Dear All,
This week has taken us into Lent & we have 40 days ahead of us. The first Sunday of Lent’s gospel takes us into the desert where the Spirit has led Jesus. The desert – not a comfortable place – for Jesus it was solitary & probably very silent – maybe it was fearful at times. Our attachments today focus on the solitary, silence, calling, & we hope you will find something here that resonates.
This week the blessing we have chosen is the Repose Blessing from New Dawn. Maybe we could pray it for each other as well as our families.
With love to you all
‘Come away by yourselves to a deserted place & rest awhile’ – Mark 6.31
Henri Nouwen wisely noted, “Somewhere we know that without a lonely place, our lives are in danger.” Jesus and Nouwen were not referring to loneliness. They were urging a temporary departure from others in order to have the essential quiet space for a healthy inner life. Jesus’ invitation came out of his experience of being immersed in constant activity. People hungered for his presence and healing abilities. He knew the importance of going apart for prayer and renewal.
Every person needs some solitude. Parents with young children long for even snippets of it. So do people forced to work two or three jobs to pay their bills. Monks and nuns would seem to have a sufficient amount of solitude but even they must make real efforts to attain enough of it. Today, rather than bemoaning the inhumane tendency of people’s being busy every moment of their waking hours, it is more valuable to set an example by deliberately taking time for our own necessary solitude.
Covenant
My hands are empty
as I stand before you, O God.
My past is behind me,
gone beyond recall.
My present unsure,
my future unknown.
How can I be certain
that my life has been worthwhile?
How can I find you
and be sure of your will?
Within this emptiness you promise
a life fruitful as the countless stars.
All you ask is that I trust your promise,
that I take the risk of believing.
Leave all that is safe and familiar,
dare to walk into the unknown……’
Where can I find such faith,
hope and courage?
You call me by name.
You offer a new homeland
for my heart.
My faith can even strengthen others.
You open to me a future
full of blessing and hope.
With my open hands and heart
I feel vulnerable before you.
But the stars in the sky
are a sign
of your faithfulness.
Gemma Simmonds
Speak Gently in my Silence
Dear Lord,
Speak gently in my silence.
When the loud outer noises of my
surroundings and the loud inner noises of my
fears keep pulling me away from you, help me
to trust that you are still there even when I am
unable to hear you. Give me ears to listen to
your small, soft voice saying: “Come to me,
you who are overburdened, and I will give you rest ….. for I am gentle and humble of heart.”
Let that loving voice be my guide.
Amen.