February 23/First Friday of Lent If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But with you is forgiveness, that you may be revered. ~ Ps 130.3-4 For some time now — ratcheted up in recent years by the turbo engines of social media — one of the ruling dynamics in our civic discourse has been the “gotcha”…
Song 8: He Leads Me
February 22/First Thursday of Lent The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want./He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;/He restores my soul; he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake./Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod…
Song 7: A Fresh Start
February 21/First Wednesday of Lent A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. ~ Ps 51.10 Many of us stock our mental (or actual) pockets with “pocket verses” to remind us of the presence and love of God. While there are plenty in the New Testament (“Come unto me, all you that labor…
Song 6: The Welcome Mat
February 20/First Tuesday of Lent Glorify the LORD with me, let us together extol his name. ~ Ps 34.4 A friendly “hello” to visitors after Mass. A weekly church supper that draws seniors, neighbors, and students from the nearby college campus. A colorful banner hoisted on the church portico welcoming visitors to the religious services within. These are but a…
Song 5: Glory Be
February 19/First Monday of Lent The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. . .The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple. ~ Ps 19.1, 7 To those who have eyes to see, God can be found everywhere – in a…
Song 4: Speak Up
February 17/Saturday after Ash Wednesday Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.Preserve my life, for I am devoted to you; save your servant who trusts in you. ~ Ps. 86.1-2 Underlying the penances of Lent and the rules and regulations of our faith is the salient reality of God’s love. It is where…
Song 3: Washing Up
February 16/Friday after Ash Wednesday Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me. ~ Ps 51.3-4 My father, a veteran sailor, told us when we were young that the dishwashing policy on board was “if it looks clean, it is clean” (my mother grimaced, without fail). Appropriate for an extended sailing trip, perhaps, when thorough cleaning…
Song 2: It’s the Journey
February 15/Thursday after Ash Wednesday Blessed are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers;but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. ~ Ps 1.1-2 “When will we get there?” On the annual summer…
Song 1: True Love
February 14/Ash Wednesday Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;in the greatness of your compassion, wipe out my offenses. ~ Ps 51.3 It is February 14: Valentine’s Day. It is February 14: Ash Wednesday. A day for love, certainly, but not the kind expressed by winged cupids, red roses, and sugary candy hearts that say “LUV YA” and “U…
Coming Soon: Songs for Lent
Ash Wednesday, which inaugurates the penitential season of Lent, will be on February 14, 2024. For the eleventh year, I will be offering a daily reflection on the psalm verses from the lectionary, accompanied by music, imagery, and a prayer as well as a link to the readings. For readers who are newer to the reflections, a word about why…