How easily we let You touch us, that night. Looking back, knowing what I know now, could I have let You? I don’t know. And yet, You would not be denied. I see you in the dim room, kneeling on the cold floor, face full of anguish. And we, bewildered, lifting our feet … Continue reading Maundy Thursday Reflections: On the washing of feet
My Lent devotional focuses this week on “temptation.” All the readings seem to emphasize one temptation in particular. Jesus didn’t really come to die for me. If I had been there, I would have never accused Him, never rejected Him. I would have been the one weeping. I would have stood aghast at the horror of … Continue reading The Greatest Lent Temptation–And Why We Must Face It
I like to think of myself as Mary, or the cleansed leper who fell at Your feet, or beloved John who left all to follow, or the adultress justified, or Lazurus even, or the woman with the flow of blood. But no. I am the innkeeper who turned You away, the nine who walked … Continue reading Ash Wednesday
I have grown used to flatness. I breathe in deep to absorb the pitying stares the careful words hands on my forehead. Breathe them in, push them down flat. Breathe in the wagging heads, tongue clucks, whispered judgments merciless assumptions. Shove them down, beat them to submit to my rage. Maybe it is … Continue reading Paralytic (from Mark 2)
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