-gEmKfMgb0J0Vmz900MEr5W4OxxfBGLNKMrIyWrj41Y_2XBGf_4DFIJf-hEL5vANusk9oTf8GwOqL20OFb-Z/s259/4th%20Saturday%20in%20Lent%20Day%2022%20%20'23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="259" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKiTl4j-fRceLuI897SN5mpiDc828vEFRvjgZQn9AvjX-ZwV-g6SnK-i5D9BTKHeKVf5zuf1BOJAnWCa9Whm-s75tPicU0nUV3b5Tb4z6-gEmKfMgb0J0Vmz900MEr5W4OxxfBGLNKMrIyWrj41Y_2XBGf_4DFIJf-hEL5vANusk9oTf8GwOqL20OFb-Z/w331-h227/4th%20Saturday%20in%20Lent%20Day%2022%20%20'23.jpg" width="331" /></a></div><br /><div><b><i><span style="color: #78206e; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #78206E; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">I</span></i></b></div>
<div><b><i><span style="color: #78206e; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #78206E; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">Am</span></i></b></div>
<div><b><i><span style="color: #78206e; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #78206E; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">A Hole</span></i></b></div>
<div><b><i><span style="color: #78206e; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #78206E; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">In A Flute</span></i></b></div>
<div><b><i><span style="color: #78206e; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #78206E; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">That the Christ's Breath</span></i></b></div>
<div><b><i><span style="color: #78206e; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #78206E; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">Moves Through -</span></i></b></div>
<div><b><i><span style="color: #78206e; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #78206E; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">Listen to This</span></i></b></div>
<div><b><i><span style="color: #78206e; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #78206E; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">Music.</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;"> </span></i></b></div>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="color: #163e64; font-family: "Constantia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #163E64; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=90000 lumo=10000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 230;">~ Hafiz 1320-1389</span></i></b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: x-large; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">*</span></b></p></div><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #215F9A; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=75000 lumo=25000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 191;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> I don’t
remember when I first read a poem by Hafiz. But I do remember the first time I
read the one above. I was browsing in a bookstore for nothing in particular. I saw
a book and picked it up and turned the first few pages. Just after the page
with all the publishing details was the poem. I had seen a few things by Hafiz
but this just captured me and going no further into the book, I bought it. Take
some time to sit with this poem, this image. Breathe with it. It’s a full body
~ physical, heartful, soulful ~ breath prayer. Whether or not you have any musical ability or not, imagine yourself as a flute
filled with music just waiting to be released. See your breath as on a cold
winter day expressed as vapor released into your surroundings. Imagine it is
Christ’s breath sent into each person you pass, speak to… We are the vessels to
carry all that we say we believe, even Christ Himself. </span><span style="color: #215f9a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, serif;">O Breath of God,</span></b><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br />
<b> waft through my
body, permeate my soul, fill my consciousness to overflowing, open my heart to
let go of judgment, anger, fear, resentment, and more internal negatives. Let
me breathe in deeply to fill me so I can breathe You out into the
World. For today I will <i><u>give up</u></i> the oblivion of
mindless breathing and <i><u>take on</u></i> the wonder
of deeply inhaling, holding, and exhaling with purpose beyond the
obvious. I will stop and notice several times today as I breathe
in with intention and breathe out with awareness. I will <i><u>pray</u></i> at
those moments to experience the Radiance of Christ entering in and the humility
of conveying the Glory of Christ as I release His music to the world around
me. <i>amen.</i></b></span></span><span style="color: #501549; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</span><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">*</span></b><b><span style="color: #65290b;">Hafiz (Shams-ud-din
Muhammad) was a beloved poet of 14th century Persians and his mystical verse
has come down through the ages influencing the work and lives of Goethe and
Ralph Waldo Emerson, both of whom translated his work. Arthur Conan Doyle had
his character Sherlock Holmes quoting Hafiz and Johannes Brahms used several
lines in his own compositions. It has been said that in
difficult moments, Queen Victoria also went to the work of Hafiz. The
quote above was translated by Daniel Ladinsky in his book, <i>A Year With
Hafiz.</i></span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua; font-size: large;"><span class="expandableitem"><b><i><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #002060; padding: 0in;">Hafiz</span></i></b></span><span class="expandableitem"><b><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #002060; padding: 0in;">, is a title, rather than a name, literally
