Restore Us By Your Loving Care Lenten Guide 2025
Within the pages of this Lenten guide, you’ll find Icons by local Iconographer Christine Hales. Over 50 of her Icons are in the Cathedral to enrich our corporate worship and invite us into deeper personal encounters with God.
The purpose of this booklet is to guide you through a meaningful season of authentic introspection, education about Iconography, and meaningful connection with someone else through shared devotions Each day of the week will offer a particular way to engage these intentions
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Meditate on the week’s scripture readings from the lectionary
Commit to a spiritual practice for the week
Engage an Icon (each one pictured is also at the Cathedral)
Become inspired by the life of a Saint
Engage a written meditation
Listen to music by The Good Shepherd Collective
Invite a friend or family member to be your prayer companion for these shared devotions
May this Lent be a time you experience God’s deep love for you. May you come to find moments of healing, restoration, and sacred beauty. Lent is a time for us to lay before God that which is broken and seek God’s transformation Icons are meant to draw us in; they are not passive encounters Allow yourself to be drawn into the very presence of God
Introduction
Ash Wednesday
1st Week of Lent
2nd Week of Lent
3rd Week of Lent
4th Week of Lent
5th Week of Lent
Saint Peter: Flawed, Forgiven, and Faithful An Iconography Journey of Faith
and Transformation
by Christine Hales
The life of Saint Peter beautifully demonstrates that faith is not a possession but an activity. As you view each icon in this exhibition, whether Saint Peter is directly depicted, I invite you to prayerfully imagine where Peter might be in the scene and how he would react For example, in “The Crucifixion” icon, Peter is not pictured, but we know he was present. Reflect on how Peter might relate to each icon and consider how you, too, might identify with his journey.
To enrich your experience, I have included scripture quotations from 1 and 2 Peter, as well as other passages, with the icon descriptions These are intended to inspire reflection, stimulate thought, and perhaps provoke questions about your own faith journey. I encourage you to take time for prayer or reflection as you view each icon.
Peter’s story with Jesus is a continual pattern of invitation, risk, failure, and rescue. He reminds us that he best disciples are not those who never fail but those who allow failure to teach them. Peter needed to sink before he could take the next step of faith Sometimes, our deepest lessons in discipleship are forged in the crucible of failure
When we keep our focus on Jesus, we begin to live in the new reality of God’s Kingdom. As Peter discovered when he faltered on the water, discipleship often begins with a simple cry for help. It continues as we remain in the “boat” with Jesus, learning courage and mastery over fear Through this process, we are equipped to go forth in faith, secure in the knowledge of His presence
Jesus calls us to grow, reach, and dare, knowing that no matter what happens, He is always with us. Peter’s journey reminds us that even in our sinking moments, profound steps of faith and transformation are possible In the icon of “The Calling of Peter and Andrew,” again a boat is used to symbolize transformation This time is is a transformation from a life of self to a life of service with Christ
Icons are often called “written” as they are Holy Scripture in visual form -- a sacred language that invites the presence of God into the heart of the viewer. Like Scripture engages our intellect and soul, icons draw us into the Kingdom and action of God
May these icons inspire and deepens your faith in ways beyond imagining, as they have for me. It is our faith that unites us and draws us close to God in times of trial. When one of us suffers, we all suffer and the stories depicted in the icons are our common heritage helping us towards that unity of purpose and vision. May you be abundantly blessed on your spiritual journey.
Ash Wednesday
Matthew 6:1-6,16-21
Jesus said, "Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven
"So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
"And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
"And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting Truly I tell you, they have received their reward But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
The Collect Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever Amen
Thursday, March 6
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return
These words, spoken over us on Ash Wednesday, are a stark and sobering truth. They remind us of our mortality, our limits, and our deep need for God. And yet, they are not meant to burden us with fear or shame. They are words of belonging.
We are dust yes but beloved dust. Formed by God’s hands, breathed into life by God’s Spirit, and held always in God’s mercy The ashes we receive are not merely a sign of frailty, but of grace. They remind us that even in our brokenness, we are God’s own.
