| Wed Apr 2 | am: 101, 109 pm: 119:121-144 | Jere 18:1-11 | Rom 8:1-11 | John 6:27-40 |
WEDNESDAY LENT IV – St. Ebba the Younger, Virgin and Martyr, 879
LITURGICAL THEME FOR THE DAY: Ebba was the abbess of the great monastic foundation of Coldingham in the Marshes on the Scottish border, which had been founded two centuries earlier by Saint Ebba the Elder (August 25). During a Danish invasion Saint Ebba feared for her virginity because of the Viking reputation for rape and massacre. She gathered her nuns in the chapter house and encouraged them to follow her example: with a razor she cut off (or cut open) her nose and upper lip to discourage rape by the invaders. The entire community did likewise. They must have made a frightful spectacle. Their appearance so disgusted the raiders that the women were saved from rape but not from death: The Danes soon returned and set fire to the convent. The entire community perished in the flames in 879.
BIBLICAL MEDITATION OF THE DAY: In Romans 8, Paul explains the very core of the glorious gospel message. This chapter has been an inspiration to Christians for over twenty centuries. Its verses have been quoted throughout the centuries as a source of comfort and strength. It begins with no condemnation, it ends with no separation, and throughout the chapter, there is the theme of no defeat. For several chapters, Paul wrote about the depth of our sin and how the entire human race deserves God’s condemnation. We were told that although the law is beneficial, it cannot save us. Paul wrote of his struggle in the fight against the old nature within. He has spurred the Christians in Rome to serve their new Master (Ch. 6) and love their new Husband (Ch. 7). In chapter 8, he shows how the dreadful life of repeated defeat can be exchanged for a life of victory and joy. What better path to follow for this Lenten season?
PRAYER OF THE DAY: “Grant, O God, that in all time of our testing we may know thy Presence and obey thy will; that we may accomplish with integrity and courage that which thou givest us to do, and endure that which thou givest us to bear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.. Amen.
ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE: “
“Once you make up your mind never to stand waiting and hesitating when your conscience tells you what you ought to do, and you have got the key to every blessing that a sinner can reasonably hope for.” – John Keble
Lenten Discipline – Living a faithful Gospel witness can be very challenging, as the life of Joseph shows us today. For many, this is true, especially when family and friends do not appreciate the value of forgiveness and reconciliation. Reach out to a person you know who needs to be forgiven and whom you need to forgive. If it is a person far off, write a note asking for the opportunity to have time to share a meal with them and discuss the journey toward forgiveness.
SONG OF THE SEASON – City Alight – Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me