Despair is a desperate companion for facing the unknown. Much rather the funny, dancing loving partner of my journey, the spirit of sparkling hope to lighten my load and wash away my tears. Perhaps I am searching in the wrong place, asking the wrong questions. O God, midwife of my life, deliver me from anxiety, dispel my fear, calm my racing heart, bring hope to birth again.
Kate McIlhagga
Joel 1-2;12-17
Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming, it is near— a day of darkness and gloom, ; a day of clouds and thick darkness!Like blackness spread upon the mountains a great and powerful army comes;their like has never been from of; old, nor will be again after them in ages to come.
Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing.Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful,slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing. Who knows whether he will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him,a grain-offering and a drink-offering for the Lord, your God?
Blow the trumpet in Zion; sanctify a fast; call a solemn assembly; gather the people.Sanctify the congregation; assemble the aged; gather the children, even infants at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her canopy.
Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep.Let them say, ‘Spare your people, O ; Lord , and do not make your heritage a mockery, a byword among the nations.Why should it be said among the peoples, “Where is their God?”
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?
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