The prophet Joel pleads with us: “Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.” (Joel 2:13) Lent is this call a call not to performance, but to return. Not to strive harder, but to let go. Not to prove ourselves, but to step again into the love that has always been waiting
Jesus echoes this call in the Gospel of Matthew: “When you pray… when you fast… when you give…” (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21) He assumes these acts will be part of our lives, but he reminds us that they are not for appearances. They are not about impressing others or even ourselves. They are about opening space, clearing away distractions, softening our hearts so we might see God more clearly
So how will you begin? What might you set down? Where is God calling you to return?
As you remember your ash cross from yesterday, may it remind you not only of our frailty but of God’s faithfulness. For even before we turn toward God, God is already drawing near. May this Lent be a homecoming for your soul
Written by: The Very Reverend Michelle Robertshaw
Dust We Are and Shall Return | Good Shepherd Collective
From dust we ' ve come and dust we are and shall return
Be still my soul and let it go, just let it go
Glory to God, glory to God in the highest
Glory to God, glory to God in the highest
Naked we came and shall return into the grave
Be still my soul and let it go, just let it go
Glory to God, glory to God in the highest
Glory to God, glory to God in the highest
Be still my soul, Lord make me whole
Lord make me whole
Be still my soul, Lord make me whole
Lord make me whole
Lord make me whole
Be still my soul, Lord make me whole
Lord make me whole
Glory to God, glory to God
Glory to God, glory to God
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord my strength and my redeemer.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
Reflection
With your prayer companion, listen to “Dust We Are and Shall Return” from Friday’s devotion What feels fleeting in your life? What are you holding too tightly? Discuss what Ash Wednesday means to you. How do you feel when you hear the words, “You are dust and to dust you shall return?” Write down how you will tend to your soul this Lent in ways that will draw you closer to God.
Closing Prayer
Creator God, you are the maker of all things, including me. Even in my brokenness, I am yours and you care for me. When I cling too tightly to the things of this world, loosen my grip, help me let go so that my soul can find rest, belonging, and its true home in you Amen
Lord Jesus, Sun of Righteousness, shine in our hearts, we pray; dispel the gloom that shades our minds and be to us as day.
First Week of Lent
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
When you have come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, and you possess it, and settle in it, you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from the land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place that the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his name. You shall go to the priest who is in office at that time, and say to him, "Today I declare to the Lord your God that I have come into the land that the Lord swore to our ancestors to give us. " When the priest takes the basket from your hand and sets it down before the altar of the Lord your God, you shall make this response before the Lord your God: "A wandering Aramean was my ancestor; he went down into Egypt and lived there as an alien, few in number, and there he became a great nation, mighty and populous When the Egyptians treated us harshly and afflicted us, by imposing hard labor on us, we cried to the Lord, the God of our ancestors; the Lord heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. The Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with a terrifying display of power, and with signs and wonders; and he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. So now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground that you, O Lord, have given me " You shall set it down before the Lord your God and bow down before the Lord your God Then you, together with the Levites and the aliens who reside among you, shall celebrate with all the bounty that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house.
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, abides under the shadow of the Almighty. He shall say to the Lord, "You are my refuge and my stronghold, my God in whom I put my trust."
Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your habitation, there shall no evil happen to you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. They shall bear you in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone. You shall tread upon the lion and adder; you shall trample the young lion and the serpent under your feet
Because he is bound to me in love, therefore will I deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my Name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I am with him in trouble; I will rescue him and bring him to honor. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.
Romans 10:8b-13
"The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, "No one who believes in him will be put to shame." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved "
Luke 4:1-13
After his baptism, Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread." Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone.'" Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, "To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours. " Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'"
Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you, ' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'” Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
The Collect
Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Monday, March 10
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
| Preparing the Board
Lent is a time of preparation. During these forty days leading to Easter, Christians have typically devoted themselves to spiritual practices and prayer. The forty days reflect the forty days Jesus fasted and prayed in the wilderness after his baptism in preparation for his ministry.
Lent can sneak up on us, sometimes arriving as early as February However, if we truly desire to fully embrace Lent as an opportunity to draw closer to God, to deeply reflect on our lives, to set aside the things that distract us from our calling, and journey to the cross with Jesus, intentional preparation is necessary.
