Ash Wednesday

The Crucifix above the Altar at The Church of The Holy Comforter 18 Davies Place Poughkeepsie, NY http://www.holycomforterny.org

Isaiah 58:5-7 ” Is it a fast like this which I choose, a day for a man to humble himself? Is it for bowing one’s head like a reed, and for spreading out sackcloth and ashes as a bed?

  Many throughout the world acknowledge Ash Wednesday as the beginning of the Lenten Season in preparation for Easter. Many fast and grow in a greater awareness of the need for the dependence upon Christ. Others gather at the church for the Ash Wednesday Service and are given the sign of the cross in Ashes to remind them that in time we shall return to the earth and to grow in our eternal salvation of the Lord. This begins a 40 day journey to symbolize Christ’s 40 days and 40 nights of fasting. We are to try to emulate Christ in our walk through giving up of our self. We are called into this relationship with Christ to first learn how to be surrendered into humility. This is a wonderful time to deepen our awareness of Christ through a greater degree of Devotion, Prayer and self-sacrifice. Welcome to the Season of Lent.

Mid-Week Prayer: ” Lord help me to grow in my dependence on you and not my routines of life and self reliance. The difficulty of surrender can be painful Lord, yet in the end so worth while. Help me to grow as your little disciple and glorify you and only you in all my successes. Amen!! “

Are You Distracted

Photo of The Nativity in the Rectory of the Holy Comforter http://www.holycomforterny.org

Galatians 1:10 NLT ” I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible. “

    In the United States over 10% of all fatalities in car accidents are noted as caused by distracted driving. How often are we distracted in our lives and are not able to live in the now. More than any point in history is this true: Mobile phones, all the internet distractions, moment to moment news Etc. Etc. Etc. And yet we are being called to live now. Today is the day the Lord has made, today’s troubles are sufficient for today. Therefore, live in this day. Try to really be present when you are speaking with others. The Lord wants all of you, not to be distracted, but rather to be used through Him and in Him to help others. Most importantly, spend time upon waking and before sleeping to gather your thoughts, review your day and seek guidance on how to serve better.

Mid-Week Prayer: ” Lord help me to be more present in my conversations with others. I struggle with worldly distractions, fear and self centeredness. Lord I pray that I can overcome my self and just be a better follower of Thee. ” Amen!!

Renewing your Mind

Romans 12:2 ” Do not conform to the standards of this world but be transformed by the renewing in your mind then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

  Run your own race and let go of what others are doing or what they think of you. Conformity does not set you apart but tries to make you be like others, do what others do and to think as others. It is one thing to love your Neighbor but conformity saps your individualism. Step out and take a chance on what you have been hoping to accomplish with your life, but have not because of criticism of others. Renew your mind, shake off the fear, the worry and anxiety. Remember you are wonderfully made in God’s Image. Do not allow what negative comments others have said to affect you, but be transformed by renewing of your mind. Connect more in meditation and grow in an understanding of your true Self, by overcoming your illusional sense self or ego. This is very transformative. And is God’s will for you.

Mid-Week Prayer: ” Often I struggle with conformity as I do not want to step out and fail. And so I fail to really achieve what I know I can do or be and feel mediocre and marginalized. I have given up on my dreams and act as if I am retired headed out to pasture. Lord help me to get my fire back, my vibrancy and really make a difference for others and thus serve Thee. Lord help me to overcome myself!! Amen!! “