Words of Faith
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
People Get Ready...
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. The day before Lent begins is sometimes celebrated with a range of Bacchus-like events like food, dancing, Mardi Gras and free pancakes at IHOP. Is there a way to reclaim or repurpose any of these traditions into a helpful transitional ritual before our time of reflection and deepening our relationship with God? I hope you will join me, along with other writers from around the US in committing yourself to go deep this Lent through writing, reading or praying along these next 40+ days. God be with you.
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I turn 70 this year and I have been thinking of how to equip myself for the times to come. Keep dread under control, maintain my health and do things of value. So far it seems like waiting is enough. I think my 70's quest will come to me. A time of waiting, listening and observing- with a sense of expectation. Doug Millar
ReplyDeleteThanks for the words of wisdom, I'm in the wake behind you! P Larry
Delete7 laps around life's track. you're making good choices. great to share the journey.
Deleteronaldo
Fat Tuesday
ReplyDelete4 March 2014
Word Become Flesh glows with Transfiguration wonder.
Epiphany closes it’s time of signal events.
Lent assumes a majestic presence, Alleluia gently tucked asunder.
Our daily rhythm soon includes contemplation, salient comments.
Cultures come to great seasons, seldom get them right.
“Whatcha’ givin’ up for Lent? I figure chocolate’s my price.”
Mardi Gras, the end of a week of celebrations, no one still uptight,
Beads, booze, bands, Bacchanal gatherings, meals stoked on spice.
Sedate religious folk gaze upon the scene feeling uncertain,
Spirit chuckles, encourages the abandonment of sin, dance to grace.
Passionate expressions of faith need release, not piety’s curtain.
Our world’s incomplete grasp of solemn preparation met by Lent’s pace.
We come to the more regal of preparation seasons.
Lovely Advent, ever challenged by Christmas gifts to buy,
Lent’s path of meditation, faith’s treasures defying reasons.
Our daily discipline sharpens awareness, new practices to try.
Gather sisters, brothers, detach from the cultural norm.
Select your simple garb, array your soul, soap, water clean.
Our band of servant folk ready to depart the hostel dorm,
Bring along your walking stick, simple rhythm drum to keen.
Look about for a symbol, a talisman easy to carry.
A reminder of the trek ahead, ask Spirit to point it out.
Be not burdened, the path beckons, don’t tarry.
In your wallet pack a loaf, water jug, just the right amount.
Each time we join our hearts, minds, spirits in this Lenten way,
Our neighbors, friends, family have a chance to see the witness,
Don’t be distracted, disturbed, just find your quiet place to pray.
All’s ready for the journey, in this four minutes, no stress.
Creator sustain our bodies, provide for each true need.
Word Become Flesh hold our hands, accompany each step.
Spirit dear, prepare the way, show us our disciple’s deed.
Holy One renew our world, gather followers from city, steppe.
The Rev. Ronald Allen Melver, M.Div.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteCheating a little, but this song gets me right in the feels. It perfectly echoes how I feel about this project and also the pray/fast/give, and intentional love and care we need to give others to carry out the love, justice and dreams of God for the Eden that we will someday create. I just know it, despite what our world looks like today.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nH3fKH10oM
My friend Clint Schnekloth says, “In order to encourage the kind of repentance and renewal Lent is designed to evoke, the practices have to be shocking enough to call the community out of its torpor. … This Lent, I invite you to make use of ... some startling but transformative ways.”.
ReplyDeleteIn what way shall I use these Lenten writings for repentance and renewal? I am not sure I am prepared for “shocking practices” and I have so many things going on in my life right now that I am not sure where to begin. I am asking God to show me, and to prepare me, for whatever God would do in my life right now. I have read An Altar in the World by Barbara Brown Taylor and I plan to read it again during Lent. I intend to commit to writing every day during Lent, although I am traveling a lot during this time so not sure how that will go.
But as for repentance and renewal? Pray? Fast? Give? I guess I will wait and see how God leads me.
On My Way to Wilderness
ReplyDeleteWhat shall I take?
What should I forsake?
How much can I carry?
How long will we tarry?
Will there be answers?
What if I meet a Gila Monster?
Will I be changed a lot?
Will it be too hot?
What truths will come to play?
Am I ready for what God will say?
I don't know; I don't know.
What will happen if I go?
Since I'm going to the desert literally?
I'm wondering specifically
how will this experience be?
How will it inspire me?
To let go of control is not so easy,
for the cost of discipleship I know is not free.
Yet here I come, Lord, for a closer walk with Thee!
Marlene Obie
We Are Ready … For The Ashes.
ReplyDeleteThe parade is over.
The floats were over the top!
The pancakes were filling.
The jazz moved us.
We laughed,
we danced,
we sang,
we partied
like it was Fat Tuesday
and it was.
Today is Ash Wednesday.
We will gather and hear the call.
We will gather to be reminded
…that life is fleeting
…that all is a gift
…that we were called out of the dust
and to it we will return.
We will begin a journey
inside of ourselves
…to find ourself
…to find our neighbor
…and to find our God
and we will be found,
again.
Then,
when the stone is rolled away
we will dance and sing
another new song.
We are ready
… for the ashes.
by Pastor Larry Morris