4th Lent

Some Christian calendars refer to this coming Sunday (4th Lent) as Laetare Sunday. Simply defined it is a "break" from the penitential season of Lent. In some churches this Sunday will be noted by flowers on the altar and pink rather than purple vesture. This Sunday is in fact half way through the season.

This Sunday is also known as Mothering Sunday as it was a day when people would make pilgrimage to the mother church of their diocese. On this day some traditions will celebrate motherhood with a cake immediately following services.

First Sunday in Lent

It's Ash Wednesday but I'm already thinking about the first Sunday in Lent. I'm probably thinking ahead because I've already done one service and am about to leave to make a couple communion visits before returning for the noon service. Scripture hits us in different ways based upon our situation in life. The closing line of Sunday's gospel reminds me of how friends have tended to me at times very much like angels. What I mean by that is they came into my life and brought me peace and love at really unexpected times.

Take a second to think about your own walk of faith. Can you think of a time when the faith of your family and friends gave you the strength and peace necessary to move forward?

Again! I am out of touch!

Sorry to everyone for my inability to stay on top of my blog and regular communications with you. I quote the old latin, "mea culpa, mea culpa, mea culpa (forgive me)" My resolution for the rest of 2011 and especially for Lent is to make sure I update this page regularly and remain in touch! Notice how I didn't automatically state that I would blog everyday or even weekly? I am going to start with baby steps and just try to update this routinely ... I will shoot for weekly but at worst every two weeks.

Has anyone else here begun thinking about a lenten discipline? Remember Lent is just about giving things up in order to suffer with our Lord it is also about taking things on. That's right you can take on a new discipline like reading a book every day for 30 minutes instead of watching TV. Or, you could exercise on a regular basis, or .... the possibilities are endless. Let me here from you about what you are thinking about giving up or taking on for Lent?

Peace and Blessings!

Advent 2 - December 4, 2010

John the Baptist reminds me of the old story about the puppy who's chasing a car. When the puppy finally catches up to the car and sinks his teeth into the bumper he suddenly realizes that he has no idea what to do with it! John is passionately chasing and foretelling the coming of the Messiah. He is about to realize the presence of our Lord and his life like everyone else will be forever changed. It's not Christmas yet but it is time for us begin chasing the Messiah. Advent provides us with a time to begin clearing out the clutter in our lives in order to create a place the messiah our Lord Jesus Christ.