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!!

Working with Others

Fudia Sesay and Pastor Joe and ” Tears for Orphans Office “

Ecclesiastes 4:15 ” Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls , the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. “

    We depend on one another whether in family, in community or in church. When one of us falls, fails or moves on we are all hurt and suffer. Therefore, let us love one another, lift up those that are struggling in our midst and lend a helping hand where we can. This is the time of year when the spiritual vibrations of God and the Christ and Great Ones are at their best. So spend time in solitude and try not to get caught up in the furry of the worldliness of Christmas. Rather enjoy this time, the love of family, the love of community, the love of church. Pour into the concept of working with others, helping one another and loving one another. Be Merry!!! Be Blessed!

Mid-Week Prayer: ” Lord I thank you for all my friends, my family and community. Help me to grow in love of one another. Lord show me the way. I love you Lord and I love my Neighbor. Father show me the way to better serve. Thank you for showing me the way. Lord not my will but Thine be done. Amen!!