Embrace Transformation, Part 5
Katie Harmon-McLaughlin, Spiritual Formation Ministries
After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. -John 19:28-30
We remember that we are part of something bigger-this whole beautiful, complex, hurting, and healing cosmos. We are part of God’s work in the world to unify and restore and redeem. We are part of the divine life that connects us and fills us and encourages us to be who we were truly meant to be. Lent is the season that shouts from our depths-don’t settle for less than the immensity of divine love as the source of your life! Don’t settle for a lesser vision than the dream of shalom for all creation! Don’t settle for your culture’s assumed barriers, boundaries, categories, and ideologies that falsely divide and demean. There is yet more! Our urgencies, agendas, priorities, and passions are reordered in proper proportion to the depth and width and breadth of this sacred invitation and vision.
Lenten Reflection Questions:
- What is the “more” to which you are called this Lent?
- What deeper vision is being revealed during Holy Week in your life?
Prayer Phrase
Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?
Lenten Spiritual Practices
Moving Toward the Peaceful One
As Jesus was nearing the final days of his life, he wept over the city and proclaimed, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Luke 19:41-42).What are the things that make for peace in our lives, communities, and around the world? During the Lenten season, spend time in silent refection or journaling each day to notice: Am I moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One? Pay attention to your attitudes, actions, and relationships this day. When did you most embody the peaceful One in your daily living? When were your thoughts or actions contrary to the peace of Jesus Christ? How might Jesus, the peaceful One, who is always near to you, be inviting you to draw nearer to him through your daily living?
Fasting and Giving-$40 in 40 Days
A Lenten fast gives us an opportunity to make space in our lives so that God can live in and through us. It’s a time to evaluate what we hunger for most and what we consume. This year, we’ve been invited to tithe as a spiritual practice by setting aside $40 during the 40 days of Lent. If you are participating, pay attention today to the dollar you have given. What might you have done with that dollar otherwise? How does Lenten generosity invite you to reflect on what is “enough” in your life? Who might you invite to join you in this practice? How might your gift be magnified by the many others responding to the same call?
You can make your $40 offering anytime during the Lenten season online or through your offering envelope for Worldwide Mission Tithes.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