meaning "protector." Depending on the context it is a term used by
Muslims for someone who has completely memorized the Quran. Hafiza is the
female equivalent. A hafiz is given great respect by the people of the
community with titles such as "Hafiz Sahb", "Ustadh", and
occasionally Sheikh.</span></b></span></span><b><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Goudy Type"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: medium;"><b><i>All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: </i>Leeosophy@gmail.com
</b></span><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div></div>Christina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986720029515681075.post-2897154623144105852024-03-08T10:45:00.001-05:002024-03-08T10:45:20.118-05:00Meditation Moment in Lent ~ Day 21: Give Up, Take On, Pray ‘24<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Constantia, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">March
29, 2024 ~ 4<sup>th</sup> Friday in Lent</span></span></b></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Constantia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Constantia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlQjejxNLEarJTd04kEj5hrIFV1DPBuHkNTtC5YihI7mLW648a1mbHYslDlMtP_ry_1VCTIXmwZlNwKbQzbn8I6RfjTphq9iNOVuOeu53ZRXtUoB0lzthIPW2XWuFnGxKpa3yVWhO1V8avhn6UvbrlsqLrS49ZyBgqTp9LLO82lVxQlA3Bta9R5Roa2m1/s386/4th%20Friday%20in%20Lent%20Day%2021%20'24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="234" data-original-width="386" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlQjejxNLEarJTd04kEj5hrIFV1DPBuHkNTtC5YihI7mLW648a1mbHYslDlMtP_ry_1VCTIXmwZlNwKbQzbn8I6RfjTphq9iNOVuOeu53ZRXtUoB0lzthIPW2XWuFnGxKpa3yVWhO1V8avhn6UvbrlsqLrS49ZyBgqTp9LLO82lVxQlA3Bta9R5Roa2m1/w385-h212/4th%20Friday%20in%20Lent%20Day%2021%20'24.jpg" width="385" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Constantia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b><i><span style="color: #7d320d; font-family: "Sorts Mill Goudy",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
refuse to answer that question on the grounds </span></i></b></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Constantia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><i><span style="color: #7d320d; font-family: "Sorts Mill Goudy", serif; font-size: 16pt;">that I don't know the answer.</span></i></b></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Fondamento; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #a64312;">―</span></b><b><span style="color: #a64312;"> Douglas Adams</span></b><b><span style="color: red;">*</span></b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #03189d; font-family: Fondamento; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #03189d; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">To be completely fair, the question <i>What do you
believe </i>was not a question asked of Mr. Adams that I know of, but his words
that I quoted are simply that, a quote attributed to him that works for my
purpose. I have no idea of the context but most likely it was a part of his
humor. But now I ask <i>YOU</i> to think about this question for yourself. I do
it all the time, especially when I’ve been confronted with centuries old theology in the form of “doctrines.” </span></span></b></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i> Theo-logy</i> in a literal translation from the original Greek means
God [<i>Theo</i>] and study of [ology as in geology, archaeology, ophthalmology…]. Theology is, simply, the study of God </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">and even <u>g</u>ods and goddesses as in, the <i>theology
of ancient cultures</i></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">. How have you studied God? Maybe you’ve been part of a
Bible study and/or paid attention to sermons at Church, participated in seminars, watched TV preachers, or maybe you have
explored in small study groups, read books, watched documentaries about religion or
spirituality. Do you believe it because she/he/they simply taught you to, told
you to, because they have said it once or many times, or because you have truly
wondered, studied, explored, pondered, discussed with others, etc.?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"> The follow-on
to <i>what do you believe </i>about God is <i>why do you believe it?</i> In my
personal experience, having accepted what I was taught, then questioned it, then
was dissatisfied with some answers, intrigued by other answers, listened, and
worked on my own and with others, read a lot, worked on my own and with others. My personal conclusion is I have some solid/core beliefs
and some that I will continue to explore and question for the rest of my life as in: What
draws me in, what repels me, what am I seeking, what comforts upholds me, what makes
no sense to me, what… I don’t probably will never know the
answers to all the questions and I'm learning to accept it.</span></span></b></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Great Spirit of My Soul,</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><b style="font-family: georgia;">I seem to ask myself <i>What do I believe</i> quite a bit though I
never seem to get a complete answer. Other people seem very clear, even
emphatic about their beliefs and I often wish I could be. But the
truth is, some of my answers change as I get older, learn more, and I
often wonder why I wonder.</b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b> One
of the things about You of which I am certain is that there is You.
