readings and reflections for lent seeking god’s · 2019-10-02 · readings and reflections for...

Readings and re f l ec t ions for Lent

A Ministry of the Whole Church for the Whole World

M A R C H 1 — A P R I L 1 5 , 2 0 0 6

SEEKINGGOD’SPERSPECTIVE

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he season of Lent is a time to slow down and take amoment to look at our lives and the world around us.The Holy Scriptures invite us to see ourselves and the

world through God’s eyes. What is precious? What is beautiful?What needs attention? When we begin to seek God’s perspective,we recognize God more quickly; we celebrate grace more easily;we see the injustices of the world more readily.

Seeking God’s perspective is an ongoing task. It is a processbegun by you, cultivated in community, and expressed throughprayer-filled action.

In this small devotional, we invite you to join us in seeking God’sperspective. Through prayer, meditation, conversation andaction, we hope that our journey brings us closer to God. Mayyour Lent be full of new discoveries and blessings.

“In this crazy world, there’san enormous distinctionbetween good times andbad, between sorrow andjoy. But in the eyes of God,they’re never separated.Where there is pain, there ishealing. Where there ismourning, there is dancing.Where there is poverty,there is the kingdom.”

— Henri Nouwen

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Friday, March 3

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” — Matthew 7:12

“God is the lover of justice, one who protects and champions theoppressed: this is God’s nature. If this is the kind of God we have, thenclearly God’s people have got to be the same,” says the Rev. John Stott,rector emeritus of London’s All Souls Church. Three billion people in theworld are forced to survive on less than $2 a day. How can we relate tosuch numbers? Start by making it personal and doing even a small act tomake a difference. Calculate the cost of your meals today and considerdonating this money to help someone in need.

Saturday, March 4

But when Peter noticed the strong wind, he became frightened ... he cried out, “Lord,save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him,“You of little faith, why did you doubt?” — Matthew 14:30-31

Ever feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges, like Peter? In the face ofmonumental human suffering, many of us despair, despite our bestefforts. God asks us to see life from Jesus’ perspective, to see beyond thewind and waves. When we begin to lose heart and sink, God reaches outto us — we do not face problems alone. There is hope when we workhand in hand. Can you think of a place in your community wherepeople from different backgrounds work together to serve others?

Wednesday, March 1 Ash Wednesday

Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. — Genesis 3:19

Ash Wednesday is the only time in the church calendar when we areasked to come to the altar rail twice. In our first approach, we hear thewords above and receive ashes in the form of a cross on our forehead; inthe second we receive the bread and wine. As we enter Lent, it isappropriate to go to the altar rail twice. We are entering a time ofpenitence where we remember our mortality and sins symbolized by theashes while also preparing for Christ’s joyful resurrection on Easter dayrepresented by the bread and wine. Today join in prayer with the millionsof Christians around the world who both ask God for forgiveness of oursins and celebrate the imminent coming of the resurrection.

Thursday, March 2

For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all;therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live nolonger for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them. — 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

God’s transforming grace frees us for love and service. Often the greatestblessing we can offer others is not the giving of things, but the gift ofourselves. Christ invites us to be present with those who also need love,dignity and to be known. We should not withhold the greater gifts ofcompanionship and solidarity. Not only can we reach out to othersourselves, but think of a person you know who regularly offers supportand encouragement to others. Pray for that person today.

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Sunday, March 5 - First Sunday in Lent

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesusyour Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take awaythe arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the wallsthat separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggleand confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your goodtime, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around yourheavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — The Book of Common Prayer, p.815

Monday, March 6

... they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemptionthat is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonementby his blood, effective through faith. — Romans 3:24-25

Think about the sacrifices — large and small — that you’vemade for friends and family over the years. Sacrifice lies at theheart of our Christian faith. This Lenten season, we recognizethat God sacrificed his Son so that we could experience new lifethrough reconciliation, forgiveness and healing. This greatsacrifice calls us to sacrifice in return with hearts filled withgratitude. Sacrifice something for God today, and offer it ingratitude for Jesus Christ and God’s grace.

