Ash Wednesday + 1

I’ve never really held a high view of ancient liturgy. I usually gravitate towards and value the immediate and spontaneous experiences in my journey. But my appreciation of the ancient traditions is growing.

My previous view of the high church was that it was lifeless, not as relevant, that they were just going through the motions, maybe not being open to the spirit, stuck in the middle ages. I didn’t see the values in the ceremonies.

But the meaning and symbolism is rich, and powerful. My favorite idea right now is how the season of lent defines and reminds of us how we need a savior-that we cannot and will not do it on our own.

Even the decoration of the ancient churches leading up to Easter is a massive symbol. Everything is grey-all color is removed. (Much like ourselves outside of Jesus.) Then finally on Easter, the building is filled with flowers, banners, color, life and celebration because of our Savior’s victory.

I don’t know yet what I should do for lent, I have a few thoughts, but nothing that seems great. Give up Sugar, TV, every liquid except water, meat, coffee, being negative or critical, not purchasing anything except food and gas… on Father Ted (a tongue and check comedy from the UK) each priest gave up something special-cigarettes, alcohol, and rollerblading (the withdrawal effects were hysterical).

What would you give up for 40 days to focus on your need for a savior?

Where is Your Treasure, Your Heart?

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important

"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

What does love your neighbor as yourself mean? One church in California thinks it means that you spend the same amount of money on your neighbors as you spend on yourself. Even to the point of not building a new building, but meeting outside in a park and using the money to be Jesus to their neighbors.



What do you think?

John Butler Trio

A friend showed me this over the weekend. Enjoy. Ignore the freakishly long finger nails-if you can!

which brings up a point, those fingernails are really weird. I'm serious, they are gross. I do not like them at all. If he was a friend of mine i would probably tease him about them.

But without them, he couldn't play the guitar the way he does. Without them, he couldn't create and share such beautiful music.

This is a further reminder to me that we all are different... and we can sometimes quickly point out the differences with a negative eye, dismiss them, judge them, and never understand them, enjoy them or celebrate because of them.

Just a thought...