Another is that You have many titles, many layers, and You are available
to me and everyone in many, many ways. <br /></b><b> But...there
are the uncertain parts. Is there anything You </b><b><i>require </i></b><b>me</b><b> to believe? Some “authorities”
would demand that I accept this or that or the other or I’m forever doomed. There
sure are a lot of different ideas about You among people who get very
upset, extremely angry, and even start wars with others who strongly disagree.<br /> <o:p></o:p></b><b> If You are a <i>Universal God</i>, why do
we have to fight about You? It's all in the details, I suppose ~ about who
made the “rules” and who shouts the rules out better. Are “their”
rules all about loving You and each other, or more about control and
manipulation by some earthly representative? <br /> </b><b> For
today, I’ll <i><u>give up</u></i> the feeling that I “should” be completely certain
of what I believe. I’ll continue to <i><u>take on</u></i> learning more
about who You are in my life through personal and communal prayer, by
reading and talking about my own and different faith traditions with others,
and by looking at the lives of people I think are good models for my
life. I’ll <i><u>pray</u></i> for the wisdom to know that whatever I
believe, You understand and are still with me.<br /></b><b> Perhaps
the God of those who feel the need to argue and demand the most adherence to their
beliefs by others is smaller than You are and is able to be kept in a
manageable box so they feel as big or bigger than you. Yes, that I do believe. </b></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "Sorts Mill Goudy", serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">*</span><b><span style="color: #1c3c10; font-family: "Goudy Type";">Douglas Adams[1952-2001], English born dramatist, humorist, and
author, is best known for <i>The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy</i>, a
comedic science fiction series of books, tv, movies, computer games,
and plays.</span></b><span style="color: #275317; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Sorts Mill Goudy", serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Constantia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b><span style="color: #a64312; font-family: "Sorts Mill Goudy",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b></p></div><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Constantia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></b></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><b><i>All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: </i>Leeosophy@gmail.com
</b></span><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Christina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986720029515681075.post-7325094030071721962024-03-07T10:42:00.000-05:002024-03-07T10:42:36.213-05:00Meditation Moment in Lent, Day 20: Give Up, Take On, Pray '24<div><b><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;"><i>March 7, 2024 ~ 4th Thursday in Lent</i></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RZEKp5MPkCwicV4FHjuddGAXbRY3beT5oejxsJYTO86tCJ-nzBoTdpg4IQPPoK_E0ofEe3eExqEfzCBA0lXmdgKRqBSSL71QmUMbE331p23yQI8qSv7neYJ99z0laSSPu5GlHhHEmjgEjweHHTHdD6BlQexialTkqtGdsuCmDryNQLQ-TlxorroP5UO7/s599/4th%20Thursday%20in%20Lent%20Day%2020%20'24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="599" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RZEKp5MPkCwicV4FHjuddGAXbRY3beT5oejxsJYTO86tCJ-nzBoTdpg4IQPPoK_E0ofEe3eExqEfzCBA0lXmdgKRqBSSL71QmUMbE331p23yQI8qSv7neYJ99z0laSSPu5GlHhHEmjgEjweHHTHdD6BlQexialTkqtGdsuCmDryNQLQ-TlxorroP5UO7/w407-h306/4th%20Thursday%20in%20Lent%20Day%2020%20'24.jpg" width="407" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></b><div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><i><span style="color: #843c0c;"><span style="font-family: PT Serif;">One of the most
significant negative habits we should be aware of </span></span></i></strong></span></div><div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><strong><i><span style="color: #843c0c;"><span style="font-family: PT Serif;">i</span></span></i></strong></span><strong><i><span style="color: #843c0c;"><span style="font-family: PT Serif;">s that of constantly
allowing our mind to run off into the future...</span></span></i></strong></span></div><div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><i><span style="color: #843c0c;"><span style="font-family: PT Serif;">Carried away by our worries,
we’re unable to live fully and happily in the present. </span></span></i></strong></span></div><div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><i><span style="color: #843c0c;"><span style="font-family: PT Serif;">Deep down, we believe we
can’t really be happy just yet—</span></span></i></strong></span></div><div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><strong><i><span style="color: #843c0c;"><span style="font-family: PT Serif; font-size: medium;">that we still have a few more boxes to be