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“I don’t preach a socialgospel; I preach the gospel,period. The gospel of ourLord Jesus Christ isconcerned for the wholeperson. When people werehungry, Jesus didn’t say,’Now is that political orsocial?’ He said, ’I feed you.’Because the good news to ahungry person is bread.”

— Desmond Tutu, Retired Archbishop of Cape

Town (South Africa)


Thursday, March 9

... pray for one another, so that you may be healed. — James 5:16

When we pray, we connect to God. Connecting with God helps bringhealing to our own lives and our neighbors’ lives. Healing is needed allover the world. Less than 5% of HIV-positive children in the world haveaccess to life-preserving drugs, and each day 1,400 children under 15 dieof AIDS-related illness. Pray today that God will bring healing to theworld’s children suffering with HIV/AIDS.

Friday, March 10

God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. — Genesis 1:22

In the wake of hurricanes, droughts and earthquakes, it is easy to forgetthat in the beginning God called our world good. After disasters, howcan we empower people to stand up amid the wreckage and trust that agood life is still possible? ERD is working with diocesan partners in theGulf Coast to assist in livelihood, health and small-business recovery aswell as psychosocial counseling. That’s how people learn of the possibilityof goodness after something terrible. We are God’s hands in the world.Look for God’s hand at work in your day.

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Tuesday, March 7

But the meek shall inherit the land, and delight in abundant prosperity. — Psalm 37:11

God wants us to delight in the world around us. We are reminded thatthose with little in this life will receive blessings in the next. Womenendure substantial poverty and are systematically denied their rights inmuch of the developing world. Equipped with the proper resources,women have the power to help entire communities escape poverty. Asmall intervention in people’s lives can make a huge difference. It’steaching them to fish or giving them access to the pond so they can eat for a lifetime. What are three simple acts you can do this week to make a difference in someone else’s life?

Wednesday, March 8

They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thusstoring up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that theymay take hold of the life that really is life. — 1 Timothy 6:18-19

Mother Teresa prayed, echoing the Lord’s own prayer, “Give them [thoseliving in poverty] through our hands this day their daily bread.” Godworks through us to bring blessings to others. It is a great privilege toparticipate with God’s good work in the world and to serve God’s breadand wine to a hungry and thirsty humanity. People hunger for food, foraffection, attention and encouragement. Who can you “feed” today?

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Saturday, March 11

... if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,then your light shall rise in the darkness. — Isaiah 58:10

Have you ever been trapped in a dark room, unable to see any wayout? Jesus came as the light of the world. Jesus showed us thatwherever those who are oppressed receive justice, those whohunger are fed and those who are sick are healed, there is light.Each of us has something to offer someone in need — money, time,respect, counsel, shelter, food, water, friendship, encouragement.Wherever we offer these things, light shines in a darkened world.

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“O Lord, make me an instrument of your Peace! Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is discord, harmony; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light, and Where there is sorrow, joy.

Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.”

— St. Francis of Assisi


Tuesday, March 14

“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unlessit abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.” — John 15:4

To abide in Christ means that we live life in ways that resonate with thelife of Christ. We want to be a loving and healing presence in the world.As we grow in Christ, we hear him invite us to a life of increasing prayerand service to those whom society so easily overlooks. Can you think ofanyone you have overlooked lately? What could you do to acknowledgethat person and let him or her know that you care?

Wednesday, March 15

Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped. “... I surname you, though you do not know me.” — Isaiah 45:1-4

Have you ever experienced what it’s like to work with people in a cross-cultural setting? God uses people from different cultures and lifestyles asagents of divine healing and reconciliation in the world. God used Cyrus,a Persian king, to bring deliverance to the exiled Jews. The more we learnfrom people whose lives are different from ours, the more we see the faceof God. Do you know anyone from a different ethnic or culturalbackground? What have you learned from them?

