Lent Week 5

This week's scripture of focus may seem like a mistake, being that it is out of order. It is a great reminder, throughout our journey through the cross, that Jesus was praised at the begining of the week. People even ran from Jerusalem to greet Jesus. They put their own cloaks on the dirty road to pave a way for him (something thas is only done for royalty). May this reminder bring us peace as we wait for the resurrection.

Simple but powerful prayer for this week:

Holy, holy, holy Lord

God of power and might

Heaven and earth are filled with your glory

Hosanna

Hosanna

In the highest

‘Visio divina’ is a form of prayer where we invite God to speak to our hearts as we look at an image. It translates as, ‘divine seeing.’ As you look at an image, you may consider some questions for reflection. They reflection may help you hear God’s voice. Some questions you may want to ignore.

Click here to learn how to pray Visio Divina.

Click here to see an enlarged image for our prayer this week.

Last week we were introduced to the Labyrinth. This week we can expand on that with another practice from your own home. Print off a paper labyrinth, and use some art tools to decorate it as you reflect on Marks gospel reading for this week. Feel free to write the words of v9-10 in the path towards the center as a reflection. More information about the finger labyrinth activity, along with links to printable paper labyrinths may be found on this link.

After John the baptizer preached about the Kingdom of God, Jesus did too! He preached about it, told stories about it, and demonstrated it, even after his resurrection! What does think kingdom look like? How does the kingdom of God look different than a kingdom of humanity? Check out the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) to see how radical the Kingdom of God is, and how much love is found there. It may be radical, but it is also transformative.

We speak few words this day that is hollow,

this day that sighs with one great sorrow.

We sit in the garden next to the tomb

knowing that soon it will be a womb. Amen.