The Beyond demands of us such a little thing that we may be shown the mystery: the lifting of the latch of the mind, the opening of the gate of the heart. For where there is the smallest space that we allow God to enter, God presses in, bringing the gift of fire to warm our coldness, the gift of mystery to awaken our dullness, the gift of mercy to forgive our sin.
Thus during this season of Lent, let us take on an attitude of watchful waiting, putting God first and our comfort last, that our souls might recognize Grace when it washes over us and that the Holy might heal our hearts’ lack of imagination. A time of discipline and discernment this is, both for us as individuals and for our spiritual community as we approach the hour when we will choose the one who will lead us for years to come. May we bear these days of Lent with humility and with gratitude, knowing that we do not walk alone, for in all that God has done and is doing and will do, in the example of Jesus Christ, and in the witness of the saints is strength enough to sustain us.
From the Ash Wednesday 2006 worship service at UNMC, adapted in part from The Sycamore Book
Posted by Sue Mosher at March 5, 2006 04:49 PM