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Sunday, March 12 - Second Sunday in Lent

For the Mission of the Church

O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent yourblessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grantthat people everywhere may seek after you and find you, bring the nations into yourfold, pour out your Spirit upon all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom;through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, oneGod, now and for ever. Amen. — The Book of Common Prayer, p.257

Monday, March 13th

“I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these thingsfrom the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants ...” — Matthew 11:25

Mary. Fishermen. Lepers. Tax collectors. One might expect that Godwould use more powerful people to be spokespersons. However, God usesthose with little power and influence to become God’s voice. Why? Theirvery vulnerability embodies the message of God’s gentle love. Thechallenge for us is to find new ways to pay attention, listening to whatGod might be saying, allowing God to transform us. What is God sayingto you today?

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Saturday, March 18

Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves. Doyou not realize that Jesus Christ is in you? — 2 Corinthians 13:5

Pop quiz: Who is in us? Whom do we serve? The apostle Paul wantedhis audience to examine their lives and remember that Jesus and histeachings were imprinted on them. The same is true for us. We have popquizzes all the time: Visit my friend in the hospital? Volunteer in mychild’s school? Share my faith with a friend? Tests of our values and popquizzes of faith happen daily. How can we use what Jesus taught us toanswer questions on the quizzes of life?

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Thursday, March 16

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all theirtroubles. The Lord is near to the broken-hearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. — Psalm 34:17-18

When we hear the cries of those who are suffering in the world, oftenour first response is to act. We donate our money and volunteer our time— as we should. Prayer is also a powerful act. It unites us to those forwhom we pray and brings us all closer to God. Sometimes we don’t praybecause the suffering seems too overwhelming. However, knowing howto pray is also a gift from God. Today, find a place where you can bequiet and for ten minutes simply ask God to reveal one issue or area orperson to pray for.

Friday, March 17

The Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. — Psalm 85:12

Imagine losing everything you own, and you are now unable to feed yourfamily. Millions of subsistence farmers in Niger, Ghana, Malawi andZimbabwe face famine and drought — leading to an escalating food crisis.We pray God will give what is good and our land will yield increase. ERDis working in impoverished communities throughout Africa to provideseeds, tools and training to ensure their next harvest “will yield its increase.”Pray the prayer for Agriculture in The Book of Common Prayer, page 824.

Almighty God, we thank you for making the earth fruitful, so that it mightproduce what is needed for life: Bless those who work in the fields; give usseasonable weather; and grant that we may all share the fruits of the earth,rejoicing in your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Ascribe to the LORD, you gods,ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his Name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

The voice of the LORD is upon the waters;the God of glory thunders; the LORD is upon the mighty waters.

The voice of the LORD is a powerful voice; the voice of the LORD is a voice of splendor

— Psalm 29:1-4

Sunday, March 19 - Third Sunday in Lent

Give us grateful hearts, our Father, for all your mercies and make usmindful of the needs of others; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. — The Book of Common Prayer, p. 835

Monday, March 20

“I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild theruined cities and inhabit them...” — Amos 9:14

In the face of ruin, God promises restoration and new life. Wecan all work together to make this promise come true — tosee new life rise out of the destruction of devastatedcommunities. It’s been more than a year since the deadlyIndian Ocean tsunami wiped out entire communities in Asia.Yet today, houses are rising, health and jobs are returning,crops are being replanted and communities are being rebuilt.What growth is taking place in your community?

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Thursday, March 23

Jesus said, “I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from theworld.” — John 17:6

After Jesus told the disciples he would be leaving them, he prayed thewords above to God. Jesus prayed this with the disciples andacknowledged that he did what God asked; he shared grace, forgivenessand love with those he encountered. Each year, Episcopalians travel theglobe hauling bricks, digging ditches, hammering, planting and teachingall to help reconstruct communities in the developing world that havesuffered after civil and natural disasters. Like Jesus, we are charged tomake God’s name known in the world. Would you ever considervolunteering a week to help people in another country?

