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LENTEN DEVOTIONAL 2015

BRYN MAWRPRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Introduction

The word “Lent” comes from “lengthen” as in the lengthening days of spring. We move through this season, almost imperceptibly, from the wintery darkness of cold days toward the full bloom of a warmer earth and the flowering glory of God’s creation. Along that winter-into-spring lengthening of days, we begin with Ash Wednesday, mindful of our mortality, and through this journey, we arrive at Easter to rejoice in God’s promises of resurrection made known to us in Jesus Christ.

While the counting down of days from Ash Wednesday to Easter may be an imperceptible lengthening of daylight hours, I hope that this book of devotions will help us be more perceptive of the gifts this journey brings. First, it is a gift from the Worship Committee and fellow church members who devoted considerable time studying these passages of scripture, meditating on their meaning, and putting their reflections into words to be shared among the BMPC family. Secondly, I believe that the corporate gathering of thoughts from varied church members makes tangible our Presbyterian affirmation of the “priesthood of all believers,” that all of us are ministers of the gospel to whom the scriptures are opened and from whom a gospel word is meant to be shared. Finally, the greatest gifts of this Lenten journey are the holy ones revealed through these Bible passages and their accompanying meditations – God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness, love, peace and justice, which culminates in the person of Jesus Christ. These are among the spiritual gifts illumined in the thoughtful pages that follow.

The season of Lent has long been treasured by the church as a time of repentance, of turning from self toward the purposes of God. I hope that you will use this devotional guide as a way of practicing that Lenten disciple so that your journey may be a holy one, set apart for a special focus on the gifts of God for the family of God.

Grace and Peace,

Agnes W. Norfleet Pastor

Wednesday, February 18 || Ash Wednesday

Lectionary Readings

PrayerExploring the Story in: Mark 1:1-14

Can anyone imagine a busier passage of scripture? In a mere 14 verses, Mark has introduced so many actors (I count at least five, not counting the crowd) and so much action that we are left breathless before Jesus utters a word.

John is the easiest to interpret: the odd, charismatic preacher who warns the audience of what is coming and what it means. Despite his enormous magnetism, John is candid that his proclamation is not about himself, but about the one who is coming. Satan isn’t that hard: he tries to tempt Jesus, who quickly dismisses him--more than can be said for most of us, at least for me! God’s appearance is impossible to ignore, though in Mark’s version, only Jesus hears it. The appearance of God drives the entire scene. And the fourth actor: Jesus, prophesied, introduced, self-exiled, proclaimed by God and finally readied for his proclamation of the good news, which Mark promises to be an action- packed journey.

The fifth actor in Mark’s drama, as with any Gospel, is us, the readers, the ultimate actors on the good news Jesus proclaims. The good news begins and ends with Jesus’ teaching, but its meaning and relevance depend on our interpretation and witness. In a world with immeasurable human needs, violence, brokenness, inequality, bigotry, greed and injustice, Jesus’ ministry depends on us to confront, liberate, and heal our world and our times. This is where Mark, John, God and his Son direct us in this Lenten season.

- Rich Allman

• Morning: Pss. 5; 147:1-11• Evening: Pss. 27; 51• Jonah 3:1-4:11• Heb. 12:1-14• Luke 18:9-14

Gracious God, in this season, thank you for Jesus’ proclamation of your good news. Help us to hear that good news, and even more, to live it in our individual lives, in your church and in our world. Amen.

Thursday, February 19

Exploring the Story in: Mark 2:21-22

We, as Christians, are truly blessed to grow in Christ. Although as Christians we are sometime frustrated, we need not be. When we accept Christ into our life as our Savior, we are transformed from our old selves into the new. Christ comes teaching us to completely empty ourselves of the guilt, shame, hurt, and loneliness that we so often carry with us. Christ came here so we would not only be freed from this bondage, but also receive a new life through his everlasting forgiveness. The time he spent with his disciples revealed a fresh and wonderful outlook that many questioned then and even now.

Christ provided the vision and knowledge of this new way through his powerful actions, strong words, and uncompromising love. He often spoke of the future to answer daily questions that were asked of him. In these two verses, Christ speaks to his disciples of the new way that they shall live. There will be no more patched emotions. Instead, they will replace their old selves with ones filled with their new-found freedom. His request is for them to be prepared to have the Holy Spirit fill and complete them, in Christ.

- Peter BarberLectionary Readings

Prayer

• Morning: Pss. 27; 147:12–20• Evening: Pss. 126; 102• Deut. 7:6-11• Titus: 1:1-16• John 1:29-34

Father, we give thanks for the anchor you have provided in your word. As we open ourselves to the changing world before us and fear the unknown, we look to you for stability and security. In this, we have overflowing joy and gratitude. In your son’s name. Amen.

Friday, February 20


Lectionary Readings• Morning: Pss. 22; 148• Evening: Pss. 105; 130• Deut. 7:12-16• Titus 2:1-15• John 1:35-42

PrayerGod almighty, by whom and before whom we all are brethren: grant us so truly to love one another, that evidently and beyond all doubt we may love you; through Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord and Brother. Amen.

Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)

1st grade Sunday school class , Mixed Media Collage

The first grade Sunday school class created this portrait of Jesus’ family including all of those who love and follow God.

Saturday, February 21


Jesus went on: “Does anyone bring a lamp home and put it under a washtub or beneath the bed? Don’t you put it up on a table or on the mantel? We’re not keeping secrets, we’re telling them: we’re not hiding things, we’re bringing them out into the open. Are you listening to this? really listening? Listen carefully to what I am saying - and be wary of the shrewd advice that tells you how to get ahead in the world on your own. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes.” (Eugene H. Peterson, The Message) The subject of today’s scripture seems to be “light,” the light of truth, which, with Jesus, seems always to be the truth of love, self-forgetfulness, tough but tender, giving, sharing, other-oriented and therefore something we can’t keep hidden under the bed - a contradiction in terms. Love isn’t love ‘til we get it out in the open, let it shine, give it away. Hiding love extinguishes it.

But why then would anyone want to hide love? Because Jesus’ kind of love is scary, costly, and even dangerous in a world that runs from it, fears it - an increasingly secular world that teaches it’s better to look out for ourselves, not get involved.

Isn’t this why we find it hard to listen? And while not listening, we lose - lose the possibility of the real life to which we are called? Perhaps here, Jesus teaches us it is in the giving away of ourselves that we find the only way to true fulfillment and joy, the kind of fulfillment and joy we sense and see in him.

- Stephen Bowen

Lectionary Readings

Prayer

• Morning: Pss. 43; 149• Evening: Pss. 31;143• Deut. 7:17-26• Titus 3:1-15• John 1:43-51

Eternal God, present to us now and all days, present in the face and way of Jesus, grant us the courage and grace to let his love shine between us and through us into a world so desperately in need of love, your love. Amen.

