Where is the strong man? He writhes about as though he had power but he himself knows he is bound. What is this power? It stands before the divided heart, compelling with its tenacious purity. Where is the good fruit? Trees fein their own flourishing, yet the truth will cast out the rotten. Who isContinue reading “Lent 17: Friday of Second Week”
Category Archives: Lent
Lent 16: Thursday of Second Week
What is this day? The lame walk, the blind see, the demons flee – and silent He does not lift His voice to shout. While one reed flaps, the bruised reed stands tall, unbroken; there’s flame still in the smouldering wick – Yet the one who stretched out the heavens with His palms lifts HisContinue reading “Lent 16: Thursday of Second Week”
Lent 15: Wednesday of Second Week
A reed blows in the wilderness; it flies and flaps about vacuously. The lame walk, the blind see: Are you the one we are waiting for? John languishes, Herod steams; The noon is long and dry. The Son of Man still will not mourn; He belongs to another day.
Lent 14: Tuesday of Second Week
No greater than our Master, but like Him, walking in His steps, we hear the snarls, the accusations, watch the backs turn as we near, see the rulers run to the trenches and hear our names sworn in fear. Walk: the Cross has its many stations and the road is long and sore. Look, lookContinue reading “Lent 14: Tuesday of Second Week”
Lent 13: Monday of Second Week
Meanwhile, walk: there are villages sick with demons and dust: cast out the demons, shake the dust from your feet. Speak the powerful truth: The kingdom is here! You are the hands and feet of this kingdom. See how the hands and feet will be pierced.
Lent 12: Second Sunday of Lent
Do the hills bring comfort? Soon He will ascend His penultimate hill, crown on brow, chest weighed down, wrath upon His soul. From where will come His aid? He leaves the tabernacle, the comfort of union, the certainty of feet which cannot stumble. I lift up mine eyes… The glorious handiwork of handsContinue reading “Lent 12: Second Sunday of Lent”
Lent 11: Saturday of First Week
And who is He who shines upon mountains, walks and talks with the prophets of old, yet stands without tabernacle? Who is He whom hills and fields adore, to whom sun defers when light’s of need, the one true radiance of day? And who is He who bids mouths be closed, who commandsContinue reading “Lent 11: Saturday of First Week”
Lent 10: Friday of First Week
The old garment is bursting; the new patch will not fit. Well-known threads fray everywhere; holes take place of whole. Who is this man? He takes the dross and debris, sits and eats with them? He takes our pious sackcloth and flings it on the heap where sin should be. Reversal confuses: the bridegroom standsContinue reading “Lent 10: Friday of First Week”
Lent 9: Thursday of First Week
And He commands: the wind obeys, the pigs all plunge in the sea; the waves subside, the demons cry; our hearts are full of questions. Who is this man that He commands the wind, the seas and demons? Follow where His boat will lead; follow into His kingdom.
Lent 8: Wednesday of First Week
Roots grow deep in rich or sickened soil; Trees bear fruit to turn their insides out. Many come with leaves which win, beguile: Look again when fruit’s season arrives… Plant yourself in soil, rich and deep; Watch the good fruit burst forth from your stems. Do not let gloss or sheenContinue reading “Lent 8: Wednesday of First Week”
The Consolations of Writing 