In preparing to write an icon, the first and most important step is to prepare the board. This must be done so that the egg tempera paint will not crack over time. The combination of a linen wrapping, layers of special gesso glue, and a birch panel that is stable yet absorbent, mirror a process we can use on our own hearts this Lent.
Just as the writer of an icon does not hastily brush paint across the board -- we too must prepare ourselves to be able to receive the true presence of Christ this Lent. Reflect today on what preparations your need to make in your daily life so that you can absorb Jesus’s teachings this Lent. What is your glue -- what spiritual practices bind together your faith? Where are the rough spots and edges that need to be sanded down so that the story of God working in your life can be illuminated?
This week, spend time in prayer intentionally preparing for this penitential and transformative season In the box below, write down spiritual practices you would like to reengage or try for the first time.
You can read an article by artist Christine Hales here about how she prepares to gesso icon boards or by visiting spcathedral.org/lentrestore.
Archangel Michael, Battle Ready (24 x 18")
Tuesday, March 11
“Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in time of evil, so that after the battle you will be standing firm ” Ephesians 6:13
Archangel Michael -- hero and spiritual warrior -- symbolizes standing firm in faith and having victory in spiritual battle.
Wednesday, March 12
John of Damascus (Priest, c. 760)
John of Damascus was the son of a Christian tax collector for the Mohammedan Caliph of Damascus. At an early age, he succeeded his father in this office. In about 715, he entered the monastery of St. Sabas near Jerusalem. There he devoted himself to an ascetic life and to the study of the Fathers.
In the same year that John was ordained priest, 726, the Byzantine Emperor Leo the Isaurian published his first edict against the Holy Images, which signaled the formal outbreak of the iconoclastic controversy. The edict forbade the veneration of sacred images, or icons, and ordered their destruction. In 729-730, John wrote three “Apologies (or Treatises) against the Iconoclasts and in Defense of the Holy Images.” He argued that such pictures were not idols, for they represented neither false gods nor even the true God in his divine nature; but only saints, or our Lord as man. He further distinguished between the respect, or veneration (proskynesis), that is properly paid to created beings, and the worship (latreia), that is properly given only to God.
The iconoclast case rested, in part, upon the Monophysite heresy, which held that Christ had only one nature, and since that nature was divine, it would be improper to represent him by material substances such as wood and paint. The Monophysite heresy was condemned by the Council of Chalcedon in 451. At issue also was the heresy of Manichaeism, which held that matter itself was essentially evil. In both of these heresies, John maintained, the Lord’s incarnation was rejected. The Seventh Ecumenical Council, in 787, decreed that crosses, icons, the book of the Gospels, and other sacred objects were to receive reverence or veneration, expressed by salutations, incense, and lights, because the honor paid to them passed on to that which they represented.
True worship (latreia), however, was due to God alone John also wrote a great synthesis of theology, The Fount of Knowledge, of which the last part, “On the Orthodox Faith,” is best known
To Anglicans, John is best known as the author of the Easter hymns, “Thou hallowed chosen morn of praise,” “Come, ye faithful, raise the strain,” and “The day of resurrection.”
Confirm our minds, O Lord, in the mysteries of the true faith, set forth with power by your servant John of Damascus; that we, with him, confessing Jesus to be true God and true Man, and singing the praises of the risen Lord, may, by the power of the resurrection, attain to eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever Amen.
Thursday, March 13
[Jesus was] led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished.
I wonder if this is the first conversation Jesus has with the devil in the wilderness
From Luke’s account we know that Jesus was in the wilderness for forty days, and seems to have had both the Spirit and the devil as companions the whole time. But it’s not until the end of the forty days, when Jesus was famished that the devil challenges him to turn the stone into bread, tempts Jesus with worldly power, and commands him to attempt flight.
Were Jesus and the devil in a silent stand-off the previous thirty-nine days? Was the devil just biding his time until he believed Jesus was at his weakest? Were there previous challenges the devil put to Jesus that he also so graciously declined? Scripture does not tell us.
I do know the feeling of utter exhaustion when I think I’ve made it to the end of my struggle Relief and comfort are just in sight To think you ’ ve made it through so many challenges: sat through hundreds of hours of chemo, driven to dozens of PT appointments, rocked the baby back to sleep again, only to find out you ’ re still in the messy middle
How do you keep going when the finish line keeps getting moved farther ahead?