Monday, February 23

Lectionary Readings


As we view the gospels and their wide scope from the historical to direct accounts, yet again, we are able to spend time even closer with Jesus and walk alongside our savior. Here, we encounter a man with the most unclean spirit and who has been thrown into the clenches of a demon; and even he, who seemingly was utterly lost, runs to Jesus upon first sight. For, as we know as believers, there is no place too dark, remote or unclean for our savior to supernaturally transform. Christ is the only and ultimate redeemer who relentlessly renews, despite our numerous faults and countless wayward departures from the righteous path. At first, this man questions Jesus as to what type of damnation he will decree. However, Jesus is like no other mortal judge or ruler. Christ stands to rescue his flock and permanently wash away their sins forever. So, Jesus casts out this vehement demonic spirit in finality without any contest from the man or the spirit. Our beautiful Lord and Savior finally leaves this man, not as one who needs to continue onward through a long recovery but an instantly and wholly renewed spirit, made only possible through the saving grace and power of the most high and loving God.

- Darryl Brown

• Morning: Pss. 119; 73-80; 145

• Evening: Pss.121;6• Deut. 8:1-20• Heb. 2:11-18• John 2:1-12

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ always has endless blessings and grace to bestow, no matter our condition, history, or lot in life. Allow us to be receptive at all times to remain open in heart, mind, and most of all our souls, to the ultimate power and love of Christ who saves by grace alone and renews each one of his children, every day, in every imaginable and unimaginable way. Amen.

Tuesday, February 24

Exploring the Story in: Mark 6:6b-13

I read recently that Quakers have a word for all of that we acquire during our lives: “cumber.” Yes, that is as in “cumbersome.” The Society of Friends historically saw all possessions as potentially weighing down their possessor. Even the things we value the most—our cozy homes, our favorite shoes—can become cumbersome, stealing our attention, begging for our loyalty.

The description of Jesus sending out the disciples reminds us that our stuff gets in our way-- not only of our spiritual lives, but of the good we are able to do for others. The disciples are to go out empty handed—no money with which to care for themselves, no staff with which to defend themselves. They go vulnerable, and somehow their vulnerability is what they need. They have their sandals and a friend. But perhaps most importantly, they have authority over the unclean spirits--all the minor forces that threaten harm to humanity. They can be brave because the only thing they carry is this authority from God, a thing that can neither be stolen nor used against them. The disciples go out to do God’s work free of cumber, and full of power.

Like the disciples, we extract ourselves from greed and selfishness as we become less encumbered. Lent is the time of year when we, like the disciples, put down our stuff, and gather up an armful of God’s healing power for all.

- the Rev. Nicole Duran

Lectionary Readings

Prayer

• Morning: Pss. 34;146• Evening: Pss. 25;91• Deut. 9:(1-3)4-12• Heb. 3:1-11• John 2:13-22

Giver of all good gifts, help us to put down our defenses and leave behind our possessions. Make room in our lives, and free up our hands, so that your spirit can move in us and through us, for healing and wholeness. In the name of the one whom we follow. Amen.

Wednesday, February 25

Lectionary Readings


This is a confusing passage, even when we tune out modern associations, such as ISIS. First, the ruler Herod mentioned in the passage isn’t Herod the Great, but rather Herod Antipas, his son. Second, two Herodias’s are mentioned – one is Herod’s wife, the other his wife’s daughter, called Salome in Matthew’s gospel. Oddly, Jesus hardly appears at all.

Herod and John the Baptist are the main antagonists here, with John mostly off-stage (in prison). While John is a familiar figure and his actions are consistent with his message, Herod is an evasive, duplicitous character. Why does he state, when hearing of Jesus’ works, that he believes them to be the works of a resurrected John? Why, at first, does he preserve the prophet’s life in prison? Like most of us, Herod is a mixture of good and bad impulses, but he has the power and opportunity to manipulate events, hiding his guilt. He respects John as “a holy man,” but doesn’t choose to protect him from his new wife’s vengeance. Instead, he deflects the choice of John’s fate onto his daughter, making John’s death seem to come from a need to save face before guests.

John, with his call to repentance, confronts Herod’s dual nature. Herod fails to acknowledge the sinful conflicts of his life, but deepens them by beheading John, only to suffer remorse and continued fear. The prophet’s ultimate sacrifice is a foreshadowing of Christ’s unifying one, whereby our fracturing sin is owned and forgiven, and we are bound together as members of Christ’s church.

- Anne Chamberlin

• Morning: Pss. 5; 147:1-11• Evening: Pss. 27; 51• Deut. 9:13-21• Heb. 3:12-19• John 2:23-3:15

Lord, may we truly repent, according to the Baptist’s preaching. Like him, help us to speak the truth, even to powers that may target us. Help us to do what follows the teachings of Christ, and not just what is acceptable to the world. Amen.

Thursday, February 26


When I think of Jesus and my interpretation of his mission today, I feel that his universal message of love and peace is intended for all. In light of that concept, Mark 7: 24-30 initially is problematic. I wonder, “Why didn’t Jesus address the people of multiple countries in his ministry? Why was he reluctant to help this woman’s daughter?”

Then I reread the prophecy of Jesus’ coming in Isaiah and Hosea, repeated in Matthew 1:6, “Out of you (Judah) will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.” Jesus would have been familiar with the concept of a messiah for Jews. Later, the disciple Peter came to embrace Gentiles, saying, “I realize that God does not show favoritism but accepts people from every nation who fear him and do what is right.” (Acts 10:34-35)

I believe that Jesus healed the child, because he recognized the truth of the woman’s words about the expanded benefits of his ministry. He also acknowledged her great faith. What I take away from this passage is that Jesus’ message is inclusive of all today, and that a genuine faith lived vibrantly is - and will be - rewarded. And we should, as Jesus said in the Good Samaritan parable, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)

- Anna May Charrington

Lectionary Readings

Prayer

• Morning: Pss. 27; 147:12–20• Evening: Pss. 126; 102• Deut. 9:23-10:5• Heb. 4:1-10• John 3:16-21

God bless the whole world– no exceptions! Go and do likewise. Amen.

- Luke 10:37

Friday, February 27


Lectionary Readings• Morning: Pss. 22; 148• Evening: Pss. 105; 130• Deut. 10:12-22• Heb. 4:11-16• John 3:22-36

PrayerAway from the crowd, you healed the man. Away from the crowd, heal me now. Sometimes I don’t know the words to speak and sometimes I can’t hear your voice. Say the word, that I so that I too may be healed. Amen.

Art @ 9 Participants, Tissue paper and cloth

These bursts of color were created by cutting back layers. The students imagined what it would be like to hear for the first time.

Saturday, February 28


This miracle, recorded only in the Gospel of Mark, describes the gradual healing of a blind man brought to Jesus by friends who were believers. There are several events in this narrative which are shared with other healing stories: the unbelieving recipient is brought to Jesus by faithful friends; Jesus takes the recipient apart to work in privacy; Jesus uses visible means to reveal the invisible; and the recipient is directed to secrecy.

Those who are spiritually blind may not reach out for themselves, but others can still pray for Jesus to touch them. Jesus draws us aside in seclusion so that we, alone with him, might feel his all-sufficient companionship. Given our sense-bound nature, Jesus uses physical signs to help us discern the non-physical. Jesus enjoins us, now healed, to refrain from returning to the darkness.