Friday, March 24

That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation onrock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it,because it had been well built. — Luke 6:48 (Part One)

What does “permanent” mean? Some of our ancestors were nomadic,moving from place to place as the seasons changed and the herdswandered. The Israelites, our Christian ancestors, were forced to wanderin the wilderness. How often have you felt nomadic? Maybe relocatingfor a new job, following someone you love or simply shuttling the kidsbetween school and other activities? We are people on the move. It isimportant to lay the foundation of our lives with a solid faith that willnot shake. Consider sharing your faith with a young person in your life.

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Tuesday, March 21

“Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leavethe ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?”— Luke 15:4

Have you ever lost your wallet? Or perhaps lost your way? Or maybe evena beloved pet? Just as Jesus looks for the “lost,” we too are called to lookfor what we may have lost along the way. Do I have a church home? Asupport network? A place to give my time? What does it really mean to belost? How do you think God feels about those who are lost?

Wednesday, March 22

“Comfort, O comfort my people,” says the Lord. — Isaiah 40:1

In times of tragedy, God comes to us as a comforter. Have you eversuffered a major hardship? A death in your family, addiction or the loss ofa job? Your whole life changes; nothing will ever be the same. We needmore than just physical care, we need someone to listen, care and comfortus. Those who have received comfort from God join in the privilege ofcomforting those who suffer. Is there someone in your life who could usea friendly phone call or hug? By the end of the day, take time to comfortand support someone you love.

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“We try to pray through ourwork by doing it with Jesus,for Jesus, to Jesus. Thathelps us put our whole heartand soul into doing it. Thedying, the crippled, thementally ill, the unwanted,the unloved — they areJesus in disguise.”

— Mother Teresa

Saturday, March 25

“That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid thefoundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house butcould not shake it, because it had been well built.” — Luke 6:48 (Part Two)

“Building on rock” spiritually is an attitude; it’s a faith perspective.We should also move through this life physically, but we can doso as pilgrims on a purposeful journey. Pilgrimage literally meansa journey to a sacred place or shrine. In what ways is your life apilgrimage? What sacred place are you seeking? This may be foryourself, your family or your community.

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Tuesday, March 28

And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed andbroke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And all ate andwere filled. — Luke 9:16-17

Do you ever find yourself discontent with what you own? Or perhapswith your life? Sometimes it’s easy in our culture to compare what wehave with others and then find ourselves unsatisfied. God knows whatwe need and blesses us with food, clothing and other possessions. Godblessed and broke the bread and it was enough; God encourages us togive to others so they have enough. How much will you or your familyspend on bread this month? Consider donating an equal amount to feedothers so that they too will have “enough.”

Wednesday, March 29

“And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are ofmore value than many sparrows.” — Matthew 10:30-31

When Jesus sends his disciples out to teach and preach, he reminds themthat they are known personally by God. In Jesus, we see that Godnotices, calls and blesses individuals. The wonder of the Christianexperience is that not only do we know God, but God knows us —individually. When we serve others, we should also remember to serveindividually. It’s not just about helping — it’s about friendship. Meditateon this question: “What does it mean to be a friend?” Act on what Godreveals to you.

Sunday, March 26 - Fourth Sunday in Lent

Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglectedpersons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, theold and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those whoare broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, forthe love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. — The Book of Common Prayer p.826

Monday, March 27

“For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal,” says the Lord.— Jeremiah 30.17

Good health is one of God’s greatest gifts. Our bodies have the capacity todo amazing things like running a marathon or giving birth. We strugglewith our own health as do millions around the world. People living inpoverty die each year from easily preventable diseases such as malaria,tuberculosis and acute respiratory infections. They also lack access to basichealth care and medical treatments. Do you know someone who is sick?Send them a card and pray for God to heal and restore their mind, bodyand spirit.