checked off </span></span></i></strong></div><div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><i><span style="color: #843c0c;"><span style="font-family: PT Serif;">before we can really enjoy life.</span></span></i></strong><i><span style="color: #843c0c;"><span style="font-family: PT Serif;"> </span></span></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Fondamento; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #843c0c;">~ Thích Nhất Hạnh</span></i></b><strong><i><span style="color: red;">*</span></i></strong><strong><i><span style="color: #843c0c;"> </span></i></strong></span></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: "Crimson Text",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: "Crimson Text",serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"> </span><b><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"> It’s one thing to hope for and plan for the
future. It’s another thing to live in it before it arrives and, in so doing,
miss all the opportunities of <em>today</em> to
smile, appreciate, enjoy. Even in the darkest of times, light will shine
through the clouds. How many times have you played the game of: <i>once the car
is paid off...once the kids are through college...once the new roof is on...once
the dentist bills are paid.once the house is fixed up, paid off, sold...once we
retire. <em>THEN we'll be able to...</em></i><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: large; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"> Take the moments you have in the <u>NOW</u>, </span></b></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: large; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">and the <u>THEN</u> <i>will</i>
take care of itself.</span></b></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: medium; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br /></span></b></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><span><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Dear
God of the Possibly-Maybe-Someday Stuff ~<br />
</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> All this business of "live for today and tomorrow will take care of
itself" is all well and fine but I have bills to pay, income to worry
about, house repairs that can't wait, and the car has issues and then there’s
the dentist bill, and, and, and... [insert long, </span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span>s l o w,
d e e p, breath here]. Ok, all right, fine! For today I will <em><u>give up</u></em> looking so
far ahead that today is gone before I know it. I will <em style="text-decoration-line: underline;">take on</em> setting
the cell phone timer to go off once an hour for 6 hours and when it does, I
will stand up, take one, long, slow, deep breath, and walk through the space I'm in. I'll take 30 more seconds to look around me
and notice something pleasant or peace-giving or comforting that I haven't
noticed before whether in my immediate surroundings or outside of a window; or,
I will look at a picture of someone I love and smile and be glad to have him or
her or them in my life. I will <em><u>pray</u></em> to be <em>aware</em> of
and to be thankful for all the good moments that I have for looking for them in this
day and the next and the next. I will thank You, Dear Lord, and remember that <em>Life is a gift</em>,
as someone once put on a tacky plaque <em>that's why we call it the present.</em></span> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">[You
know, the magnetic one I have on my refrigerator to remind me]</span></b><em><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">.</span></b></em><span><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">amen.</span></b></span></span></p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Crimson Text",serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Goudy Old Style",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">*</span></strong><b><span style="color: #3a5925; font-family: "Constantia",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: David; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Thích Nh</span><span style="color: #3a5925; font-family: "Constantia",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">ấ</span><span style="color: #3a5925; font-family: "Constantia",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: David; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">t Hanh [Tick Not Hahn], 1926-2022, was a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk</span></b><b style="color: #3a5925; font-family: Constantia, serif;">, peace activist, teacher,
prolific author, and poet who was once nominated for the Nobel Peace
Prize by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He wrote and
lectured extensively on the connections between Buddhism and
Christianity in such works as <i>Living Buddha, Living Christ</i> and <i>Going
Home, Jesus and Buddha as Brothers</i>. He studied comparative religion at
Princeton University and was appointed lecturer in Buddhism at Columbia
University. He lived in a monastery in the south of France until his death but traveled frequently around the world to lecture.</b></span></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Crimson Text",serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><b><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: medium;"><i>All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: </i>Leeosophy@gmail.com