The peculiarity of this miracle, however, is that it is performed in stages: the cure comes gradually according to the man’s embryonic ability to see. Christ modulated the pace of his power to accommodate the measure of the man’s faith: first a glimmer of light, then more definition, finally flawless sight. Is this not comparable to our own faith journeys? Our spiritual enlightenment is a continuous process. Only gradually, through grace from God, do we acquire the inner perception for understanding. As our faith develops, Jesus increases the clarity of our spiritual vision through his Holy Spirit. “…according to your faith be it unto you.” (Matthew 9:29)

- Judy Ehrman

Lectionary Readings

Prayer

• Morning: Pss. 43;149• Evening: Pss. 31,143• Deut. 11:18-28• Heb. 5:1-10• John 4:1-26

Gracious God, we appeal to you to be with us now during our Lenten pilgrimage. We ask that you restore our sight to your revealed word and to your regenerative presence. We invite you to heal our blind spots and touch us with your grace and power. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Monday, March 2

Lectionary Readings


What does this text mean to us in our spiritual journey throughout Lent? First the main points:

•Jesusaskshisdiscipleswhoishe.Hereheistryingtosee if his disciples know his true identity. Peter answers correctly, “You are the Messiah.”•Next,Jesusexplainswhattheimmediatefutureholdsforhim in light of being the Messiah: his suffering, shunning, death and resurrection.•Then,Jesusconveyswhathewants,whichisforhisdisciples and others to follow him. I feel that this is the crux of this passage - Jesus relays what it means to follow the Messiah; in essence, doing so is putting God first, ahead of the more human/worldly needs. It means that in giving up your life in this way, you ultimately save it (“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world yet forfeit their soul?”)

To me, this passage is not about the classic Lenten notion of giving up something, but rather opening up to find God’s path for us. The right or wrong answer is not clear but requires personal soul searching. It means to think each day about what we say and do. Are we putting our own interests first or God’s? For me personally, as my parental duties lessen and my son is more independent, there comes a renewed questioning of what is my purpose? Taking this text into consideration, I see it as a firm reminder that in the search for my right path, I walk not by myself, but with God by my side.

- Carolyn Gerrish

• Morning: Pss. 119; 73-80; 145

• Evening: Pss. 121; 6• Jer. 1:11-19• Rom. 1:1-15• John 4:27-42

Heavenly Father, please guide us, nourish us and teach us so that we open our hearts to hear your word and be your follower now and throughout our lives. Amen.

Tuesday, March 3


The story of the transfiguration, like many of the stories in the Bible, is one that defies interpretation. It’s a story, not so much to think about, but to live into. It starts with Jesus and the three disciples on a long climb up a mountain.There,JesusofNazarethistotallytransformed.His face aglow, garments dazzling white, Jesus appears in his glory as the Messiah, the Christ. To add to the dazed state of the disciples who watch, Moses and Elijah appear, standing in that same white light. Bumbling yet amazed, Peter suggests they build three tents, one for each of the great ones who appear in glory before him. Then a voice from a cloud says, “This is my Son, the Beloved, listen to him.”

This account in Mark’s gospel describes a “thin place,” a concept long associated with Celtic spirituality where the veil that separates the ordinary and the holy thins, where we have a keen sense of God’s presence. It’s a transparent and luminous place or moment in which we get a glimpse of the essence of life and love. There’s no way to know for sure, but the disciples may have sensed that they were in the presence of the holy.

To live into this story is to open our eyes to those moments when an encounter takes us to a deeper place. This can happen anywhere, anytime, even in an ordinary experience.IthappenedformeonNewYear’sEve,playing a much-loved family game, with my husband and 24-year old son home for Christmas. In front of a crackling fire, as we tried to trick and outsmart each other, we laughed hard remembering old times and recognizing the bonds between us. In the company of one another, we became aware of unspeakable ties. It’s incredible what we can see, if we look.

- the Rev. Joyce Krajian

Lectionary Readings

Prayer

• Morning: Pss. 34; 146• Evening: Pss. 25;91• Jer. 2:1-13, 29-32• Rom. 1:16-25• John 4:43-54

Open my eyes that I may see, glimpses of truth thou hast for me. Amen.

Wednesday, March 4

Lectionary Readings


In the parable of the rich leader, Jesus says that it is as hard for a rich man to get into heaven as it is for a camel to get through the eye of a needle. The rich man had followed all the commandments but was required to do one last thing to get into the kingdom of heaven. He must give all of his riches to the poor and follow Jesus. This parable seems overly harsh in this present day and age. I struggled to come to terms with this important parable, especially in the context of outwardly Christian, modern America, where the phrase “kingdom of heaven” seems incomprehensible. I tried translating what Jesus meant by using the phrase “place of everlasting bliss” instead –perhaps the kingdom of heaven is something like whattheBuddhistscallNirvana.

Can people be happy and reach perpetual bliss if they are not connected to the struggle to reduce the suffering and pain of all of life? Jesus knew that no one could reach these goals except by being connected in a caring way to all of life. Can anyone be happy if he is materially wealthy and has all of his personal needs met while millions of living creatures, human and non-human, are suffering enormously?

Jesus knew 2,000 years ago that the pursuit and maintenance of material wealth do not lead to eternal bliss but an eventual war of all against all for material goods. He knew that the spiritual wealth of learning to love and care for all of God’s creation is the only true pathway to the kingdom of heaven. The rich man went away sorrowfully, because, in his deepest heart, he knew that Jesus was right.

- Joel Griska

• Morning: Pss. 5; 147:1–11• Evening: Pss. 27; 51• Jer. 3:6-18• Rom. 1:(26-27) 28-2:11• John 5:1-18

Dear Jesus, help us overcome the seductions of material wealth by learning from your life and teachings that true wealth is the spiritual wealth we obtain by loving and caring for all of your creation. Amen.

Thursday, March 5


This reading begins with Jesus as Mark faithfully depicts him throughout the gospel, — God’s son on a singular mission. The disciples are amazed because Jesus is marching determinedly toward what they have been told twice before will be his death. As he has throughout the gospel, Jesus is showing them how to be obedient to God. Mark also tells us that others who followed were afraid; likely that they would suffer a fate similar to what they imagined Jesus and his disciples would endure. Mark was writing his gospel as early as 30 years after Christ’s death, and Jesus’ obedient suffering in his role as Messiah would have given early Christians strength to suffer as his disciples and followers. But the most encouraging words in these verses are those of triumph: he will rise again. There is a parallel in Christ’s resurrection for the believer; over and over again in Mark’s gospel, Jesus promises salvation and eternal reward in heaven for those who recognize and follow him. This was the good news of the new covenant.

As present-day Christians, where is our focus? Are we like Peter, who declares Christ the Messiah, but then is troubled by his impending death? Christ promises not to abandon us. He leads by holy example when he sets his face resolutely toward Jerusalem. Life is difficult, and often, choosing to walk a Christian path leads to feelings of being an outsider, of being denied secular rewards or even--in many places in our world today - to the threat of persecution and even death. Christ never doubted nor tested God’s love for him, being assured of his seat in heaven. He has gone to prepare a room for us, and it is in Christ we place our hope and faith.