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Saturday, April 1

“I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all youruncleannesses.” — Ezekiel 36:25

Four billion people fall sick every year because of contaminated water. Itkills about 2.2 million people, most of them children under the age of 5.Whether it’s gathered from rain, an unpolluted river or pure well, cleanwater is a divine gift from God. But it’s a gift that many people don’t haveaccess to worldwide. ERD is building clean-water systems in CentralAmerica and Africa to ensure that communities have safe water suppliesfor drinking and bathing. You can too. Consider making a $5 donationfor every faucet in your house.

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Thursday, March 30

“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in hisfield; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest ofshrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in itsbranches.” — Matthew 13:31-32

Have you ever felt that you had too little to offer to make a significantdifference in the world? The world is enamored with bigness: it somehowsignifies success. Yet God says it is not the size but the quality of who weare and what we do. The gifts that we offer, whether our talents, skills,time or money, can achieve great success in God’s eyes. What skill ortalent are you honing?

Friday, March 31

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him. — Colossians 2:6

There can be no great giver if one is not open to receive. Receivingprecedes giving, just as planting precedes a harvest. The Christian journeydepends on receiving from God generous grace and love from those in ourcommunity. There are times we all lack something we need. Do you havethe humility to ask others for help? In what one area could you use helpfrom others? Pray for the courage to ask.

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Sunday, April 2 - Fifth Sunday in Lent

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to givethanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth. — The Book of Common Prayer, p.361

Monday, April 3

The Lord said, “I have observed the misery of my people ... I have heardtheir cry. ... Indeed, I know their sufferings ...” — Exodus 3:7

It’s hard to watch the evening news. It is full of stories of humansuffering. How do we respond to overwhelming need? We arepulled in all directions with demands for help. We cannot helpeveryone, but we can help some. That help can be as simple asraking leaves for your elderly neighbor or as complex asvolunteering to build homes in another country. God is besidethose who suffer, just as God is beside us in our efforts to build amore just world. Can you remember a time that someone helpedyou? Honor them today.

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“If a man be gracious andcourteous to strangers, itshows he is a citizen of theworld, and that his heart isno island cut off from otherlands, but a continent thatjoins to them.”

— Francis Bacon Essays of Goodness and

Goodness of Nature, 1625


Thursday, April 6

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,giving thanks to God the Father through him. — Colossians 3:17

Are we really capable of speaking and doing everything in Jesus’ name?When we seek God’s perspective, we start to see that God is at work inmore ways than we can count. Every moment and every situation is ripewith spiritual significance if we will just take the time to see it. Think offive areas of your life that you may not consider spiritual (e.g. brushingyour teeth, driving, taking out the garbage, etc.). How might you see thespiritual dimension of these activities?

Friday, April 7

“Yet even now,” says the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting ...”— Joel 2:12

Fasting can be an important part of our spiritual formation, as well asservice to those living in poverty worldwide. By voluntarily fasting, evenjust for one meal, we identify with Christ in his wilderness experience. Afast can also serve as a spiritual and personal act of participation with thebillions of people who go without food and basic necessities every day. Itoffers a chance to be truly present to a deeper hunger, the hunger of thesoul for the goodness of God to be seen in the world. Consider fastingthrough one meal today and record what you learn.

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Tuesday, April 4

“I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them likethose who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them.” — Hosea 11:4

Divine love and care gently draw us nearer to God. The greatest evidenceof God’s love and care is God’s self-giving in Jesus Christ. In Jesus, we seeGod’s desire to reconcile, forgive, heal and make whole. There is only love.Jesus welcomed, invited, embraced and set people free. When weexperience that love and freedom, we are motivated to go into the worldand share that same love. Think back on some way divine love has drawnyou to God, perhaps in an unexpected way.

Wednesday, April 5

“... the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear,the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them.” — Matthew 11:1-2

When Jesus performed these miracles, they were signs that God’s kingdomhad come into the world. Jesus invited everyone to enter into this newworld of healing and wholeness. He offered love to all who came to him.When we love another, we share in God’s divine love. In what ways doyou experience love in your own life?

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For the needy shall notalways be forgotten, northe hope of the poorperish forever.