</span></b><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Christina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986720029515681075.post-56300118289049816902024-03-06T11:22:00.000-05:002024-03-06T11:22:40.839-05:00Meditation Moment in Lent ~ Day 19: Give Up, Take On, Pray '24<div><div><b><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "PT Serif",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">March 6, 2024 ~ 4th Wednesday in Lent</span></i></b></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: PT Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; font-family: "PT Serif", serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSR8VHc-inlWguH16ha-Yd6oDfS3pnKh5WOEPh4XDX-2NqcqyULl58p1DEs4pixBeV-D1oUX74WssrTrHlYen3Q8Va7opP9OQQVbTzOGZXo44sUMV7KWfKmXDQY0LEgA6oNOq54HJXpa0Iv_MOfy3oXYKd2QVo5gPOru7HJ8p8qsnkyVjuXfaWyXWEex9m/s300/4th%20Wednesday%20in%20Lent%20Day%2019%20'23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="181" data-original-width="300" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSR8VHc-inlWguH16ha-Yd6oDfS3pnKh5WOEPh4XDX-2NqcqyULl58p1DEs4pixBeV-D1oUX74WssrTrHlYen3Q8Va7opP9OQQVbTzOGZXo44sUMV7KWfKmXDQY0LEgA6oNOq54HJXpa0Iv_MOfy3oXYKd2QVo5gPOru7HJ8p8qsnkyVjuXfaWyXWEex9m/w366-h223/4th%20Wednesday%20in%20Lent%20Day%2019%20'23.jpg" width="366" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: Fondamento; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #351c75;">~ Julian of Norwich</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">*</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><span><span><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; font-family: Fondamento;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #060b96;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span></b><b><i><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span></i></b><b><span style="color: #033598;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> Few
of us can claim personal experience with unconditional love either received or
given. Perhaps a moment with a child, even a pet, but such a rarefied occasion
is fleeting and fragile. Yet there are those times when even the
strongest of us needs the all-encompassing embrace of one who gives us
a <i>Way </i>for our living this life yet requires nothing in
return, has no expectations, and wants only to care for and comfort, nurture
and love us. Let us whisper in our hearts to the One and <i>know</i>.</span></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; font-family: Fondamento;"><b><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; font-family: Fondamento;"><b><span style="color: #215f9a; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<div style="background: white; font-family: Fondamento; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">O Great Nurturer,
Comforter, and Soother, </span></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; font-family: Fondamento; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"> Some
days I want too much from others while I think that they want too much
from me. Although I'm often certain that, "of course" I try
to meet the expectations they have, I more easily fall into an ego trap of <i>but
what about me</i>? For today I will <u>give up</u> pouting
about feelings of being ignored and inadequate. I will <u>take on</u> a
fresh breath and a deep dive into Your call to love my neighbors and myself
as well as You do, and that my gifts of and from the Spirit are always needed and wanted and useful for others. I will <u>pray</u> to
remember that You are always within and around me and knowing if I pause,
breathe, and know You are here, You grant me continuing rebirth in faith,
reassurance of Your love, and refreshment in my soul. amen.</span></span></b></div><div style="background: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: Fondamento; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> *</span></b><span style="color: #0c343d;"><b>Julian
of Norwich, </b><b>1342-ca 1416,</b><b> </b><b>was an
English Anchoress which was, in her day, a hermit who lived in, and
was sometimes permanently enclosed in, a small cell attached to a
wall of the church. Her life consisted of daily devotions, prayer, devotional
reading, and writing. She is considered to be one of the most
important mystics in all of Christianity. Her manuscript
of Revelations of Divine Love ~ also known as the Short
Text ~ is thought to be the oldest surviving book written in English by a
woman. She is probably best known for her words that with God, "All
shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of
things shall be well."</b></span></span><b style="font-family: Fondamento; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Fondamento; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><o:p> </o:p></p></span></span></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div>All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com
