second Sunday in Lent (2021)
contemplating collects
O GOD, Who seest that of ourselves we have no strength; Keep us both outwardly and inwardly; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, . . .
Israel's sin and ours
Lent with Bruggemann
"Seek the LORD while he may be found! Call on him while he is near! Let the wicked man abandon his way. Let an evil man abandon his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will show him mercy. Let him turn to our God, because he will abundantly pardon" (Isaiah 55.6-7 EHV).
Time and time again, the Old Testament prophets . . .
Posted in: lentreflections
on worrying and faith
Lent with Bruggemann
"Which of you can add a single moment to his lifespan by worrying?" -- Matthew 6.27 (EHV)
I find that a biting, embarrassing question, because of course, it is true. Being defensive and frightened and coveting has never really resulted in any gains. Partly we do it because we don't know any better way and partly . . .
Posted in: lentreflections
reflection for the first Sunday in Lent (2021)
(Note: this is an updated version of an essay first posted in 2019)
How is your Lenten journey going so far? I hope you have decided to make this a season of intentionally drawing closer to Christ as we prepare to remember his Passion and celebrate his Resurrection. Encourage each other as you seek Christ this week!
. . .Posted in: lent
first Sunday in Lent (2021)
contemplating collects
O LORD, mercifully hear our prayer, and stretch forth the right hand of Thy Majesty to defend us from them that rise up against us; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
--Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church
. . .Lent with Brueggemann
daily devotionals during a season of self-denial
Walter Brueggemann is a fascinating character among contemporary American theologians. He is ordained clergy in the United Church of Christ, one of the most liberal denominations in the entire landscape of American Christianity. He is principally an Old Testament scholar who taught at the seminary level for more than four decades in both . . .
we've already given up everything!
getting back to the basics of Lent
Lent started yesterday--without the traditional Ash Wednesday service because of widespread power outages and wintry weather in the Houston area. Into the mix of COVID restrictions that have become routine but never "normal," we have added power losses, rolling blackouts, orders to boil water, barren grocery shelves, . . .
Posted in: lent
