March 8—Second Sunday in Lent
“Claim the Cross: Forgiveness”
“God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
Prayer:
You are loving, merciful, and forgiving, O God. You pardon our wrongdoing and cover our transgressions. May we forgive and pardon others as you have forgiven and pardoned us, so that we may rejoice in you, O Lord, this day and always. Amen.
Scripture readings:
Sunday: Romans 5:6-11
Monday: Jonah 3:1-4:2, 11
Tuesday: Psalm 103:1-13
Wednesday: Psalm 32
Thursday: Colossians 2:8-14
Friday: Matthew 6:9-13
Saturday: Psalm 86:1-6
Hear my prayer, O Lord, those I offer for myself and for others.
_________________________, __________________________, _________________________, __________________________, _________________________, __________________________,
The good news that Christians tell one another and the world is that only God can wipe away the failures, errors, and missed opportunities that sometimes plague us. We cannot wipe away or forgive our sins or those of another. But God can, and therein lies our hope, joy, and peace – a message we proclaim to all. - Ruben P. Job
Reflection:
Salvation is a gift. All we have to do is accept it. In a recent production of “The Great Divorce” by C.S. Lewis, I saw characters faced with choices. Heaven is theirs, but choosing heaven variously means walking away from relationships or habits or possessions. These things bring nothing but misery, but they are familiar and are, therefore, hard to give up.
What relationships, habits, and possessions should I examine and evaluate and, perhaps, let go of?
Why do I cling to my stories of how I have been wronged by others, holding oh so tightly to those feelings of anger or injustice?
What barriers have I erected that prevent me from rejoicing fully in the Lord?
I welcome this Lenten season as a time for reflection and introspection.
Dear God,
Thank you for loving us. You know our hearts and our transgressions. Nothing is hidden from you. Teach me to forgive. Help me to be honest with myself and to listen for your voice. I long for the quiet joy that comes from trusting and resting in you.
Terri Chepregi