Perhaps a conversation with the devil on Day One sounded much different than on Day Forty During the season of Lent, we are reminded that when we are at the point of exhaustion or at our weakest, we must still turn to God
Psalm 91 says, “You are my refuge and my stronghold, my God in whom I put my trust.” Do not give up hope. As we enter the season of Lent, we do not know what lies ahead. But we are assured that Jesus will accompany and strengthen us as we find our way out of the wilderness.
Meditation by: The Rev. Deacon Hillary Peete Director of Christian Formation and Digital Communications
Friday, March 14
10,000 Reasons | Good Shepherd Collective
The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes
Bless the Lord, bless the Lord, oh, my soul
Oh, my soul
Worship his holy name
Sing like never before
Oh, my soul
I'll worship your holy name
You're rich in love, and you ' re slow to anger
Your name is great, and your heart is kind
For all your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find
Bless the Lord, oh, my soul
Bless the Lord, oh, my soul
Oh, my soul
Worship his holy name
Sing like never before
Oh, my soul
I'll worship your holy name
Sing my soul, oh, my soul
Bless the Lord, oh, my soul
Oh, my soul
Worship his holy name
Sing like never before
Oh, my soul
I'll worship your holy name
And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing your praise unending Ten thousand years and then forevermore
Bless the Lord
Bless the Lord, oh, my soul
Oh, my soul
Worship his holy name
Sing like never before Oh, my soul
I'll worship your holy name
Saturday, March 15
Opening Prayer
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord my strength and my redeemer.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
When I have strayed and lost my way, help me remember: You are my refuge and my stronghold, my God in whom I put my trust.
When my soul longs for rest and comfort, help me remember: You are my refuge and my stronghold, my God in whom I put my trust.
Reflection
With your prayer companion, take in five deep breaths through your nose and out through your mouth. In this moment, invite God’s peace. In our hymn verse this week we pray for Jesus to “dispel the gloom that shades our minds”. What are the things that weigh heavy on your heart and mind? Where are the areas of your life that need the light of Christ to shine today? Share your thoughts and write down your prayers. Offer them to God.
Closing Prayer
Loving God, you know me inside and out. You know my hopes and fears. My successes and failures. When dark clouds of gloom overwhelm me, help me to look at myself with compassion. Help me to clear my mind of all distractions and to seek the light of Christ. Show me ways I can offer unconditional love to myself and others as we bear one another’s burdens together. Amen.
Give guidance to our wandering ways, forgive us, Lord, our sin; restore us by your loving care to peace and joy within.
Second Week of Lent
Genesis 15:1-12,17-18
The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir ” But the word of the Lord came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.
Then he said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess. ” But he said, “O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it?” He said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him.
When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.”
Psalm 27
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid? When evildoers came upon me to eat up my flesh, it was they, my foes and my adversaries, who stumbled and fell.
Though an army should encamp against me, yet my heart shall not be afraid; And though war should rise up against me, yet will I put my trust in him. One thing have I asked of the Lord; one thing I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life;
To behold the fair beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble he shall keep me safe in his shelter; he shall hide me in the secrecy of his dwelling and set me high upon a rock. Even now he lifts up my head above my enemies round about me. Therefore I will offer in his dwelling an oblation with sounds of great gladness; I will sing and make music to the Lord Hearken to my voice, O Lord, when I call; have mercy on me and answer me. You speak in my heart and say, "Seek my face." Your face, Lord, will I seek. Hide not your face from me, nor turn away your servant in displeasure You have been my helper; cast me not away; do not forsake me, O God of my salvation.
Though my father and my mother forsake me, * the Lord will sustain me
Show me your way, O Lord; * lead me on a level path, because of my enemies. Deliver me not into the hand of my adversaries, * for false witnesses have risen up against me, and also those who speak malice. What if I had not believed that I should see the goodness of the Lord * in the land of the living!
O tarry and await the Lord's pleasure; be strong, and he shall comfort your heart; * wait patiently for the Lord.
Philippians 3:17-4:1
Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.
