Category Archives: Lent

Love Is a Risky Business

In the post Undoing My Life, I talked about a time when I kept expecting to be rejected but encountered love and acceptance instead. That experience was wonderful and scary. As the Rejected One, I protected my heart from the inevitable pain of being discovered … Continue reading

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Caught in the Act

The religious leaders were ready to stone her. But Jesus defended the woman caught in the act of adultery. “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her,” he said. One by one … Continue reading

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Glory Led Me Here

The last blossom on my Christmas cactus fell weeks ago. For forty days vibrant pink glory adorned the room where I pray, write, and offer spiritual direction. But now that glory is gone. I think of the Israelites. For forty years they beheld … Continue reading

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Ash Wednesday

Pilgrimage Ash Wednesday He’s on the road PUT waiting for me today we begin a forty day walk to Jerusalem I lace up my shoes and follow PUT from a safe distance but it’s bound to happen His eyes will catch mine … Continue reading

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Good and Glory

It is finished. Jesus has died. His body is lowered down from the cross and taken to the tomb. On Easter Saturday we hold vigil with everyone who is grieving the loss of Christ’s presence. Those bright days of miracles and laughter, … Continue reading

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O Sacred Friend Now Wounded

Now you are lifted up and alone, O Sacred Friend. You are every person who has ever been condemned, battered, betrayed, or abandoned. You bear all our suffering and every consequence for the suffering we caused. “Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re … Continue reading

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A Smelly, Sweet Encounter

Perhaps it wasn’t until Jesus and his disciples sat down and the evening meal was being served that they noticed the unpleasant aroma of street and feet. I can imagine them all, tired from the day, edgy and irritated with each … Continue reading

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Hosanna!

How do we respond to such an exquisite display of love? Jesus, seated on a donkey, resolutely rides into Jerusalem knowing he will die there. Both he and the saint who is showing him the way are holding a scroll. The word … Continue reading

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A Spark of Something Holy

Fred and I have been attending a little Anglican Church in our neighbourhood. For Lent we joined a group that has been gathering after church to discuss Brian McLaren’s new book, We Make the Road by Walking. One chapter focused … Continue reading

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Smitten

“God is smitten with us,” Steve Bell said between songs at a recent concert. “Lent is about love and returning to the Lover who is absolutely smitten with us.” To get us in the mood for Lent, Steve sang love … Continue reading

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