Wednesday, February 22
Ash Minute for Mission
As a child, the first day of Lent left an early impression. It was evident from the adults who surrounded me that repentance was being evaluated. While I didn't fully understand the conversations, I did get the feeling that Lent was to be the time of remembering and looking ahead for ways to lead more full lives of service.
Our kitchen table was a gathering place. Gardens, canning, and preservation of food were very much a part of our daily life. Seeds were planted on every piece of open land, however small, and bounties were shared. Food for the body was plentiful and the homeless (called hobos) were welcome at our table. As a child, I learned that God's people make the world a better place by feeding the hungry and providing care. I learned by example.
Just as the church members in Colossae were encouraged to wear kindness, humility, compassion, and gentleness, we, too, can use these fruits of the Spirit as a measure of our spiritual life. Please join me in answering these questions and then ask "How?''
In this past year, did I grow spiritually? Was it hopeful for myself and others? Did I feed people and nature around me? What have I stood up for that helped to make for a just society? Did I speak when I saw the misuse of power at the expense of the powerless? Have I ignored opportunities to learn a vision for mission from someone very different from myself?
Asking questions and the question behind the question are perhaps what God expects.
— Helen Morrison, elder, Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church, Grosse Ile, Michigan
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) Agencies' Staff
Danielle Cioffi, BOP
Rev. Brian Clark, GAMC
Martha E. Clark, GAMC
Let us pray
Everloving God, we are confident that you are with us every step of the way as we walk with the Spirit. Give us the courage to hear our answers to the questions you already know. May our response be to your glory. Amen.
Daily Lectionary
Morning Psalms 5; 147:1-11
First Reading Amos 5:6-15
Second Reading Hebrews 12:1-14
Gospel Luke 18:9-14
Evening Psalms 27; 51