Author: alwaysbridging

I had hoped today’s readings would include angels. I wanted to continue the string of connecting these Lenten posts to the Lectionary.

Anyway…

Thoughts of my Dad, born in Richmond like Russell and a giant Seahawks fan very late in his life, are ever-present.

Thu – Mar 10 Genesis 13:1-7, 14-18 Philippians 3:2-12 Psalm 27

I don’t like to think Job lost his sons and daughters, all of them, in the first chapter. Or that not one, but two, of my friends broke an ankle on the same day. Not to mention the surgeries I know of today. And the struggling children. Of course, I hate considering war in Ukraine.

Then again, it sure puts the trade of Russell Wilson to Denver in perspective.

Wed – Mar 9 Job 1:1-22 Luke 21:34—22:6 Psalm 17

Awake before rising

               wanting to ease her pain and

               mend her broken ankle.

Because of this dear one, my Bible is near at hand

               and marked with today’s readings.

The psalmist wrote long ago:

Hear a just cause, O Lord, attend to my cry;

Give ear to my prayer for her,

Guard her as the apple of your eye;

Hide her in the shadow of your wings,

               for she is a herald of righteousness.

Bless and encourage my friend, Lord,

               as she in her fresh beauty and enthusiasm,

               has encouraged me.

Readings

Tue – Mar 8 Zechariah 3:1-10 2 Peter 2:4-21 Psalm 17

Last night in class, we reflected on Picasso’s Guernica. First, we studied the painting in silence for 60 long seconds. Next, we shared the details we saw, then thoughts and feelings about this work of art. It is reminiscent of the photos from Ukraine that flash across our screens and imaginations. We are bereft about the dismembered bodies and misery before us.

The goodness comes only because we can hold each other in the darkness, speak the chaos, shed warm tears and pray together. God willing, we will find more ways as community to address the pain.

Readings

Mon – Mar 7 1 Chronicles 21:1-17 1 John 2:1-6 Psalm 17

Years ago, after publishing my book, I started this blog. Now that two fabulous contributors have joined me, I am finally interested, even driven, to promote it. Sadly, I am learning it’s not easy for readers to respond from their phones. Maybe this extra layer of complexity keeps the crazy comments at bay? Maybe today’s scripture—”a time for every matter under heaven”—will ease my irritation.

Readings

Sat – Mar 5 Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 John 12:27-36 Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16