As in this morning’s psalm, humility before the power of creation is an idea that is profoundly expressed by Hokusai’s vision—and it is one that we particularly struggle with, believing as many of us do that creation has been placed into our hands to be disposed of as we wish. Yet the human power to destroy is nothing next to the power of creation.
I sit in silence and breathe.
Listening, returning; loving.
I sit in God.
This blessing is yours
Made to make you feel safe, known
Encouraged and loved
This blessing will fight for you
It is within every breath you take
every step you take
In this frightening time, may we remember that the kingdom to which we belong transcends pain and death. No matter what happens, it cannot be taken away. It cannot be subverted.
This Lent is bruised and battered by thoughts of things going on in Ukraine and other places worldwide. … We ask for God’s blessings on those who suffer in any way and God’s help in bringing peace and comfort to the world.
God remembers that we are but dust
and the ashes of last year’s plans; …
Lent calls us to attention, astonishment, and witness. Lent calls us to see the potential rather than the dreariness and horror of pandemic and now war, to look for the beauty and unity among ourselves and all God’s sparkling mysterious creation placed here for our support and care. Lent calls us to proclaim, to tell, to be truthful and reliable in our witness to God’s love by embodying God’s love.
I would urge us not to be unsettled by the rising gas prices and other consumer discomforts that we are likely to experience in coming months. Rather we need to focus on the ongoing costs of this “horrific and unprovoked attack”on thousands of our neighbors in the Ukraine.
Dear God,
When the ashes are felt upon our head,
draw us closer to you.
” This is a woman who did not hide her light under a bushel but put it all on the lampstand for all to see. She certainly shed a little light on me. I am grateful.”