Christina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986720029515681075.post-36617613995366651512024-03-05T10:08:00.000-05:002024-03-05T10:08:24.562-05:00Meditation in Lent, Day 18: Give Up, Take On, Pray '24<div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Constantia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">March 5, 2024 ~ 3<sup>rd</sup> Tuesday in Lent</span></b></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Constantia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfETxZxmwR_1z-ARuaD9W_1FlWhmQS9-el7J8P8EyFH991Gz7-JFTdWZlh82JwpooSkAGxKWjlFHngmVeHK6L4oN3SJOw0wyfZZti3JQ7DX_RXS1YdAzS9tnCS2ANg7_2HKdim0l_4lfPXXjsT-S4bvZFWP4wRSsP6EZuYbBwpVdJryeABLcuLIkRleE6/s480/3rd%20Tuesday%20in%20Lent%20Day%2018%20'23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfETxZxmwR_1z-ARuaD9W_1FlWhmQS9-el7J8P8EyFH991Gz7-JFTdWZlh82JwpooSkAGxKWjlFHngmVeHK6L4oN3SJOw0wyfZZti3JQ7DX_RXS1YdAzS9tnCS2ANg7_2HKdim0l_4lfPXXjsT-S4bvZFWP4wRSsP6EZuYbBwpVdJryeABLcuLIkRleE6/w359-h320/3rd%20Tuesday%20in%20Lent%20Day%2018%20'23.jpg" width="359" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Fondamento;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: 18pt;">~ Vida Dutton Scudder </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: 10pt;">1861-1954</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">*</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Fondamento;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A paradox of Creation is
that it is complete but not yet finished. God in the Trinity, as Creator,
Redeemer, and Sanctifier, calls us into a spiritual relationship and as earthly
co-creators, acting in us to give us all we need to continue the work of
salvation, mercy, social justice, and simple kindness. We are also called into loving our
neighbors as ourselves in this world, and caring for the Earth itself. So, do
you feel more special now, or, more scared? A little of both? </span></span></span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br />
<br /></span></span><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #481f67; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Holy God of Mystery and Majesty,<br />
I feel a little overwhelmed by all You
have entrusted to me to be and accomplish. I want to live up to all of Your
expectations even while I'm not sure of the hows, the whats, and the wheres to
begin. For today, again, I will <i><u>give up</u></i> the pursuit of
material satisfaction as a principal goal of life and stay off the shopping
websites that lure me into far more than I need with the tease of
"free" home delivery. I'll shop in local businesses that will keep
the load and costs lower as I carry my purchases with me. I'll <i><u>take
on</u></i> trying to truly see Your Creation and consciously participate
in it with birds and trees and avoiding toxic lawn care by encouraging
dandelions here and there for the bees. I'll be more proactive in creating
relationships, however momentary or long-term with the world around me and all
who are in it from the street I live on, the people I know, and those I see in
everyday life. I'll pay more attention to my everyday thoughts, and, especially
my words and actions everywhere I go, as You have created me to do. I<i><u> pray</u></i> to
always know that You are within me, that Faith and the Spirit have given me
what I need to do and be, and I pray to remember to keep praying to move
through this life with consciousness, intention, and purpose, caring and
carrying Your love through all that I do each day in this brief earthly
sojourn. <i>amen</i>.</span></span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Crimson Text",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Constantia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">*</span></span></b><b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Vida Dutton Scudder holds October 10 on the US Episcopal
Liturgical Calendar as a Feast Day. Professor of English Literature at
Wellesley College in Massachusetts, she was one of the first two American women
admitted to the graduate program at Oxford University. In addition to
teaching, she was an author and a welfare activist in the Social Gospel
movement. She was a founder or organizer of many groups involved with
Christian socialism, trade/labor unions, and Boston's Denison House, the third
settlement house in the US. In 1888 she joined the Society of the Companions of
the Holy Cross, Episcopal women dedicated to intercessory prayer and
social reconciliation. At her retirement from Wellesley she was given the
title of Professor Emeritus and among other honors went on the become the
first Dean of the Summer School of Christian Ethics at Wellesley and the first
woman to be published in the <i>Anglican Theological Review</i>. For information
on the beginnings and workings of the Social Gospel Movement click this link:</span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Constantia, serif; font-size: large;"> </span></b><b style="font-size: large;"><u><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: "Constantia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: David; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2F5597; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><a href="https://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/tserve/twenty/tkeyinfo/socgospel.htm">https://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/tserve/twenty/tkeyinfo/socgospel.htm</a></span></u></b></div><p></p></div></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-outline-level: 3;"><b><span style="font-family: Constantia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></b></p></div><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><div><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div>All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact:</i> Leeosophy@gmail.com