- Meg Haist

Lectionary Readings

Prayer

• Morning: Pss. 27; 147:12–20• Evening: Pss. 126; 102• Jer. 4:9-10, 19-28• Rom. 2:12-24• John 5:19-29

God, help me to discern the path you have laid for me as a follower of Christ, and to be resolute and obedient as I walk in his footsteps. Lord, open my heart to the fullness in joy that is Christ’s resurrection. Amen.

Friday, March 6


Lectionary ReadingsPrayer

Katerina Zisman, Grade 8, acrylic paint

Lectionary Readings

Prayer

God, I am far too often influenced by what others think of me. I am always pretending to be either richer or smarter or nicer than I really am. Please prevent me from trying to attract attention. Don’t let me gloat over praise on one hand or be discouraged by criticism on the other. Show me how to be humble of heart, like you.

The Path by Michael P. Powers

• Morning: Pss. 22; 148• Evening: Pss. 105; 130• Jer. 5:1-9• Rom. 2:25-3:18• John 5:30-47

Saturday, March 7


The two disciples got an unusual request from Jesus. It may have sounded a bit strange, but they did what they were asked. They stopped their work or perhaps leisure, listened, and acted. The two had no way of knowing that their response would start a chain of events in Jesus’ journey, from the cloak-covered road with bystanders spreading their leafy branches, ultimately to the cross of salvation one week later. They said, “Yes” to Jesus.

How do we respond to requests from Christ – those sometimes quiet, and sometimes very loud, sometimes disturbing, and sometimes unusual requests?

When we hear the call from Christ, may we have the presence of mind to stop, to listen, and to act. May we, too, say, “Certainly.” The result may be extraordinary.

- John R. Heard

Lectionary Readings

Prayer

• Morning: Pss. 43; 149• Evening: Pss. 31; 143• Jer. 5:20-31• Rom. 3:19-31• John 7:1-13

“Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Mark 11:9-10) Amen.

Monday, March 9

Lectionary Readings


This story occurs just after Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Earlier verses tell us that he arrives on Sunday, and after looking around, leaves with his disciples for Bethany. Having the night to think about what was happening in the Temple, he returns to take decisive action. In anger he overturns the tables of those who were demeaning the house of God. His Father’s house was to be used for nothing other than what God intended - “A house of prayer for all nations.” This teaching fascinated the crowd.

Is there a lesson for us in this story? Jesus loved the Temple, the central place of worship and learning. Even as a young boy, he left his father and mother and stayed behind in the Temple. Maybe this raises questions for us who love the church: What does the church mean to you? Do you have precious memories from your childhood or perhaps as a new member? Has it ever upset you to see us not behave as the body of Christ or Jesus’ hands and feet in the world?

Mark weaves into this story an inspiring teaching on prayer that can stretch us. He says, “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.” He also encourages his followers when in prayer to forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so God might forgive you. In this reading we see Jesus taking action to uphold the right use of the Temple and expanding our thinking on prayer. What a challenge it can be to follow him.

- Barbie and David Heaton

• Morning: Pss. 119:73-80• Evening: Pss. 121; 6• Jer. 7:1-15• Rom. 4:1-12• John 7:14-36

Dear God, thank you for our life in Christ and our many blessings. Help us this day “to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God through Him.” Amen.

Tuesday, March 10


The Parable of the Vineyard shows up in Matthew, Mark and Luke, and so we know it was an important teaching in the early church, but it probably doesn’t receive as much attention as many other parables of Jesus because it is hardly easy on the ears. After all, everyone but the vineyard owner gets killed!

It is worthy of our Lenten reflection, however, because of where it falls in the gospel. Jesus has turned toward Jerusalem and is heading directly toward his death by crucifixion. He has told his disciples not once, but three times, that he must suffer and die and after three days he will be raised. This parable comes at a critical juncture in the passion narrative between these predictions and the religious leaders committing to arrest him.

The Parable of the Vineyard is addressed to those who were against Jesus for disturbing the status quo. God had chosen ancient Israel to be the people through whom all the families of the earth would be blessed. When they strayed from their covenant relationship, God had sent prophets to guide them and many prophets were rejected.NowGodhassentJesuswhofacesasureandcertain death. The parable enacts this prophetic history in allegory: the vineyard owner is God, the slaves sent to collect the produce are the prophets, and the son is Jesus.

The parable serves then as both a foreshadowing of Jesus’ death and as an assurance that ultimately God’s way with God’s people will triumph. On our Lenten journey, it invites us to consider how we, like the tenants of the vineyard, might participate in rejecting the ways of God. It invites us to turn from those ways, and to recommit ourselves to the Way, the Truth, and the Life revealed to us in Jesus Christ.

- the Rev. Agnes W. Norfleet

Lectionary Readings

Prayer


Dear God, we give you thanks for the parables Jesus tells which invite us to imagine our role in the gospel story. Forgive us for rejecting your ways, and turn us toward accepting Jesus Christ as the One we are called to follow through suffering, unto death, and in anticipation of your triumphant new life. Amen.

Wednesday, March 11

Lectionary Readings


The Roman Empire occupied Israel at the time of this story. The Jewish people had to pay taxes in coins that bore the image of the emperor. Such images were in violation of the Second Commandment. Even so, the Pharisees and Herodians who had been sent to verbally ensnare Jesus brought that money into the temple.

Jesus gave the clear message that the things that are God’s should be given to God, even as he was avoiding the trap that the questioners had set and acknowledging the existence of the emperor. In trying to understand this I began to wonder about the emperors in my life, and how much of what belongs to God I am diverting to them.

The Companion to the Book of Common Worship says “At the beginning of Lent, we are reminded that our possessions, our rulers, our empires, our projects, our families and even our lives do not last forever. ‘You are dust, and to dust you shall return.’ (Genesis 3:19). The liturgies throughout Lent try to pry loose our fingers, one by one, from presumed securities. Through the intervention of God’s gracious resurrection, lifelong changes in our values and behavior become possible. By turning from the end of the ‘old self ’ in us, Lenten repentance makes it possible for us to affirm joyfully, ‘Death is no more!’”

I pray that I will repent and act accordingly.

- Anita Iyengar

• Morning: Pss. 5; 147:1–11• Evening: Pss. 27; 51• Jer. 8:4-7, 18-9:6• Rom. 5:1-11• John 8:12-20

Lord, Who throughout these forty days, For us didst fast and pray, Teach us with Thee to mourn our sins, And close by Thee to stay Amen.

From the hymn “Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days”

Thursday, March 12


Some Sadducees were engaging Jesus in discussion, so I went over to see. They were asking him tricky questions, and he was answering them in a way that just astonished me. I can’t believe I blurted out my question like that. Didn’t preface it with a polite “Teacher” or “Rabbi” or even “Sir” - the words just jumped out of my mouth. And Jesus replied with words we Jews know well – the Shema. And the rest about loving God, that’s also from our holy books. But then he said we should love our neighbor as ourselves, and not just our Jewish neighbors. He didn’t put any limits or boundaries or qualifications on it at all. And to do that was more pleasing to God than all our temple rituals. Wow!

Yes, I gushed in a most un-lawyerly way – that these two commandments were greater than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices that could ever be. I was afraid I’d overstepped, but he just looked at me and said – are you ready? “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.”

So just who is my neighbor? Jesus meant everyone – even the Gentiles! Jesus took our old law and made it bigger and filled it with new meaning. We are to love everyone as we love ourselves and in doing so, make manifest in the world the love of God in our hearts. Can you imagine living like that? I mean, can you? When I recalled his final words to me, I wanted to skip and dance. I am close to the Kingdom of God! He said so! I felt pretty smug. But then I thought: How close am I? I want to know more.

Should I follow this man, this Jesus? Should I follow him?

- Kathleen MacMurray

Lectionary Readings

Prayer

• Morning: Pss. 27; 147:12–20• Evening: Pss. 126; 102• Jer. 10:11-24• Rom. 5:12-21• John 8:21-32

May the desire of my heart be such that I may become more and more aware of the spirit of the Father, through the Christ, manifesting in me. Amen.

Friday, March 13


Lectionary Readings• Morning: Pss. 22; 148• Evening: Pss. 105; 130• Jer. 11:1-8,14-17• Rom. 6:1-11• John 8:33-47

PrayerDearest Lord, teach me to be generous; to serve you as you deserve; to give and not count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not seek for rest, to labor and not to seek reward, save knowing that I do your will. Fill us, we pray, with your light and life, that we may show your wondrous glory. Grant that your love may so fill our lives that we may count nothing too small to do for you, nothing too much to give and nothing too hard to bear. Amen.

Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)

Peter McConnell, Paul McConnell, Maeve Daley-Gibson, and Oscar Medina , Mixed Media Sculpture

This sculpture was formed by arranging 500 pennies. The students were challenged to imagine what God could do with just a few cents.

Saturday, March 14


The end times were very much on the minds of the early Christians. Good Friday and Easter had happened in their lifetimes, and they certainly expected the second coming of Christ, bringing the final victory over sin and death, to happen in their lifetimes as well. But Christians and their family members were starting to die without seeing the long awaited triumph of Christ. Where was Jesus? When was he going to return to take them home?

Mark’s answer is that there are some important things that we want to know desperately, but that we simply cannot know. Some knowledge is reserved to the Father, and even the Son himself has not been informed. But how could Jesus, one in being with the Father, not know this vital piece of information?

John Calvin came to the conclusion that the true humanity of Jesus is being expressed in this passage. Jesus wasn’t God masquerading as a man. He was truly human, with human limitations, and yet truly God.

Jesus knew what he needed to know for his mission to the world. He knew poor and rich, families and the friendless, health and sickness, good and evil, life and death. He brought to everyone what they didn’t even know that they most needed, himself.

He didn’t know the final day or hour, because he didn’t need to know it. And if he didn’t need to know it, then why should we idly puzzle about it? Like Jesus, we know what we need to know for our mission in the world. We need to walk through the crowds each day doing what he did, bringing Jesus in word and deed.

- Bill McKee

Lectionary Readings

Prayer


Almighty and Omniscient God, give us light today, as we walk through your world, to discern your will in all things, and give us grace, in our words and deeds, to display your son, our savior, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Monday, March 16

Lectionary Readings


A time to plot, a time to kill, and for helpless men to pay the bill.But even great evil may pause in its flightSo murderers can make it all seem just right.Right in the minds of an unthinking crowd,With judgment so silent and emotions so loud.But even great evil may pause on its pathAnd turn from inciting Almighty God’s wrath. John M. Moon

And so, the plotters make their plans to perpetrate one of the great miscarriages of justice in the history of the world: the false accusations, the betrayal and conviction ofJesusofNazareth,SonofGodandSonofman.Thencame a stunning development, with lessons for us today. Scheming and power were brought to a halt by the thousands of years of Hebrew teaching. The people would not tolerate the defiling of the Passover. Evil gave way in the face of a showdown with goodness. Evil will give way today in the same way. The self-seeking, the greed, the malfeasance in office, the betrayal of the public trust will give way to the millennia of Hebrew and Christian religious teaching if enough of us render unto them our convictions and our action.

“O God of earth and altar, bow down and hear our cry; our earthly leaders falter, our people drift and die.”

- Jack Moon

• Morning: Pss. 119:73-80; 145

• Evening: Pss. 121; 6• Jer. 16:(1-9) 10-21• Rom. 7:1-12• John 6:1-15

O God of earth and altar, may they not falter, may they not drift but support the teaching of the ages that brings the victory, even forever, in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Tuesday, March 17


The Anointing at Bethany is one of the few stories told in each of the Gospel accounts. If you read the others (Matthew 26:6-13, Luke 7:36-50, John 12:1-8) each one takes on a different flavor, telling the story with distinct details. Unsurprisingly, Mark’s account is the shortest, but what a powerful account it is. Mark doesn’t name the woman, doesn’t offer us any details about her, except that she came into the home of Simon the Leper and over Jesus’ head breaks an alabaster jar filled with perfume worth 300 denarii – a year’s wages. It’s a little surreal to imagine: Jesus reclining at a table after a meal, when suddenly a woman appears and douses him in nard. I can see why artists choose to focus on the descriptions in Luke and John, where the woman crouches at Jesus’ feet pouring out the precious oil along with her tears. How would you even capture this moment? In Mark alone, the anointer breaks the bottle. There’s no chance for the disciples to convince her to save the perfume or for her hand to hold back a little at the end. She doesn’t wait for Jesus to acknowledge her or comment on the gift she brings. She just acts; giving everything, pouring it over Jesus’ head in one deft action.

Much has been written about the disciples’ responses; even more about Jesus’ words, but I am still caught in thewoman’saction.Nottopourouttheperfume,buttobreak the bottle and to let the perfume spill. To break the bottle and know that there is nothing to be done to take back the action. What would it mean for us to give with such radical abandon?

- the Rev. Rachel Pederson

Lectionary Readings

Prayer


Help me break that alabaster jar. Help me be unafraid, as I pour out a fortune. Steady my heart and my hands; so that I may see the wisdom in such extravagance. You withheld nothing from me, may I be so generous that your good news will find life. Amen.

Wednesday, March 18

Lectionary Readings


What was Judas possibly thinking about? He had seen the miracles, the healings, the feeding of the 5,000, and so on. Even in Mark, where we don’t get much detail, Judas seems to have been part of the Twelve from early on. He knew Jesus was - at very worst - an extremely good man. It has been suggested that Judas, who held the group purse for Jesus and the disciples, might have been a thief. But it’s a long way from being a thief to setting up someone with whom you’ve been close for what Judas had to know was that person’s death. One commentary suggests that the phrase “one of the twelve” was used not merely to identify Judas, but to “intensify the horror of thebetrayal.”(TheNewOxfordAnnotatedBible,1973,p.1234) Did Judas not feel any of that horror? What was he possibly going to gain that would counterbalance the loss that even Judas must have felt? How fearfully powerful must have been the dark thoughts that pushed Judas over the edge into betraying Jesus.

