March 23/Fourth Thursday of Lent Our fathers made a calf in Horeb and adored a molten image;They exchanged the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass. ~ Ps 106.19-20 I’ve always found the notion of “quality time” in human relationships a bit suspect. Sometimes, of course, it’s the best we can do. But an emotional…
Song 24: Toil and Trouble
March 21/Fourth Tuesday of Lent God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, Though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. ~ Ps 46.1-3 Sometimes the expressions and sentiments of the psalms…
Song 23: From Generation to Generation
March 20/Fourth Monday of LentSolemnity of St. Joseph The steadfast love of the LORD I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. ~ Ps 89.2 One of my favorite family stories, told by my father, concerns his grandfather. Wee-Daddy was a genteel agnostic who ferried his portly Aunt Georgie to church every Sunday, waiting in…
Song 22: Grime Fighters
March 18/Third Saturday of Lent Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me. ~ Ps 51.4 The paintings that grace the sanctuary of our historic church recently underwent a thorough process of cleaning and restoration (a project spearheaded by the Constant Gardener, my husband, who is as adept at project management as he is at gardening). …
Song 21: The Voice of God
March 17/Third Friday of Lent “Hear, my people, and I will admonish you; O Israel, will you not hear me?If only my people would hear me, and Israel walk in my ways!” ~ Ps 81.9, 14 We sit down to pray, and immediately start talking. Our individual prayers will vary according to circumstances, but they are often focused on what…
Song 20: Testing, Testing
March 16/Third Thursday of Lent “Harden not your hearts as at Meribah, as in the day of Massah in the desert,Where your fathers tempted me; they tested me though they had seen my works.” ~ Ps 95.8-9 So what actually happened at Meribah (in Hebrew, “quarrel”) and in the day of Massah (in Hebrew, “test”) in the desert, that warrants…
Song 19: Abide in Me
March 15/Third Wednesday of Lent He sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. ~ Ps 147.15 Having grown up in the Episcopal church with a robust education in the Bible, provided by Sunday school teachers, youth group leaders, and especially the Children’s and Youth Choir director who vigorously imparted the Word of God to her young…
Song 18: Intro to Love
March 14/Third Tuesday of Lent Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation. ~ Ps 25.4-5 Long after we’ve forgotten how to solve a quadratic equation or conjugate a Latin verb, we will remember the energetic young math teacher who brought…
Song 17: Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places
March 13/Third Monday of Lent As the hind longs for the running waters, so my soul longs for you, O God.Athirst is my soul for God, the living God. When shall I go and behold the face of God? ~ Ps 42.2-3 Deep down, our desires are what drive us – or as the British New Wave duo the Eurythmics…
Song 16: The Fear Factor
March 11/Second Saturday of Lent For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us. ~ Ps 103.11-12 Several years ago, midway through a Psalms retreat I was leading for faculty and staff of…