Luke 13:31-35
Some Pharisees came and said to Jesus, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you. " He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem ' Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'"
The Collect
O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Monday, March 17
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE | Sacred Geometry
Developed over the course of many centuries, sacred geometry continues to be a foundational principal of iconography. Created to be more than just an aesthetically pleasing painting, the underlying structure, ratios, and geometric forms found in icons point us towards a larger truth about God.
Rooted in the study of mathematical principals in nature, we can find this “Golden Ratio” present in the beauty of our natural world Think about the hexagonal cells created by honeybees, the spiral of a chambered nautilus, the scales of pinecones, and the pattern of seeds in sunflowers. In music, the structure of both rhythm and harmony is also based on ratio. Composers such as Bach, Sibelius, and Bartok have used the Golden Ratio in structuring their compositions.
Geometric forms underlie the composition of Iconographic language. Icons are usually vertical rectangles, with a proportion of 3:4 or 4:5 There are exceptions, but these two are common as they integrate a sense of harmony from the outer edges of the rectangle to correspond with the geometric proportions within the composition of the Icon
For example, a common shape is the mandorla (as seen in the figure of Christ in The Transfiguration Icon on March 19 and the Our Lady of Guadalupe in the church). The mandorla shape (translated from the Italian word for almond), which occurs with the intersection of two equal circles, symbolizes the union of heaven and earth. Christ was a physical embodiment of that union.
Harmony, proportion, structure, order, union, rhythm, symmetry. The meeting of heaven and earth.
This week, spend time in nature, listen to classical composers, or pay close attention to the underlying shapes present in art and Icons. In the midst of what may feel like a chaotic, unruly, and disordered world, seek union with God through the beauty of God’s created world.
Are there areas of your life where you desire balance and order? How can you seek harmony with yourself or others? Try different spiritual practices such as immersing yourself in sacred music during worship, meditation, or spend time praying with one of the icons in church as a way to center yourself when chaos and disorder overwhelm you.
You can read an article by artist Christine Hales here about the principle of sacred geometry here or by visiting spcathedral org/lent-restore
*Reference: Eyes of Fire: How Icons Saved My Life as an Artist by Christine Simoneau Hales
Transfiguration (24x18')
“God has given spiritual gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts Manage them well so that God’s generosity can flow through you ” 1 Peter 4:10
Tuesday, March 18
The Transfiguration shows Jesus as the central figure with Elijah and Moses on either side of him, while Peter, Paul, and John are overcome with the dazzling white light emanating from Jesus. Jesus has taken the three apostles up on the mountain to pray. The central axis of this icon has Jesus surrounded by three concentric circles, symbolizing the Trinity.
Wednesday, March 19
Margaret (Queen of Scotland, 1093)
Shakespeare made familiar the names of Macbeth and Macduff, Duncan and Malcolm; but it is not always remembered that Malcolm married an English princess, Margaret, about 1070.
With considerable zeal, Margaret sought to change what she considered to be old-fashioned and careless practices among the Scottish clergy She insisted that the observance of Lent, for example, was to begin on Ash Wednesday, rather than on the following Monday, and that the Mass should be celebrated according to the accepted Roman rite of the Church, and not in barbarous form and language The Lord’s Day was to be a day when, she said, “ we apply ourselves only to prayers ” She argued vigorously, though not always with success, against the exaggerated sense of unworthiness that made many of the pious Scots unwilling to receive Communion regularly.
Margaret’s energies were not limited to reformation of formal Church practices. She encouraged the founding of schools, hospitals, and orphanages, and used her influence with King Malcolm to help her improve the quality of life among the isolated Scottish clans. Together, Margaret and her husband rebuilt the monastery of Iona and founded Dunfermline Abbey, under the direction of Benedictine monks
In addition to her zeal for Church and people, Margaret was a conscientious wife and the mother of eight children. Malcolm, a strong-willed man, came to trust her judgment even in matters of State. She saw also to the spiritual welfare of her large household, providing servants with opportunity for regular worship and prayer.
