Lent Week 4

We know what happens. But don't cast this text aside just because you remember the story. The Word of God is very much alive and speaks into our lives differently every time we read. Do not just read the words quietly, but say them out loud. Listen to them be spoken to you from a youtube video. Pay attention to your surroundings and find the scripture being lived out around you. How is God being revealed this time around?

A labyrinth is a spiritual practice which links prayer, self-awareness, and the body in one movement. This is no maze. There is one path in, and the same path out. You can use an actual physical labyrinth, or you can do an alternate activity with a printing of a labyrinth and pray as you move your fingers inward and outward from the labyrinth.

This might be a great spiritual practice in reflecting on the crucifixion. Imagine Golgotha at the center of the labyrinth. What feelings do you have as you come closer to the crucified Jesus? Imagine what the journey was like for Jesus to journey to the hill. In the center, take note about what it feels like to be at the foot of the cross. As you return from the center, what are you leaving behind? How has God changed you now that you are returning after such a great journey?

I remember this prayer video from several years ago, and yet, it is still as meaningful for me. How creative and powerful!

When Jesus died that day on the cross

all creation together sighed, “This is a great loss.”

Time grew empty and the afternoon dark

as the light of the world had not even a spark.

The women stood by at a distance in tears

wondering what would become of their fears.

Fear not, the angels soon will say.

Jesus’s death has given us the way. Amen.