Category: Lent 2022

Saturday, March 19

The Life and Challenges of a Long-Ago Christian, Part 3

When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever. —Proverbs 10:25

Simon the Shark Speaks 
in Port and at Sea 62 AD

I’ve sailed these waters for fifteen years, delivering cargo fast and safe. They call me Simon the Shark. I run a tight ship and make money, lots of it. Last time out, though, nothing worked out. The hold was full; the weather was good. But just before time to sail, I lost two of the crew. I was short two men and nobody on the docks needed work. About midnight I sent my mate out to grab two bodies, any bodies would do. He brought back a couple of young kids he found wandering out late. One of them, Zeno, was a sturdy lad. But the other, Markos, looked like a dreamer. They were both scared but trying not to show it. I told them they would work for me and work hard or get chucked overboard when we were at sea. Well, they were tougher than they looked and learned the ropes in a hurry. I thought we were in for a good voyage.

Then the storm struck. It was wild. The roughest I’d ever seen. We had to jettison the cargo, but the ship was still drawing water, ready to break. A couple of the crew were washed overboard. Finally, the only thing we could do was pray to the Baal of storms. Zeno and Markos refused. “We’re Christians,” they cried out over the storm, “There is one God, our Lord. We only pray to him.” “This is our last chance. Pray with us to Baal or over the side you go,” I roared. Zeno was terrified and agreed to join us but not the dreamer. I picked Markos up to hurl him overboard, shouting, “See if your God will save you, then!” As the raging waters were closing around him, Markos called back, “My faith is my shield.”

Help us to keep faith, Lord, however fearsome the challenges facing us may be. We know you are at our side supporting us. Amen.

Guy Johnson

Friday, March 18

When My Faith is Challenged

My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. —James 1:2-4 (NRSV)

I am always amazed at the perseverance shown by individuals impacted by disasters. Statements are usually given on camera by victims standing amongst the rubble of what was once their home. Following the December 2021 tornadoes that ravaged Kentucky, not one person that I saw interviewed expressed hopelessness or despair. Quite the contrary. Their conversations were filled with expressions of faith, hope and gratitude. There was much sadness and frustration, but so many openly expressed their faith in God and hope for a brighter day; gratitude that they (and family/friends) had been spared, that their material losses did not matter in the big picture and that God had been good. They were eager to get back to work and onto the road to recovery.

As I marveled at their resilience, I was forced to think about how I would respond to such a trial in my life. Would I be able to say how grateful I was if my home and all my material things were literally blown away by a hurricane or tornado and/or a family member or friend was killed? Would my faith be strong enough to produce the kind of endurance that James speaks of? Would that sustain me as I was faced with that long, rough road ahead?

How would you respond?

We might also think about how friends and family of Jesus responded following His crucifixion. Some acted immediately. Joseph of Arimathea boldly asked for, and received from Pilate, Jesus’ body. He then placed Him in his own personal tomb. Though distraught, Mary Magdalene and the other women wasted no time in returning to the tomb to care for Jesus’ body. On a broader scale, we know that the remaining 11 disciples followed Jesus’ directive to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Dear Heavenly Father, as I face trials in my life, let my faith in You produce patience and endurance so that I can respond in a manner that will allow me to grow from the experience. AMEN.

Claudia Fowler

Thursday, March 17

The New Normal

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. —Philippians 4:13

Throughout the pandemic, I have heard people express their frustrations: they are tired of staying home, sick of wearing a mask, confused by vaccine news and changing protocols, and frustrated by social distancing. I understand these feelings. For me, life never seemed to pause. We continued our work without a break, we just changed how we delivered our university courses. Students were more needy, and I still had to write, research, and perform my service work while helping my own child learn from home. I was working more than ever.

Like others, we missed seeing friends, going to movies, taking vacations, dining out. Yet I was cognizant of opportunities to develop new behaviors. I started doing yoga each day, made changes to our home, and focused on my son’s education. We cooked more, talked more, and committed more energy to our homelife. And, although we worked more, we also played more. We rode bikes together, we went for hikes, and we read together. We also prayed diligently.

We practiced gratitude daily. I noticed that, more than ever before in my life, thankfulness poured out of me. And the more we practiced appreciation for the smallest things, the more we noticed how many things there were to give God thanks for. I was often touched at how many things our son, six years old at the time the pandemic began, could identify as things he was grateful for each night. I often listened to him and took a deep breath, drinking in how refreshingly beautiful it was to hear a little boy lift his gratitude to the Lord. I have found prayer, reflection, meditation, and deep breath work to all come easier during this time of isolation.