</span></b><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Christina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986720029515681075.post-57153456948076842132024-03-04T17:53:00.000-05:002024-03-04T17:53:19.076-05:00Prayers of the People: Grace-Full Antidote ~ 4th Sunday in Lent '24 Yr B<div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: times, serif;">For Sunday, March 10, 2024, Readings: Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22, Ephesians
2:1-10, John 3:14-21</span></i></b></div></div><div><span style="color: #351c75;"><b style="font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8pq5wmj-6f2Gne_EVWhNLjaLEMWJR5XjcnChY1-7eca7A2VSwihFcov0taihh3bsXx-s9I6TQ-zGE3rw_6JMq1Kvvs2Ak4OY2cg54-lmXBeNLmn-U3h_kT7CYXAsEvPCaSH9NeQeXlIxIRuYzZxGHzo27QbpGPeh4ktelpsmNsPhOvKkWbJ_-f4UYJ2u/s1000/4%20Lent%20'24%20Yr%20B%20Grace%20Full%20Antidote.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1000" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8pq5wmj-6f2Gne_EVWhNLjaLEMWJR5XjcnChY1-7eca7A2VSwihFcov0taihh3bsXx-s9I6TQ-zGE3rw_6JMq1Kvvs2Ak4OY2cg54-lmXBeNLmn-U3h_kT7CYXAsEvPCaSH9NeQeXlIxIRuYzZxGHzo27QbpGPeh4ktelpsmNsPhOvKkWbJ_-f4UYJ2u/w310-h348/4%20Lent%20'24%20Yr%20B%20Grace%20Full%20Antidote.jpg" width="310" /></a></div></span></b><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: #073763;"><i>The Israelites set out by the way to the Red Sea...but the
people became impatient...[and] spoke against God and against Moses...Then the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> sent poisonous serpents...many
Israelites died...So Moses prayed for the people. And the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> said to Moses, "Make a
poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look
at it and live."</i> </span></b><b><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[Numbers 21:4-5a, 6, 7b-8]</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; font-weight: bold;"><b style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #333333;"> </span></b><b style="font-style: italic;"><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, and his mercy endures
forever...Then they cried to the </span></i></b><b style="font-style: italic;"><i><span style="color: #073763; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span></i></b><b><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #783f04;"> in their trouble, and he delivered them
from their distress.<span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><b><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[Psalm 107:1, 19]</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background: white; font-weight: bold;"><b style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> <i>But
God, who is rich in mercy...made us alive together with Christ...For by grace
you have been saved through faith, and this is not of your own doing; it is the
gift of God - not the result of works, so that no one may boast.<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i></span></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">[Ephesians
2:4a,b; 8-9</span></b><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">]</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background: white; font-weight: bold;"><b style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> <i>Jesus
said, "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...the light has come into the world...those who do what is true come to
the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in
God."<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i></span></b><b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[John 3:14, 19a, 21]</span><i style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></p></span><span><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><div class="WordSection1" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: #2f5597; font-family: "Georgia",serif;"> Even God gets tired of grumbling. After all the grand displays
of glory ~ pillars of cloud and fire, parting of seas, manna (what no salt
and pepper?), and more ~ the grumbling Israelites still had no confidence in
the eventuality of God's deliverance. So, God sends poisonous snakes that kill,
and suddenly chastened, the people begged Moses to pray and intervene for them,
and he did. God delivered ~ not an end to the dangers, but relief.<br />
Moses, on God's orders, made a bronze snake to hang on a
pole. All the Israelites had to do was <i>look</i> at the snake on
the pole when bitten and they lived. God is not predictable, but as the
Psalmist tells us God’s <i>mercy endures forever. </i>And, Paul tells
us we are saved by God's grace.<br />
We ALL have God's grace. We don't have to work for it ~ no one
does ~ it comes to us by faith however strong or wavering or by hope. Yet how
have we harnessed it, especially after we have been bitten by the snakes of our
own behavior, or by that of someone else's?<br />
Have you ever thought or said that old
expression: <i>There but for the grace of God go I?</i> It is mostly
well-intended, and at once unintentionally thought-less and even care-less.
