Lenten Meditations: Friday 22 March
| Fri Mar 22 |
am: 69 pm: 73 |
Jere 5:1-9 | Rom 2:25-3:18 | John 5:30-47 |
SECOND FRIDAY IN LENT – St. Callinica of Rome, Martyr, 252
LITURGICAL THEME FOR THE DAY: She and Basilissa were wealthy matrons who spent their fortunes bringing aid to the imprisoned Christians in their area. They were arrested for their generosity and beheaded by the sword at Rome in the year 252.
MEDITATION OF THE DAY: ” Psalm 69 reminds us that on the journey that is life our path that we take leads us far away from that which we know, our homes friends, family’s jobs and those we love. This is a struggle which is perhaps why in the General Thanksgiving we pray to live into the changes and chances of this life because even in seeking to make the best decisions, things happen, oft times unforeseen. Sadly, our life choices may cause disputes and problems for us and others resulting in painful relationships in our lives
The psalmist today reminds us that even in the best case with spiritual commitments and religious zeal the result was still separation from his own people. Why because he was consumed by his relationship with God and strove to live it authentically and faithfully. Some would say this is fanaticism. How did faithful living to the precepts of God become fanaticism? This should not make us wary of spiritual commitments and growth this season of Lent. Draw comfort from the psalmist’s encouragement. Reach out as best you can to those who think you fanatical but keep your focus on being who you are as God’s beloved child.
PRAYER OF THE DAY: Lord as we navigate through this world of challenge thank You that You have promised to be with us, no matter what difficulties and dangers may cross our paths. Keep us we pray, from all perils, problems and persecutions that we may encounter and may we remain firm to the end and enabled to persevere in the midst of all our trials. Thank You that there is no situation in life that is outside of Your jurisdiction and that You have every circumstance covered by Your sufficient grace. Lord as we steer our path through this sin-sick world may we keep our confidence in You and place every need into Your hands, knowing that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world – we ask this in the name of Jesus, Amen
ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE: “Lord, if you withdraw your hand, there is no grace. If you cease to guide us, we have no wisdom. If you no longer defend us, we have no courage. If you do not strengthen us, our chastity is vulnerable. If you do not keep a holy watch over us, our watchfulness cannot protect us. By ourselves we sink, we perish; when you are with us, we are uplifted, we live. We are shaky, you make us firm. We are lukewarm, you inflame us.” – Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ
Lenten Discipline – Attend the Celebration of the Stations of the Cross or meditate on those stations in quiet today. Give thanks for those like Callinica who were steadfast in their commitment to the theology of the Cross and perhaps invite a person who is in need of that to share that with you this coming Sunday.
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