Thursday, March 24, 2011

A New Lenten Practice

For the past few years, I have not only given up meat every day during Lent, I have also carried the no meat on Friday practice beyond the Lenten season. While I am abstaining from meat only on Fridays this Lent, I do plan to continue this practice throughout the year because it causes me to reflect on Christ's sacrifice and suffering.

I have decided to incorporate something new to my Lenten experience. I have chosen a passage in the bible to reflect upon until Easter Sunday. The passage I have chosen is from the Gospel According to Luke. It is about Mary and Martha at the end of chapter ten.

As they continued their journey he entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at this feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me." The Lord said to her in reply, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her." ~ Luke 10:38-42 (NAB)

Since Lent is well under way, I have already begun breaking down this very short passage and reflecting on its overall meaning as well as its meaning in my life at this particular time. I look forward to Easter when I can share my observations and how this activity has benefited my Lenten experience. I'm excited to focus on such a small portion of scripture (forty days is a long time to reflect on a few sentences). While I have read the Bible, and I have attended Bible study, this will be the first time I actually spend so much time on one part.

Hello, God! I'm listening!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Moonlight Walk Concerto Number 5

On this beautiful spring day, I decided to take a break and sit on the backyard deck for a few minutes. I purposely engaged in total disconnection from our electronic age and total connection to the sounds that exist on the fringes of my consciousness right in my own backyard. This is a good way to develop the habit of mindful relaxation and awareness, and I hope I will do this more often.

Here is what I heard as I leaned my head back and closed my eyes:

  • The wind rushing with gusto through the tree tops
  • A multitude of birds communicating their joy to be alive
  • The strange whirring of grasshoppers
  • The echoing bark of a faraway dog
  • Water dripping from a potted plant
  • Buzzing bees that prefer to be left alone
  • The deep-toned peal of the neighbor's wind chime
  • The resonant rumble of a distant car
  • Rustling leaves as occasional wind gusts propel them to new locations
  • My own heartbeat
 Music to my ears and a symphony in my soul!

What do you hear when you sit in your backyard?

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

A Warm Prayer with Pockets

My church, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, has a ministry called Hugs Ministry. The latest project is knitted or crocheted prayer shawls for people who are ill and need a little hug from God as well as from loving parishioners.

I finally started knitting a prayer shawl! Here's a picture of it in the beginning stage. The color is called Mixed Berry, and it is a very uplifting color. I know it appears to be small, but it is folded under, so it's not stretched out to the full 20 inches. It will eventually be 20" x 60" with a pocket at each end. Warm, comforting, and useful!

Previously for this ministry, we made baby blankets for unwed mothers. I really enjoy making blankets, so I made two: see them here.

I'm looking forward to finishing this project, but I love the process as well. Each time I pick up my shawl and knit a few rows, I say a prayer for the person who will receive this homemade hug. I hope and pray my humble gift will warm that special someone with God's love.

  © Blogger template Brownium by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP