Lent
April 5, 2017
Scripture Reading: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his steadfast love endures forever!
Let Israel say,
‘His steadfast love endures forever.’ –Psalm 118:1-2
The Psalms often start with the good news, for bad news happens and we need to be reminded whose we are and whose loving presence sustains us through everything. This is a good place to start as we march steadily toward the excitement of Palm Sunday followed by the realities of Holy Week.
I wrote a poem many years ago, that I really liked but somehow lost to never get back. I guess it was meant for me to experience at that time and place in my life. It was about how water by God’s design seems programmed to flow into and through larger and larger streams until it reaches an ocean. Our task as people of God is similar. We are called to be singular of purpose constantly moving toward Love and loving. Many things slow our loving, even stop it for a while, or reroute our path toward ultimate loving. Humans build dams to harness the power of flowing water, but we have learned water held too long stagnant loses its usefulness. So too, unshared love is not love at all.
Soak in God’s steadfast love this week. Turmoil and tragedy awaits just over the horizon. Let us remind ourselves that as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be* God’s steadfast love endures forever.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. –Hebrews 13:8
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the constancy of your love. Strengthen us to your service. Amen.
*Taken from the Gloria Patri see at http://www.hymnary.org/text/glory_be_to_the_father_and_to_the_son