Moving forward, I hope dining out remains a rarity and cooking together remains our family normal. I hope Lego-building days and game nights are here to stay. Most importantly, I hope I never forget the importance of daily gratitude, reflection, and prayer.

Thank you God for showing us opportunities to grow closer to you even when our world seems upside down. We know our strength comes from you. We give thanks to you for all the gifts you bestow on us including our food, our shelter, and the love of friends and family. We pray that we will see and use opportunities to grow closer to you during Lent and throughout the year. Amen.

Jen Curry Csaszar

Wednesday, March 16

Love Extended

There is surely a future hope for you and your hope will not be cut off. —Proverbs 23:18

Larrion was just six when my family “adopted” him in the turbulent aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. His mother was serving time in prison, his father was a well-known drug dealer in town, and Larrion was living with Miss Ruth, an eighty-something-year-old relative of very limited means. Even after my husband’s death and son’s departure for college, I continued the weekend ritual of sharing trips to the park, museums and movies with Larrion. I took him to his basketball games and watched him experience his first taste of Chinese food. We played imaginative word games in the car as we were driving to the zoo or miniature golf. My heart soared as we talked about the future for Larrion, his hopes of a stable home and his fervent dream of playing basketball for LSU or some other college. And then one day my heart shattered to hear him say, after contemplating that potential future joy, “it probably won’t happen because I will be shot by then.”

In recognizing the hopelessness that Larrion’s life experience was presenting to him, I doubled down on my prayers for him and worked more diligently to show him the good and beauty that life offers. Ultimately, I lost Larrion, not to a bullet but to a sudden and unannounced move to another city with no forwarding information.

Larrion still resides in my heart. I pray that he is a strong, healthy young man with the love of God in his heart and that he is still playing basketball.

God of love and hope and futures, help us lavish our love on those who need it. Give us the strength to hold hope in our hearts in spite of all obstacles and to live in the conviction that love is never ever wasted. Amen.

Betty Schroeder

Tuesday, March 15

Patience

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. —Lamentations 3:25-26

In this world today, now more than ever, so many are short of patience. Technological advances have helped to exacerbate a strong desire for instant gratification. I have been guilty of this impatience as well as a witness to it. The unwillingness to wait in our society can so easily breed doubt, anger, animosity, and tragedy. Our faith in the Lord not only requires strength, it also requires patience.

In Exodus chapter 32, the Israelites’ faith began to wane when Moses was up on the mountain with the Lord. They asked Aaron to create a false god. They had endured hard labors under the Pharaoh’s rule and had been enslaved and overworked. However, the Lord had freed them of their shackles, and they set out with Moses. The sea had been parted for them to cross through it, and it washed over the Pharaoh’s men, sweeping them asunder. Even after all of that glory from our God on high, they lost their way because of their impatience.

Life is a long and winding road, one that can, and ultimately will, take good and bad turns. Remember to never let your faith in the Lord waver.

In my personal experience, setting timers for applications on my phone have assisted me tremendously in having more time to build in my foundation with the Lord. In doing such a simple task, it has helped me be more present in my fellowship and allotted me the patience the Lord seeks from his children.

Dear Lord, please grant me the strength of patience and endurance in my faith. Guide me through the darkness of uncertainty and doubt. You are my Lord, my God, and I am forever grateful. Lead me along the path of life. I give my faith and all the glory to you, God. I pray for those around me who may feel the pain of doubt creeping in. I pray that they may open their hearts to you, Lord, and allow your love to fill their cups. May all the Lord’s children rejoice in exultation as they praise your name. Amen.

Chris Golmon

Monday, March 14

Where Do I Put My Rose-Colored Glasses?

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. —Hebrews 11:1

Having always been the eternal optimist, it has been extremely difficult for me to watch and experience some of the negative events of the past two years. COVID-19, with its offspring mutations, killed and sickened large numbers of our country. Numerous hurricanes have physically devastated our state, leaving thousands homeless and hopeless, while flooding, tornadoes and other disasters took aim at other parts of the U.S.

These medical and natural disasters sometimes paled in comparison to the psychological devastation that was taking aim at our cultural values. Truth was distorted, families and communities were divided over political issues such as elections and vaccinations, and vile and crude language was spewed regularly by our media. Social media outlets were having unparalleled effects on the population. Watching television during that time was like watching a horror movie.

