Lenten Meditations: Monday 22 March
| Mon Mar 22 |
am 31 pm: 35 |
Jere 24:1-10 | Rom 9:19-33 | John 9:1-17 |
FIFTH MONDAY OF LENT – – St Basil of Ancyra, 362, Martyr
LITURGICAL THEME FOR THE DAY: Saint Basil strove in martyrdom during the short reign of Julian the Apostate, from 361-363. The Saint was denounced as a Christian to Saturninus, Governor of Ancyra, who, when Basil would not deny Christ, had him hanged from a post and scraped on his sides, then beaten, and cast into prison. A few days later, when Julian himself came through Ancyra, the Saint was brought before him and was asked to deny Christ; he refused and was further tortured receiving the crown of martyrdom.
MEDITATION OF THE DAY: When we meet another person, we often shake their hand, give them an embrace of peace or in these days of COVID fist or elbow bump six feet apart. In any of these scenarios you cannot engage a person with a closed stance but rather we are to offer a posture that is open and accepting . No less is true of having a relationship with God. In the Psalm for evening time, we are reminded again that most of us hold onto the things of this life very closed and tightly rather than open hearts, minds and hands. Living with hearts and hands that are open to the possibility of God’s grace each day requires much of us but at the same time we receive much in spite of all contrary evidence. living every day, with openness , even when the world isn’t kind or fair or loving expands the possibility of grace.
PRAYER OF THE DAY: O God , teach me to be open to journey without fear , to give without counting the cost, to love without fretting about my wounds, to spend my time looking only for my own benefits rather than seeking to discern your holy will. Amen.
ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE: “Daring to stay open to whatever will come to me today, tomorrow, two months from now, or a year from now—that is hope.”—Henri J.M. Nouwen
Lenten Discipline – Turn off your car radio and/or tape/CD player as you travel to and from work. Use this time for quiet reflection on your week and ponder how many opportunities could come your way to fulfill the role as servant. How many people have been that to you? How do you respond?
Related Posts
Tags
Share This
