Tag Archives: repentance

Advent with the Prophet Jonah: Day 14

This is the proclamation [the king] issued in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. 8 But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them giveContinue reading “Advent with the Prophet Jonah: Day 14”

Advent with the Prophet Jonah: Day 13

The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. Jonah 3:5-6 One thing that hasContinue reading “Advent with the Prophet Jonah: Day 13”

Advent with the Prophet Jonah: Day 12

The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. Jonah 3:5 Advent may not seem to be a time for sackcloth. For those who know the church calendar, it might seem more logical to think about repentance in Lent. But historically Advent andContinue reading “Advent with the Prophet Jonah: Day 12”

Kyrie in the Desert

Father, What have I done with the food you gave me? The bread of life grows mould where I left it. The leaven of self sickens and spoils. Puffed up by bread alone, no Word, I am fat and famished. In the desert of abundance, Lord have mercy. Brother, All the kingdoms of the worldContinue reading “Kyrie in the Desert”

From dust and ashes (After a poem by Nelly Sachs)

We travel through cosmic debris. All the time a war wages – starshower missiles, misguided asteroids. The mayhem is our doing. Harmony – meant to be sung – ended with us. Begin again with us. From ashes we stand, cupped hands opened to receive, to re-enter Your orbit. (Inspired by this translation of Nelly Sachs:Continue reading “From dust and ashes (After a poem by Nelly Sachs)”

Lent: Enough 5

What warmth I hide in will soon grow cold. All Peter’s false fires, Adam’s cloak of leaves, will burn out, fade, and leave nakedness in ash. Clothe me. My shame is always before me. Nothing hides from Your sight what should be white, yet’s stained like blood. O God. I stand – naked, dust. YouContinue reading “Lent: Enough 5”

Lent: New Song 6

Newness declares itself in broken hearts: old ruts are vast and carry dust yet penitence cleans fathoms deep      and always makes anew. What yesterday made shame your song today is fading into silence. Listen: polyphonic hope arises,       gentle, soft, yet sure. The old has passed, yet still can yell; The new has come,Continue reading “Lent: New Song 6”

Lent: New Song 3

Sing to the Lord a new song – The old song is tired; it has no breath. Love and faithfulness have kissed;       sing their song and live. Make way a path for righteousness – a level path where knees won’t strain. Sing body parts into new joy;       watch new steps form for feet.Continue reading “Lent: New Song 3”