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Daily Lectionary Readings for Year B
Today is Ash Wednesday. We enter the wilderness time with Jesus. Time will work on us, forty days to whittle away our patient defenses. We will grow tired. We will become weak. And then, as sure as the sun rises, the temptations will come. Who knows what forms these temptations will take? But in their subtle, tantalizing ways, they will seek to make a bargain with us. Give up the ways of love and compassion for your neighbor, and I will fill your bank account with so much wealth you will never have to worry again. Confronting racism is a waste of time. Ignore it and it will go away. Quit the church and walk away from God, and I will give you power on earth. I imagine these and other temptations are with us before and after Lent, but it is during these forty days that we prayerfully confront them and seek to deny their power over us. It won't be easy. Forty days of prayer, confession, fasting, and almsgiving is not easy. But then, on Easter, tired and yet strengthened, we will walk with the risen Christ to serve the world in love. Today might be a good day to call someone and decide together to support one another through Lent. Agree to hold each other accountable. Trust one another to share the ways you are experiencing temptation. Support and celebrate the hard work you are both doing. Then promise to rejoice together on Easter morning. -- Peace, Dean
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Thank you for sharing this insightful reflection on Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. The imagery of entering the wilderness time with Jesus is quite profound. It's a reminder that life's challenges and temptations are part of our journey, and Lent provides a dedicated period for us to confront and overcome them. The temptations you mentioned are all too familiar, and it's crucial for us to recognize them and resist their allure. Lent's practices of prayer, confession, fasting, and almsgiving offer us the tools we need to strengthen our spiritual foundation. Let's strive to emerge from this season with renewed faith, a deeper connection to God, and a commitment to spreading love and compassion in the world. 11/3/2023 03:35:17 am
It's always a powerful reminder when Ash Wednesday comes around, signaling the beginning of the Lenten season. This blog post beautifully captures the essence of this time – the journey into the wilderness with Jesus, the testing of our patience, and the ever-enticing temptations that seek to divert us from the path of love and compassion. Indeed, it's during these forty days that we confront our inner struggles and strive to deny their hold over us. The idea of finding a Lenten accountability partner is an excellent one. It's a way to share the burden, support one another, and ultimately, emerge stronger together on Easter morning. 11/4/2023 01:53:04 am
Ash Wednesday is a time for reflection and self-examination, and this post captures its significance brilliantly. The metaphor of entering the wilderness with Jesus, where our patience is tested, paints a vivid picture of the Lenten season. It's a time when we must confront the temptations that seek to divert us from love and compassion. The mention of confronting racism and the allure of worldly power adds depth to the discussion. Lent, with its focus on prayer, confession, fasting, and almsgiving, is indeed a challenging period, but it's also an opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal. The suggestion to find a Lenten partner for mutual support and accountability is a practical and meaningful way to navigate this journey. 12/28/2023 02:45:07 am
As someone who values community and faith, I'm delighted to see Wesley Park United Methodist Church being represented online. Churches often serve as pillars of support and sources of inspiration for many. I look forward to exploring the content and getting to know more about the church's mission and the ways it enriches the lives of its members. 2/8/2024 10:43:55 am
The metaphor of entering the wilderness with Jesus is a powerful image, reminding us of the challenges and temptations we may face during Lent as we strive to deepen our relationship with God. Confronting issues such as racism and the allure of worldly power adds an important dimension to our Lenten journey, highlighting the need for personal and societal transformation. 9/17/2024 03:26:22 am
Thank you for sharing this daily lectionary. I appreciate the focus on humility and repentance, and it serves as a meaningful reminder of our spiritual journey toward renewal. This reflection truly resonates with me. 9/24/2024 09:24:28 pm
The idea of finding a Lenten accountability partner is an excellent one. Thank you 10/16/2024 10:32:41 am
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You explained a tough topic really well. 11/26/2024 10:30:18 am
This post felt like it was written just for me – thank Leave a Reply. |
REv. Dean N. PrentissI am blessed to be the Pastor at Wesley Park UMC. Find Daily Lectionary Readings Here. Archives
February 2021
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