And what was Jesus thinking? After all, he chose Judas to be one of the Twelve. In exploring that conundrum, one could write a whole sermon or more, using texts such as “God’swaysarenotourways,”or“Now,weseethroughaglass darkly....”.

Jesus knew what was coming and knew the role that Judas would fill. Yet he chose to let things play out - as painful as he knew that playing out would be. And yet..., and yet, we are redeemed because he did let things play out according to God’s plan.

- Steve Mygatt


Dear Lord of Judgment and Might, when powerfully dark thoughts enter our mind, wrap us in your grace and your love. Since we are like Judas in being too weak to resist the dark thoughts, rather than being strong like Jesus in the face of temptation or evil, strengthen us to be better able to do your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thursday, March 19


In the last week of his life, Jesus sent John and Peter into Jerusalem to find a man carrying a water jar who would lead them to a house with a large room where they should make the Passover preparations. They did and found everything, just as Jesus told them. Men never carried water jars, only women; so it was easy for the disciples to find the man carrying a water jar in the city. This is another example of Jesus’ being fully aware of and preparing for his fate. At the Passover, Jesus also knew that one of his disciples would betray him (Judas), that he would face a horrific death by crucifixion as a result of Judas’ betrayal, and that another disciple would deny him three times (Peter).

In spite of these heartrending events, Jesus never wavered from being the example of God’s intentions for humankind. Jesus revealed God’s wisdom through his extraordinary actions and teachings, which have been a constant source of inspiration ever since. Jesus shed light on the inner God that is within us all, and challenged us to have the strength to follow in his way.

- Trip O’DonnellLectionary Readings

Prayer


Dear God, help us to understand your plan for us and give us the courage to see that thy will be done, for your way is the better way. Amen.

Friday, March 20


Lectionary Readings• Morning: Pss. 22; 148• Evening: Pss. 105; 130• Jer. 23: 1-8• Rom. 8:28-39• John 6:52-59

PrayerYou ate with your friends and even shared with the one who betrayed you. Was it hard to sit there knowing that what was to come? Help me see the ways I am not faithful. Teach me so that I can faithfully follow you from the upper room, to the garden, to the trial, to the cross, and even on to the empty tomb. Amen.

3rd Grade Sunday School Class, clay sculpture

These lamps, modeled after 1st century oil lamps, were decorated by the 3rd grade Sunday school class. They are ready to be lit and give light through the coming evening.

Saturday, March 21


These verses are part of the last supper story in Mark. The words, for the most part, are very familiar. We hear them each time we celebrate communion. In fact, these words are possibly so familiar that we don’t really consider their significance.

First a note about context. The last supper story in Mark is primarily a narrative of death and betrayal. The first part consists of Jesus’ telling of his betrayal by one of the twelve and concludes with a forecast of His coming death. The communion verses (22-24) are an exception to this story line. In the midst of this discussion of betrayal and death, Jesus conducts the first communion as one of his last acts as a free man. He clearly considered these actions to be important and may consider them to be the climax and culmination of his ministry. He is using the bread and wine to symbolically initiate God’s new covenant with his people, as foretold in Jeremiah 31:33-34. This initiation is later confirmed by His sacrificial crucifixion on the cross. Jesus clearly established the importance and necessity of his sacrifice by symbolically sacrificing himself before his actual death at the hands of the earthly authorities.He essentially said to his believers that “they can take my earthly body, but I give my symbolic body and spirit to you. Through God’s new covenant, I will continue to live in your hearts and the hearts of mankind for years to come.” This is a very positive and empowering promise which is renewed and remembered each time we celebrate communion. As we approach Easter, we are provided with a new opportunity to ponder its establishment and its significance in our lives.

- Richard Nashner

Lectionary Readings

Prayer


We eat and drink, receiving from Christ the grace we need,And in our hearts believing On Him by faith we feed;With wonder and thanksgiving For love that knows no end,We find in Jesus living Our ever present friend.

- Hymn 517, We Come as Guests Invited

Monday, March 23

Lectionary Readings


In reading this scripture and other verses in Mark, I came upon Mark 14:38 and felt that the words “the Spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak” also reflected on the betrayal of Peter. How often have we heard these words and how often have we, as sinners, wrestled with them? Certainly Peter did. Peter, one of God’s chosen and trusted disciples, did the unthinkable. He betrayed Jesus three times, even though he denied that he would ever do such a thing.

What causes us to betray one another? Is it fear of the unknown, our own insecurity, or simply that, as humans, we possess certain qualities that show weakness and lack of control? We know what is best, but, at times, we stray and do that which is not always right for us and for others. With Jesus as our guide, our teacher, and our Father’s son, we have struggled to do as he taught us to do and not succumb to our weaker self. But, like Peter, we do make mistakes. However, our heavenly Father does forgive us and, as Peter, we are sorry for our offenses. When Jesus let Peter know what he did, “Peter went out and wept bitterly.”

God knows our sins and sent his beloved son Jesus so that we would be forgiven of them. As Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again.”

- Sally T. Nelson

• Morning: Pss. 119:73-80; 145

• Evening: Pss. 121; 6• Jer. 24:1-10• Rom. 9:19-33• John 9:1-17

Dear God, we know that you love us unconditionally and are there for us in good times and bad. Thank you for the loving gift of your son, Jesus, who is ever mindful of our needs and is there to support and care for us always. Amen.

Tuesday, March 24


Do you remember the last time you were so tired that you could barely stay awake? If so, you can relate the disciples in Gethsemane. Instead of remaining awake as Jesus asks themto,theyfallasleep.Notjustonce,butthreetimes!Each time, Jesus prays and the disciples fall asleep. These were the moments just before Jesus was to be betrayed, and the disciples slept.

We too are disciples. Like those closest to Jesus, we fall asleep when he is counting on us. When God calls us to do or say something, we often forget, fail, or fall asleep. We sleep through important moments in our faith and life.

We will never be able to stay awake through every experience in life. Our bodies need rest to refresh ourselves. We can however, do our best to be awake for the most important moments. We can seek to be awake to God’s call upon our lives and to whom God is calling us to be. Wherever we find ourselves this Lent, may we be awake to God’s voice in our lives.

Life can be exhausting. The demands of work, family, and other commitments are often all-consuming. Even as we sometimes struggle to stay awake, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus still prays for us, even when we are asleep.

- Kellen Smith

Lectionary Readings

Prayer

• Morning: Pss. 34; 146• Evening: Pss.25; 91• Jer. 25:8-17• Rom. 10:1-13• John 9:18-41

O Lord, you know when we are awake and when we sleep. Help us to be awake to your voice. May we listen and be awake for the important moments in life. Hear our prayer this day, just as we seek to hear you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Wednesday, March 25

Lectionary Readings


Who me, flee? Why in a technology-based, hand-held device, instant message world where relationships are too often reduced to a tweet do we struggle to do what we know is right? Because we are vulnerable human beings who too often live for immediate gratification and are influenced by social pressures rather than following the teachings of Christ. In a word, we are hypocrites. Mark writes in verse 50, “All of them deserted him and fled.” Scripture suggests that days before Jesus was arrested the crowds waved palm-branches and swelled the hosannas declaring Jesus a king. Why then did the crowds and his disciples abandon Jesus as he was arrested, after Judas betrayed him? Don’t we face the same scenario when we ignore the hungry, walk away from the homeless, fail to help the needy or just simply look the other way? We know we should and want to follow Christ, but instead we flee when the challenge to help others is too much of a sacrifice. In a word, we are hypocrites. So what can we do? Before it is too late, we need to take this Lenten season to slow down, smell the roses, and re-prioritize what is important to us. Rather than fleeing, let us follow Christ and believe in his promise. Seek out one person, one cause, one situation … and make a difference. When you do, you will be a follower of Christ. For as Matthew 25 reads, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”

- Steve Ryan


Lord, help me to see through the distractions of our day and give me the courage to follow your Word. Along the way, may I hold fast to that which is good, be ever thankful for my abundant blessings and share with those less fortunate the special gift that each new day brings. Amen.

