Tag: Lent
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Mary of Bethany (a Lenten sermon on John 12:1-8)
Our sense of smell can bring back memories in such powerful ways. I have what was left of my father’s aftershave when he died. I keep it in my dresser and every now and then when I come across it, I’ll open it and close my eyes and sniff – and I’m instantly brought back…
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Pouring out Love -Fifth Sunday of Lent – Year C
John 12:1-8 Anointing His Feet 12 1-3 Six days before Passover, Jesus entered Bethany where Lazarus, so recently raised from the dead, was living. Lazarus and his sisters invited Jesus to dinner at their home. Martha served. Lazarus was one of those sitting at the table with them. Mary came in with a jar of…
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As a Hen Gathers Her Chicks – Second Sunday of Lent – Year C
This week I received a unique invitation through facebook. Some of you don’t use facebook or computers – but those of you who do probably know that facebook is a fun way to share pictures and updates with friends instantly. Anyway, I received the invitation through my friend, Tami, whose friend Rosey is having her…
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Transfiguration
It was thirty years ago or so when I experienced something I could call a transfiguration story. It was thirty years or so ago when I could relate deeply and truly for the first time to what Peter is going through and saying in the gospel for today. Peter’s experience was on a mountaintop face…
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Lenten Discipline
During the church season of Lent, it isn’t uncommon to hear church-y folks talk about a “Lenten discipline”. Well, at least I know some pastors talk about it and in the liturgy for Ash Wednesday, the congregation will often pledge to commit to the discipline of Lent: repentance, prayer, fasting, and works of love as…
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Prayer (a mid-week meditation for Lent)
Last Wednesday at my church we began taking a closer look at the spiritual disciplines of Lent. Every year on Ash Wednesday we commit to these disciplines of self-examination, repentance, prayer, fasting, sacrificial giving and works of love – strengthened by the gifts of word and sacrament. Last week we talked about self-examination and repentance. …