My rose-colored glasses were often stained with tears, and my usual optimism turned to depression.

So how does one get past this constant negativity? Each morning I read a meditation in Sarah Young’s book, “Jesus Calling.” My ‘God moment’ today included these words: “I am with you and for you. You face nothing alone – nothing! When you feel anxious, know that you are focusing on the visual world and leaving me out of the picture.”

Beautiful and encouraging words! Words that will carry us through.

Father, I put my heavy heart into your hands knowing you will lead us out of these perilous times. Our faith in you reminds us of your ultimate power, and it assures us it is your time we follow, not our own. Amen.

Bobbi Marino

Sunday, March 13

Lent 2 Reflection Guide – When Our Shelter is Torn Away

Opening

Who do you know that you would identify as having a comforting presence? How does that person demonstrate comfort?

Scripture

Luke 13:31-35

Scripture Reflection

For many of us, God is our safety and security, so when our safety is ripped away, it can feel like it rips God away from us in the process. Whether our homes, our churches, our communities, or our relationships have been made unsafe by violence or betrayal, feeling God’s presence can be a challenge. But we are assured that God also knows intimately that same struggle. When Jesus returned to Jerusalem, which should have been the safest and most welcoming place to the son of God, he faced suspicion, aggression, and eventually, crucifixion. Yet even in the least safe place, Jesus longs to create safety for us, gathering us in like a mother hen under her wings.

Moment of Silent Reflection

Spend one full minute in silence as you consider the scripture and reflection.

Turn to Wonder

When the Pharisees suggest that Jesus should leave, how does Jesus’ response indicate that he does not feel threatened? What does this reveal about Jesus’ mission?

Re-read Luke 13:34; Read: Isaiah 31:5, Psalm 91:4. What do we learn about Jesus’ mission and desire from these verses? What does this reveal about God’s nature?¹

Read Jeremiah 22:1-5 and Psalm 118. How does Luke 13:35 seem to contain both a threat and a promise?²

How does it make you feel that no matter how much you believe you have failed or messed up, God still desires to gather you up for your protection and care?

Closing

Close your time together in a manner that is typical for you. Consider sharing joys and prayer concerns, then close in prayer.

God of Hope,

We give you thanks that you promise to never leave us or forsake us.

Help us run to you in our weakness.

Empower us to repent as people of hope

that you will redeem all situations for good.

Amen.

¹Even to the wrong and unwilling, God desires to extend to them relief, protection, and care.

²The Jeremiah passage indicates a threat of desolation if there is no repentance. Psalm 118 is a psalm of victory, trusting in God’s steadfast love.

Saturday, March 12

The Life and Challenges of a Long-Ago Christian, Part 2

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. —Matthew 5:10

Zeno speaks
A Port Town, 62 AD

Hi! My name is Zeno. Let me tell you about my friend Markos. One time, after picking up a load of wood for my boss, Fabro the carpenter, I was about to unload it in our shed when I saw this guy curled up asleep in one corner. When I woke him, he jumped up to apologize. His name was Markos, he said. He had come to town to meet friends, but they had missed each other, and he was out of money with no place to go. Then he offered to help unload the wood. He was about my age and seemed like an OK guy, so I agreed. When Fabro saw how well we did, he offered Markos a job. So, Markos and I worked together and got to be friends. Markos was a Christian, and I was his first convert.

One day Fabro told us he wanted us to do a job for the priest of Apollo, rebuilding his personal shrine. “Wait,” said Markos. “Does that mean we have to work with idols?” “What are idols? He has statues,” said Fabro. “I can’t work with idols; they are false gods!” said Markos. “I’m a Christian!” “You can’t work for me if you’re one of those atheist Christians!” Fabro shouted, “Get out of my shop!”

That night Markos and I packed up and left. Markos told me to stay and keep my job, but I told him I was a Christian, too. It was a dark rainy night. To get to the highway we had to go through the rough part of town by the waterfront which wasn’t safe when the sun was up. “Don’t worry,” said Markos as we started out. “Our faith is our shield.”

Help us, Lord, to be true to our hearts and consciences when others pressure us to change our course toward you. Amen.

Guy Johnson

Friday, March 11

#TheLentiestLentThatEverLented

Then Daniel answered the king: “Long live the king! My God sent his messenger, who shut the lions’ mouths. They haven’t touched me because I was judged innocent before my God. I haven’t done anything wrong to you either, Your Majesty.” —Daniel 6:21-22

Lent is a journey of struggle, suffering, and reflection. Some people choose to either give up something or adopt a new practice during Lent as a way of connecting our modern, physical selves to Christ’s suffering journey some 2000 years ago.