Thursday, March 26


There is a lot going on in this passage, so much that we might miss the central point. There are high priests and even presbyterians (elders) who have been called to a special grand jury on a night that should be devoted to the Passover. Many people come and go. Their conflicting testimony doesn’t illuminate the truth everyone claims they are seeking. Jesus remains silent.

Pressed by the Chief Priest, Jesus finally utters the truth – the great I Am. Any Jew in the assembled crowd would have immediately heard the echo of God’s word to Moses: “Say to the sons of Israel, “I Am has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:14) The name of God, so awesome it cannot be spoken: YHVH. Through this simple declaration Jesus reveals his participation in the very nature of God – an eternal presence without beginning and end, always in the present. The impact of this assertion was essential to knowing the truth about Jesus. It is repeated by John when Jesus is challenged and says, “Before Abraham was born, I Am.” (John 8:58).

Like Peter, we are mingling with the servants in the courtyard, drawn despite our fears to the fire and light that radiates from the redemptive power of this presence in the world, this manifestation of the I Am. We don’t want to join the crowd’s taunts, “Prophesy. Prove that you are God’s messenger, just as the prophets before you did.” We want to believe that this human is indeed the I Am, the presence of God in our life.

- Phoebe A. Sheftel

Lectionary Readings

Prayer

• Morning: Pss. 27; 147:12–20• Evening: Pss. 126; 102• Jer. 26:1-16 (17-24)• Rom. 11:1-12• John 10:19-42

Eternal God who was there before creation, give us the strength to respond to your presence in our very being. Amen.

Friday, March 27


Lectionary Readings• Morning: Pss. 22; 148• Evening: Pss. 105; 130• Jer. 29:1 (2-3) 4-14• Rom. 11:13-24• John 11:1-27 or John 12:1-

10

Prayer

There is always light amidst the darkness;thank you, God, for the light. Amen.

Photograph by Cara Guernsey, Grade 9

Saturday, March 28


The text begins with the enemies of Jesus holding a “meeting of the minds” to discuss how Jesus would be handled. They literally bound Jesus like a common criminal to be handed over to Pilate. Here is an innocent man on trial for crimes he did not commit. What a travesty of justice! When the charges were pronounced upon Jesus, he didn’t mutter a word, he remained silence. This whole incident fulfills Isaiah 53:7: “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” Pilate was amazed at Jesus for not responding to the charges against him. Sometimes silence is golden. “Silence is the element in which great things fashion themselves together; that at length they may emerge, full-formed and majestic, into the day light of life, which they are thenceforth to rule…Speech is of time, silence is of eternity.” (Thomas Carlyle) Jesus knew the time had come to be delivered over to the hands of people who would all take a part in his crucifixion. Jesus knew his destiny was already set before him, so he endured the trials and the crucifixion with all of humanity in mind. His love for us made it all possible for Jesus to take our place, dying for our sins.

- the Rev. Lorraine Stevens Seminary Intern for Youth Ministry

Lectionary Readings

Prayer

• Morning: Pss. 43; 149• Evening: Pss. 31; 143• Jer. 31:27-34• Rom. 11:25-36• John 11:28-44 or John

12:37-5

O Lord as we remember the great sacrifice you made for all of humanity, we wholeheartedly repent from our sins and allow your Spirit to live through us anew from this day forward. Amen.

Monday, March 30

Lectionary Readings


“Why,” Pilate asks, “why?” Imagine the look on Barabbas’ face when he learned that he, and not Jesus, would be set free. What did Barabbas think at that moment; what did he feel? Imagine sitting in your prison cell, waiting for your crucifixion and the door slowly opening, and you hear the words…”You are free, someone else is taking your place.” You are free from the burden of your choices, the broken relationships, the slander you have participated in, the excuses you have used. The door has been opened and you are free. This is a freedom that you cannot earn but only receive, if you are willing.

The scripture tells us that it was customary on a major holiday for the Roman governor to set one prisoner free. Jesus and Barabbas were both facing execution for very different reasons. Barabbas, however, was the leader of a riot that resulted in murder. Jesus, while deemed a rebel by those of Jewish authority, was guilty of nothing but incarnating the love of God for all people, even me, even you.

We have entered Holy Week. We are slowly approaching the cross. As we draw closer, I wonder…can you hear Jesus’ voice calling to you by name? He is saying, “I chose you.” You are free from your burdens, your regrets, and all that life has overwhelmed you with; you are

- the Rev. Maria Stroup

• Morning: Pss. 119:73-80; 145

• Evening: Pss. 121; 6• Jer. 11:18-20; 12:1-16 (17)• Phil. 3:1-14• John 12:9-19

Gracious God, thank you for wanting to open the doors that I am imprisoned by. Thank you for releasing me from those things that hold me captive from your redeeming love. Allow me to stand in your forgiveness and walk boldly in the shadow of your sacrificial grace. Amen.

Tuesday, March 31


This is a tough week for Christians. Yet we call it holy — Holy Week. Special, set apart. How can we call the week of Jesus’ suffering and crucifixion holy?!

Mark’s account of Jesus’ suffering is the most graphic of all the Gospel accounts. It sounds like the first feature of the morning news that shocks us into the reality of a new day. And yet it is the story we have. The one that leads us to the birth of our faith.

For what we know now is that Jesus’ suffering at the hands of the Roman authorities was not the last word. It is a word hard to bear, but it is not the last word. God always has the last word.

As a student and teacher of literature, I have often identified fictional characters as “Christ figures.” What that meant — and still means to those of us who carry the story — is that whatever suffering occurs as the consequence of injustice is the kind of suffering Christ bore for us. And any one who bears like suffering is a figure in the spirit of Christ.

And what the suffering of Jesus teaches us all is that this kind of suffering does not have to be.

The real holiness of this week is born in the assurance that our faith is built on the power of love to overcome evil. God’s resurrection of Jesus Christ assails the threat of oppressive evil wherever it occurs. In the living Spirit of the Risen Christ we still find what saves us.

- the Rev. Richard Wohlschlaeger

Lectionary Readings

Prayer

• Morning: Pss. 34; 146• Evening: Pss. 25; 91• Jer. 15:10-21• Phil. 3:15-21• John 12:20-26

Guide us, O God of mercy, through the darkness of this week toward the light that greets us with the dawn of Easter morn. In the Spirit of Jesus, strengthen us to be imitators of the divine face of his humanity that stands firm against injustice wherever it occurs. Amen.