— Psalm 9:18

Saturday, April 8

Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing. — Proverbs 28:27

Saint Francis prayed, “... It is in giving that we receive.” This ideaof giving underscores the whole biblical story. In the garden, Godgave life to Adam and Eve. In the Promised Land, God gave thecovenant. In the fullness of time, God gave Jesus to humanity.God continues to give — and we receive gifts of forgiveness,transformation and new life. In return, God invites us to giveourselves to each other in love and to the stranger in need. Doyou attend church regularly? What does this recurring fellowshipgive you?

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April 9 - Palm Sunday

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. — Psalm 118:26

Why do we say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord?”We say blessed because the end is near; Jesus is going to die and wecannot forget that his death is what brings grace and forgiveness into theworld. And why do we hear the story of Christ’s crucifixion this Sundaywhen we are going to hear it again on Good Friday? In the days of theearly church, many people went from Sunday to Sunday missing churchon Good Friday and never hearing of Jesus’ death. So, the Gospel we readtoday is the same one we will hear on Friday. Make a commitment toattend at least one service this Holy Week to hear more of our Christian story.

Monday, April 10

The time is short. — Corinthians 7:29

If you only had one year to live, how would that change your life? Facedwith this harsh reality, most of us would make major adjustments to ourpriorities. We don’t know how much time we have left in this world,whether it’s one day, one year or longer. Should it matter? Lent is a time toexamine your life. Are we focused on loved ones, or are we distracted bythe daily challenges of life? Today, reflect and pray for strength as youbalance your priorities.

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Tuesday, April 11

Then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you .— Deuteronomy 30:3

Compassion is defined as “suffering with another.” Jesus showedcompassion for all people he encountered, especially those in need.Nothing better characterizes true compassion than Jesus sacrificing hislife for humanity. What can we learn from this? There are multiple waysto “suffer with another.” You can donate money to help people affectedby a disaster, or simply sit with someone in a nursing home. Compassiontakes many forms. Think of five things you can do to demonstrate yourcompassion for those who suffer.

Wednesday, April 12

And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” — Revelation 21:5

What if life granted us the chance to wipe clean all of our past mistakes?No matter what the past holds, we are all promised the opportunity tostart over and begin anew. Renewal is at the heart of the Christian faithbecause God is a god of new beginnings. During Holy Week, rememberthat while we are acknowledging the end of Jesus’ life on earth, we arealso honoring life after the resurrection. Consider spending this wholeday fasting and praying for all that God will bless you with during thecoming year.

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April 15 - Holy Saturday

Dear friends in Christ: on this most holy night, in which our Lord Jesus passed overfrom death to life, the Church invites its members, dispersed throughout the world,to gather in vigil and prayer. For this is the Passover of the Lord, in which, byhearing God’s word and celebrating the sacraments, we share in Christ’s victoryover death. — The Book of Common Prayer, pg. 285

On Holy Saturday, we celebrate the Easter Vigil, the first service of Easter.Light is kindled from flint; the story of the Israelites is told, and,traditionally, new Christians are received into the church throughBaptism. Rejoice this night as life has triumphed over death; darkness hasbeen vanquished as light takes hold and renews creation.

Happy Easter!

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April 13 - Maundy Thursday

Jesus said, “For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done toyou.” — John 13:15

“Maundy” comes from the Latin word for “mandate.” On this day, Jesussits down to feast with the disciples. He gathers them at a table to shareconversation, laugher and food. Jesus tells the disciples that they must livewithout him. Tomorrow he will be crucified. Now, they must go out ontheir own to preach the Gospel. As supper is ending, Jesus takes a toweland a basin of water and washes each person’s feet with care. As hefinishes, Jesus says the line above. In doing so, he gives us all the mandateto love and serve one another.

