Friday 22 February 2013

Thought for the Week Second Week of Lent


Lent is not for the faint-hearted.
It demands so that we, like Thomas,
put our hand into the side of the crucified Christ.
Lent is a journey towards the cross,
a journey of enlightenment:
from wilderness to feast ,
from desert to oasis.
It's an attempt to identify with the powerless
and the suffering in the world.
Lent is not tidy.
The days grow longer,
the ground thaws, there's mud and dirt
everywhere
and the windows need cleaning.
Lent is a journey.
So at the end of Lent
we should expect to find ourselves
somewhere different from where we started.
Lent can be an opportunity
to explore what is the nature
of the promised Kingdom of God on earth
that we long for;
a time to discern
how we are called to work for it.
No, Lent is not for the faint-hearted.
Kate McIlhagga

Thursday 14 February 2013

Thought for the week First Week of Lent


One thing, and only one, in this world has eternity stamped upon it.
Feelings pass; resolves and thoughts pass; opinions change.
What you have done lasts - lasts in you.
Through ages, through eternity, what you have done for Christ, that, and only that, you are.
- F. W. Robertson







Luke 4.1–13

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished.
The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “One does not live by bread alone.”’

Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, ‘To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.”’


What is the meaning of Lent?

What are you giving up for Lent.?  I was asked.

Nothing. I am going to still eat chocolate and other things.

It is what I am taking on for Lent that makes the difference.

What are you going to take on for Lent?

Friday 8 February 2013

Thought for the week Next before Lent


A Green Heart
Into a dark world
a snow drop comes,
a benison
of hope and peace,
carrying within it
a green heart,
a symbol of God’s renewing love.
Come to inhabit our darkness
Lord Christ,
for dark and light
are alike to you.
May nature’s white candles of hope
remind us of your birth
and light our journey
through Lent and beyond.
Kate McIlhagga