Wednesday, April 1

Lectionary Readings


In this passage, Jesus, the son of God, is being taken to the place where he will be crucified, “Golgotha” or “Place of the Skull.” Simon, a passerby who appears to be a complete stranger, is forced to carry his cross. There is no historical basis for this action, but maybe Mark was trying to show us that carrying the cross isn’t always to be taken in a figurative sense. As humans, we bear heavy burdens, sometimes for others, every day.

The soldiers tried to give Jesus wine mingled with myrrh, which was often given to help lessen the pain, but he refused it. This tells me that Jesus wanted to be fully conscious when he was nailed to the cross. Jesus’ garments were divided amongst the soldiers as he was suffering naked before them, and the soldiers played a game to see who would get which piece of Jesus’ clothing. The soldiers had to stay to make sure that friends of Jesus didn’t try to rescue him, and as they played this game, they seemed to be oblivious to the pain and suffering of Jesus right in front of them.

Jesus indeed suffered the ultimate sacrifice for us, and we can only try to understand how much he loved us through this horrible account of his crucifixion. As we go through our daily lives filled with many burdens and obstacles as well as opportunities and choices before us, let us remember this ultimate gift of sacrifice, and may we find grace in the simple pleasures of our lives.

- Claire Swarr

• Morning: Pss. 5; 147:1–11• Evening: Pss. 27; 51• Jer. 17:5-10, 14-17 (18)• Phil. 4:1-13• John 12:27-36

Heavenly Father, in the spirit of Jesus, help us to bear our burdens and assist others with grace and humility. Amen.

Thursday, April 2


King of the Jews

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?Were you MaryWere you JohnA disciple Priest Soldier Curious? A bystander, or one who passed by . . . . A thiefHave you been at the foot of the cross?Who was he? This man who was crucified for all of us . . . . a transgressor?Ponder that crown of thorns . . . . Hold it in your hands . . . .Do we know who he was?Time to ponder again . . . .Do we know who He is?

- A disciple

Lectionary Readings

Prayer

• Morning: Pss. 27; 147:12–20• Evening: Pss. 126; 102• Jer. 20:7-11 (12-13) 14-18• 1 Cor. 10:14-17; 11:27-32• John 17:1-11 (12-26)

May the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer. Amen.

- Psalm 19:14

Friday, April 3


Lectionary Readings• Morning: Pss. 22; 148• Evening: Pss. 105; 130• Gen. 22:1-14• 1 Peter 1:10-20• John 13:36-38 or John

19:38-42

PrayerO blessed Lord, your body is cold as the stone around you, your skin pale as the shroud that covers you. O blessed Lord, you are all alone in the tomb, your friends too frightened to come near you. O blessed Lord, my heart is cold, my soul is pale with fear; I feel lonely, I have no friends at my side. I wait for your glory, when the bright sun of God’s love will warm all humankind, and everyone will be at peace with his neighbor.

Celtic Prayer

Seedlings Weekday School Class , watercolor and tissue paper

Two year olds were invited to cooperatively paint the sky on a sad day.

Saturday, April 4


The chapter, and Mark’s gospel, ends as the women run away “…for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

One way to think about this reading is to recognize how challenging faith can be. The women actually had seen Jesus crucified, his body placed in the tomb, and the stone rolledagainstitsentrance.Nowondertheywereamazedand terrified upon seeing his body gone and being told that he had risen. Even though Jesus had foretold it, believing that the Son of God came to earth, died on the cross, and rose from the dead was nearly impossible until Jesus later appeared to his followers. Believing this miracle was a great act of faith for these women and for the disciples, as it is for us. However, if we look around us, every day we can see proof of the miracle of Jesus’ life and resurrection: in the countless acts of kindness and courage we witness, in the fellowship we share, and in God’s grace and forgiveness of our shortcomings. Our challenge is to follow Jesus to Galilee; for there we will see him, just as he foretold it.

- Anonymous Lectionary Readings

Prayer

• Morning: Pss. 43;149• Evening: Pss. 31; 143• Job 19:21-27a• Heb. 4:1-16• Rom. 8:1-11

Heavenly Father, we pray that our troubles may be few. But when they do arise, we ask that you help us to remember that no matter what, you are there for us. We thank you that there is nothing we have to face alone, and that we can depend on your guidance as you lovingly hold us in the palm of your hand. Amen.

Enrich Your Experience of Lent and EasterAsh Wednesday Wednesday, February 18

• 5:30 p.m. Family Service in the Chapel with Imposition of Ashes. Led by the Rev. Rachel Pedersen.

• 6:00-7:30 p.m. WednesdayNightDinnerserved in Congregational Hall. Cost: $8/adults, $5/students and children. All welcome.

• 7:30 p.m. Service in the Chapel with Imposition of Ashes. Led by the Rev. Dr. Agnes W.Norfleet.

Lenten Focus 2015: Sown in Tears: Exploring Tragedy, Struggle and Reconciliation

• Wednesday Evenings at 7:00 p.m. Presentations about visions of meaning in darkness and chaos led by poet Gregory Djanikian (Feb. 25), the Rev. Rachel Pedersen (March 4), Jane Golden (Mar. 11), and Dr. Tim Horner (March 18 & 25). Join us after dinner in Congregational Hall.

• Metronome Ticking (docudrama) - Sun., March 1, 2:00 p.m.

• To Be Certain of the Dawn (with choirs and orchestra) - Sun., Mar. 22, 4:00 p.m. For more information see our worship bulletins or visit www.bmpc.org.

Holy Week Labyrinth WalksThursday, April 2 & Friday, April 3, Gymnasium

• Thursday (April 2): 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.• Friday (April 3): 8:00 a.m.–12:00 noon

Holy Week ServicesWeek of March 29 - April 5Palm Sunday, March 29• 8:00 a.m. Worship with Communion by

intinction in the Chapel.• 8:30-9:45 a.m. Breakfast in Congregational

Hall.• 10:00 a.m. Worship and children’s palm

procession in the Sanctuary.

Maundy Thursday, April 2• 6:00 p.m. Simple supper in Congregational

Hall. Free will offering.• 7:30 p.m. Worship with Communion in

the Sanctuary. Led by the Rev. Dr. Agnes W. Norfleet.

Good Friday, April 3• 12:00 noon. Service commemorating Good

Friday in the Sanctuary. Led by BMPC Youth.• 7:30 p.m. Musical experience in the Sanctuary

led by the Rev. Bill Carter and his Presbybop Jazz Quartet featuring Psalms of Lament and congregational singing.

Easter Sunday, April 5• 6:30 a.m. Sunrise service on the front lawn.

Led by the Rev. Rachel Pedersen; continental breakfast follows.

• 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 a.m. Worship with Sanctuary Choir and Easter Brass in the Sanctuary.TheRev.Dr.AgnesW.Norfleetwillpreach.

He has risen;he is not here!

- Mark 16:6

BRYN MAWR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 625 Montgomery Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 | 610-525-2821 | www.bmpc.org