April 14 - Good Friday

We glory in your cross, O Lord, and we praise and glorify your resurrection; for byvirtue of your cross joy has come to the whole world. — Anthem 1, The Book of Common

Prayer, pg. 281

Christ was led up a hill, nailed to a cross and placed in a tomb. It isdifficult to think of our God, the one who loves us and performedmiracles, being hung on a cross. God was in pain? God was hurt? Godwas humiliated? Yes. If God experienced these feelings, maybe Godunderstands our pain, too. In a world with much suffering, it iscomforting to know that God’s perspective comes from experience. Today,we pray for people everywhere. Pray for those whom you love, thosewhom you strain to love and those whom you do not know.

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My Lenten Response

“ ... if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,then your light shall rise in the darkness ... ” — Isaiah 58:10

We hope that these devotions have helped you journey deeper asyou seek God’s perspective on the world. That perspective includesnot only reflection but also action.

If you feel called to act, here are some ways to meet the needs ofthose who are sick, hungry or living in extreme poverty. Your gift to ERD will help save lives and build hope for people andcommunities around the world. Your partnership with ERDprovides emergency aid and long-term solutions to poverty and disease.

On the following page are some giving options for how you canmake this Lenten season even more meaningful for you, as well asfor others worldwide.

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My Lenten ResponsePlease give generously so that lives may be saved. Please MARK THEAPPROPRIATE BOXES BELOW in order to indicate your Lenten gifts.Thank you for providing help and hope to people in need.

n Help save lives by providing access to food, seeds, animals, jobtraining and small business loans.

nn $25 nn $70 nn $__________ to help as many as possible.

n Help save lives by providing life-saving food, temporary shelter andother critical supplies after a disaster.


n Help save lives by providing health care and protection to childrenand families threatened by diseases.


n Aid people wherever it’s needed most.


Please turn over to complete this form.

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After indicating your Lenten gifts on the reverse side, PLEASE COMPLETE THE INFORMATION BELOW.

___________________________________________________________TOTAL OF ALL GIFTS ON REVERSE SIDE

___________________________________________________________YOUR NAME

___________________________________________________________ADDRESS

____________________________ _______ ____________________CITY STATE ZIP

___________________________________________________________YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS

___________________________________________________________NAME OF YOUR CHURCH

Please total all gifts and make check payable to:Episcopal Relief and Development and return this portion with your giftin the attached envelope. Or call 1.800.334.7626, ext. 5129, tomake a donation. All gifts are tax-deductible.

FOR TAX-DEDUCTIBLE CREDIT CARD DONATIONS:Please charge my life-saving gift to my: nn VISA nn MasterCard

nn AMEX nn Discover

___________________________________________________________ACCOUNT NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE

___________________________________________________________NAME ON CARD SIGNATURE

Episcopal Relief and Development is the international relief and development agency of theEpiscopal Church of the United States. An independent 501(c)(3) organization, ERD saves livesand builds hope in communities around the world. We provide emergency assistance in times ofcrisis and rebuild after disasters. We enable people to climb out of poverty by offering long-termsolutions in the areas of food security and health care, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.

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815 Second Avenue New York, NY 10017 www.er-d.org 1.800.334.7626, ext. 5129

WWEE’’RREE CCOOMMMMIITTTTEEDD TTOO FFIINNAANNCCIIAALL AACCCCOOUUNNTTAABBIILLIITTYY..

n At Episcopal Relief and Development, we use your financial gifts in the most effective ways possible to help people suffering aroundthe world.

n In addition to maintaining the highest standards foraccountability, our leadership is working to improve practices ofreporting and accountability within the entire international relief anddevelopment community.

n In the unlikely event that a project becomes overfunded, yourfinancial gift will be applied to a similar project in need.

n We pledge to tell you how all donations are being used.

n Our audited financial statements are available on request. You canobtain a copy at our Web site, www.er-d.org, or by contacting us atthe address below.

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Here are some things you can do tomake your Lent meaningful:

Pray.

Read scripture.

Give to the poor.

Renew.

Meditate.


815 Second Avenue New York, NY 10017

1.800.334.7626, ext. 5129 www.er-d.org [email protected]

A Ministry of the Whole Church for the Whole World

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readings and reflections for lent seeking god’s · 2019-10-02 · readings and reflections for...

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