It's an instant reaction to reduce our own fear and to comfort ourselves
against the dangers of life as in: “<i>Whew! Dodged that! </i>There's
that poor guy who was run over in the same intersection I just crossed, and
there but for…" Even well-meaning, the unconscious thought is: "<u>I</u> have
more grace than <u>that</u> guy." <br />
<i> </i>As we are deep in this Lenten season, let us work to
be more conscious, more aware of even our most random reactions and instant
thoughts. God is "rich in mercy" and loves and understands each
of us as only our Creator could; certainly better than we understand ourselves
or each other. Our lives are filled with danger, there are all sorts and
conditions of "snakes" that bite us, many of which we invite into our
own space by striving for ever-more earthly material.<br />
The poison of chasing earthly stuff, judging and blaming
others for their gender and gender choices, color, language, national origin, choice
of religious expression or lack of, sexual orientation, and anything that makes
one feel superior to another can be quite tempting as well as lethal to our
souls. God doesn't promise our earthly life will be easy or safe and John 3:16
isn't magic or just for signs at football games. It is for us to know, deep
down, in every day of this life, so that everyone who believes in Christ <i>may
not perish but may have eternal life. <br />
</i> We are to be steadfast and faith-filled in the knowledge of
the Light of Christ within us. Our conscious acts are clearly to be of and for
God. As the Israelites were directed to look up to the pole, Jesus tells
Nicodemus that the Son of Man is also to be lifted up. We are called to look to
Christ, the Cross, and the Resurrection in faith, for our salvation, before we
are bitten by the snakes of sin, as well as after. With meaningful prayer and
practice over time, even our unconscious thoughts and actions may be less
poisonous to ourselves and others. And, maybe, we could even stop grumbling
quite so much. Meanwhile, let us strive to grow in faith, to accept and feel
the infusion of the ever-flowing Grace-Full Antidote within us to repel the
darkness of sin.</span></b></p></div>
<div class="WordSection2" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2e74b5; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">T'was Grace that taught<br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #2e74b5; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">
my heart to fear.<br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #2e74b5; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">
And Grace, my fears relieved.<br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #2e74b5; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">
How precious did that Grace appear<br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #2e74b5; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">
the hour I first believed. <br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #2e74b5; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">
Through many dangers, toils and snares<br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #2e74b5; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">
we have already come.<br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #2e74b5; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far<br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #2e74b5; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">
and Grace will lead us home</span></b></div><div style="background: white; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2e74b5; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br /></span></b></div>
</div>
</span></span><br /> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif;">LET
US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b>Leader: </b>~ O God of Enduring Mercy, awaken us
to the snakes we invite into the wilderness of our own making by impatient
striving for mere earthly advantage. Open the eyes of our souls to the light of
Christ that stems the poison of sin and lifts our desire for eternal salvation.</span></p>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif;">
Lord of Eternal Wonder</span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif;">RESPONSE:
In faith we accept Your grace</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">~ O God of Enduring
Mercy, amplify our voices to all who hold power on this Planet, in this
Nation, and in this Community, as we combat and clamor against ordinary
and catastrophic injustice toward all who are endangered <i>In</i> the darkness
of deliberate human trespass. We pray especially for: <i>add your own
petitions</i></span></p>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif;"> Lord of
Eternal Wonder</span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif;"> <b>In
faith we accept Your grace</b></span></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">~ O God of Enduring
Mercy, deliver from their distress all who are suffering through
life-threatening illness, addiction, or homelessness, and give rest to all who
provide support. We now join our hearts together to pray for those in
need…</span></p>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> Lord of Eternal Wonder</span></div><div style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> <b>In faith we accept Your grace</b></span></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">~ O God of Enduring Mercy, we
shout for joy in thanksgiving for all who are now made alive again and gathered
forever into the immeasurable riches of Your unending love. We pray
especially for… <i>add your own petitions</i></span></p>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif;"> Lord of
Eternal Wonder</span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif;"> <b>In
faith we accept Your grace</b></span></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">~ O God of Enduring
Mercy, we <i>pause</i> in this moment to offer You our other
heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials… <i>add
your own petitions</i></span></p>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif;"> Lord of
Eternal Wonder</span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif;"> <b>In
faith we accept Your grace</b> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">~ O God of Enduring Mercy,
guide the souls, the minds, and the hearts of all who bring us together into
our Living Christ through their service of Pastoring, Preaching, and
Prayer. We pray especially for: <i>add your own petitions</i></span></p>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif;"> Lord of
Eternal Wonder</span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif;"> <b>In
faith we accept Your grace</b></span></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Celebrant adds: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Good and
Redeeming Lord, invigorate our faith and inspire us in our repentance to
acknowledge and accept Your free gift of Grace, that our souls may not perish
in sin, but thrive in Your eternal life. We ask through Your Son, our Savior,
Jesus Christ; and the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit; Who live and reign with You as
One God, now, in the ages to come, and forever. <b>Amen.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: medium; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: </span><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;">Leeosophy@gmail.com
</span></span><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div>Christina Brennan Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010750265041698257noreply@blogger.com0