However, sometimes we find ways to shortcut the process (“Sundays don’t count”) or even minimize the symbolic suffering (“I can’t possibly give up that, so I’ll do this easy one instead”).

But this Lent, I’m not sure that I get to choose the method of my “suffering.” These days already feel like I’m living in a dark place. Some spiritual practices and counselors call it “a dark night of the soul.” Many of you might be there with me; not necessarily “with” as in communion and support, but “with” as in also experiencing similar darkness.

I look to my coffee pot for many metaphors. Imagine adding water to the back of your coffee pot in preparation for it to siphon water up from the holding tank to drip through the grinds and make a delicious cup of coffee. Now, consider filling the tank as quickly as you can while the dripping siphon is also running, just as quickly, or quicker, than you can fill the back tank. (If you are a swimming pool rather than coffee person, imagine having a crack in the bottom of your pool.)

In this instance, the tank never reaches its full-point, as it is constantly being drained even as it is being filled. Thus, it is much more likely to hit the empty bone-dry mark than to ever be fully filled.

With a pandemic stretching on, sociopolitical divides rifting relationships, stressful working conditions, growing to-do lists which gather more dust than scratch-out marks, and so much more, I am exhausted. Pandemic fatigue. Decision fatigue. Empathy fatigue. Fatigue fatigue.  

A short while back, I came across a bit of research that helped put some of my fatigue in perspective: the average person makes approximately 60,000 decisions each day. These decisions range from the smallest, subconscious ones (“Should I pick up my fork to take this bite?”) to even largest, life-changing ones (“How do I tell my partner I’m quitting my job and going back to school?”).

Researchers in another study quantified a job-stress index. In this study, “stress” was determined by the number of quick, substantial decisions that a person needed to make in a brief amount of time. Some of the most stressful jobs listed were: ER physicians & nurses, air traffic controllers, schoolteachers, CEOs, child/family social workers.

I have one of the most stressful careers out there. Maybe you do, too. By the way, that “work-life-balance” people speak of is just a bunch of hooey. There is no such thing. No wonder I feel like a constantly dripping, never-filled coffee maker.

Tandem this insight with how we attempt to refill ourselves. What satisfies the need for you? What life-giving moments refill and satisfy your soul? Imagine if we struggle to define what those fulfilling/refueling moments would be. What if our go-to strategies don’t really “do the trick”?

That’s where we teeter today, standing on the precipice between life-giving or life-draining experiences. And this teetering is exhausting!  Despite the various life-giving/refilling moments we try to steal away, the continuous drip…drip…drip…. saps away the energy of the attempted results. It seems we can’t ever get back to a moment of being able to claim “Fullness.” Instead, no matter how much we try to refill and recharge, the constant draining of energy, emotion, and low-grade anxiety permeates the daily experiences of life. No matter how many naps I take on the weekend, it is not enough. I still find myself short tempered with coworkers, lacking patience with my family, and frustrated at myself, all in spite of my best attempts at “balancing” life and work. You see, no matter how I attempt to refill, it never fully suffices. I still feel drained, passionless, lost, and frustrated.

Around town, there are many “job opening” and “help-wanted” signs…everywhere seems to be hiring. What would it be like to wander around with a “help wanted” sign dangling around our necks? We need the help, although asking for it can be really hard. Additionally, when someone offers to be of assistance, often we are at a loss for the words to articulate the problem or even identify tangible ways that another could help.

This is the darkness… Feeling the hard of life, and struggling to articulate the hard, ask for help, or accept it. We are called to sit in the darkness of Lent, so that the light of Easter’s Resurrection is all the brighter. May we have the courage and strength to endure this darkness, so that we may bask in the light of Christ.  For we commune with the God of the darkness and of the light.

Adapted from “Small Enough” lyrics by Nichole Nordeman:
Oh, great God, Be small enough to hear me now. There are times when I am crying from the dark of Daniel’s den. I had asked you once or twice if you would part the sea again. Tonight I do not need a fiery pillar in the sky. Just want to know you’re gonna hold me if I start to cry. Oh great God, Be small enough to hear me now. Be close enough to feel you now. Amen.

Ben Hartman

Thursday, March 10

Hope

Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” —Matthew 25:37-40

Thank you, God, for the community you lead us to, where we can know your presence. Amen.

Jean Clark