Lenten Meditations: Friday 18 March
Psalm: am: 22; pm: 141, 143
OT: Exod 9:13-35
Epistle: 2 Cor 4:1-12
Gospel: Mark 10:32-45
FIFTH FRIDAY OF LENT: Saint Frigidian, Monk and Bishop, c.588
LITURGICAL THEME FOR THE DAY: The son of King Ultach of Ulster. He was trained in Irish monasteries and ordained a priest. His learning was imparted by such flowers of the 6th century Irish culture as Saint Enda and Saint Colman.
St. Frigidian arrived in Italy on a pilgrimage to Rome and decided to settle as a hermit on Mount Pisano. In 566, he was elected bishop of Lucca and was persuaded by Pope John II him to accept the position. Even thereafter the saint frequently left the city to spend many days in prayer and solitude. As bishop he formed the clergy of the city into a community of canons regular and rebuilt the cathedral after it had been destroyed by fire by the Lombards.
MEDITATION OF THE DAY: This section from Mark’s Gospel is most familiar to us and when we read it again and again we cannot help but be amazed that despite the impending suffering and death of their friends and Lord, the disciples seem to care deeply about which of them might be considered “first, greatest or best!” It seems even amidst our great faith we humans have the capacity to want to be the first, best and greatest, no matter what else may be going on around us.
As we move toward Holy week that needs to occupy some thought and reflection for us all when you consider that what we do (and what we fail to do for others) demonstrates the amazing self – centeredness of putting ourselves first. As Bishop Alex Dickson has said often, its simple, we want what we want when we want it! In all aspects of our lives.
As we make our way to Holy Week we should consider that Jesus died to forgive us and perhaps most especially for this sin, which is so common to us all. It is ironic that we follow a Savior who cared for the “last and the least” and we so much want to be first and most important!
PRAYER OF THE DAY: Lord, what you ask of my life seems so right. It is how I want to live, following your Son, Jesus, so closely. And yet I fail so often to stay on that path. I cannot do it alone, loving Lord. I need your help and guidance. I need to remember your love for me and I want to remember how very much I need you in my life. Amen.
ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE “The human soul cuts rather a ridiculous figure, clutching its own bits of luggage, its private treasures, its position, its personality, its rights, over against the holy self-giving of Absolute Love manifest in the flesh… [and that] strange and glimmering Presence…attractive and convicting us, asks a total and flexible self-offering as our only possible attitude” –Evelyn Underhill
LENTEN DISCIPLINE – Today is a day to build up those who are true servants, who put themselves last, make yourself available to serve those who normally are at your service, at home, at work, play or school.
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