Margaret was not as successful as she wished to be in creating greater unity in faith and works between her own native England and the Scots She was unable, for example, to bring an end to the bloody warfare among the highland clans, and after her death in 1093, there was a brief return to the earlier isolation of Scotland from England. Nevertheless, her work among the people, and her reforms in the Church, made her Scotland’s most beloved saint. She died on November 16, and was buried at Dunfermline Abbey
O God, you called your servant Margaret to an earthly throne that she might advance your heavenly kingdom, and gave her zeal for your Church and love for your people: Mercifully grant that we who commemorate her this day may be fruitful in good works, and attain to the glorious crown of your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Thursday, March 20
One thing have I asked of the Lord; one thing I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; To behold the fair beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.
Is it just me or does it seem that things have gotten a lot harder lately? The news is filled with so much human suffering from wars to famine. Our country is deeply divided by identity politics. Gains in civil rights are slipping away. Prices continue to surge on just about everything. Our community has faced not one but two devastating storms this past hurricane season. And personally, I face uncertainty and instability at work as being a federal civil servant has placed me right in the crosshairs of our political divisions Yes, I feel anxiety and fear as those around me “speak malice” towards me and those I love In times like these, it is so tempting to give into despair and forget to trust in God.
Yet Psalm 27 reminds me to do exactly that–trust in God. But trusting in God is not something passive.. Rather, it’s an active endeavor, one in which I should seek God “in his temple” and offer “ an oblation with sounds of great gladness ” Ultimately, I find it calling me to prioritize my relationship with God and seek to understand his will through both personal prayer and sacrifice and by being an active participant in our congregation. Does trusting in God mean that my troubles will disappear? Of course not. This is not a bargaining process in which God rewards my trust by removing difficulties from my life. But through this active, participatory trust, I find the strength to endure difficult times. And the peace that comes from having faith in the promise of salvation
Meditation by: Marilyn Vengroff, Senior Warden
Friday, March 21
Always Been Faithful | Good Shepherd Collective
Morning by morning, I wake up to find
The power and comfort of God's hand in mine Season by season, I watch God, amazed In awe of the mystery of God’s perfect ways
All I have need of, God’s hand will provide God’s always been faithful to me
I can't remember a trial or a pain You did not recycle to bring me gain I can't remember one single regret In serving You only and trusting Your hand
All I have need of, Your hand will provide You’ve always been faithful to me
This is my anthem, this is my song The theme of the stories I've heard for so long You has been faithful, You will be again Your loving compassion, it knows no end All I have need of, God’s hand will provide You’ve always.... You’ve always been faithful You’ve always been faithful... to me!
Saturday, March 22
Opening Prayer
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord my strength and my redeemer.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
When I feel forgotten and forsaken, help me remember: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?
When I am in trouble and cry out, help me remember: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?
Reflection
With your prayer companion, discuss what you know to be true about God For example, “God is love” or “God is worthy of trust.” As much as we may try, though, we will never fully understand or know God. How can you embrace the mystery of God? Reflect together and share ways that God’s grace bridges the gap between what we know and don’t know. Pray for God’s guidance and loving care to be made clear in your life.
Closing Prayer
Merciful God, you have promised to be faithful to us I give thanks for your steadfast love that endures through all things When I feel forgotten, afraid, or surrounded by those who wish me harm, help me to seek your face and trust in you. Give me strength to reach out to you with my whole self. Give me grace to receive your love. Help me remember that you will restore me to wholeness through your loving care. Amen.
Lord, grant that we in penitence may offer you our praise, and through your saving sacrifice receive your gift of grace.
Third Week of Lent
Exodus 3:1-15
Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. Then Moses said, “I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up. ” When the Lord saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am ” Then he said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground ” He said further, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. Then the Lord said, “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the country of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them So come, I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” He said, “I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain.”
But Moses said to God, “If I come to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your ancestors has sent me to you, ' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I am who I am ” He said further, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, 'I am has sent me to you. '” God also said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, 'The Lord, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you ' : This is my name forever, and this my title for all generations.”
Psalm 63:1-8
O God, you are my God; eagerly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my flesh faints for you, as in a barren and dry land where there is no water Therefore I have gazed upon you in your holy place, that I might behold your power and your glory. For your loving-kindness is better than life itself; my lips shall give you praise. So will I bless you as long as I live and lift up my hands in your Name
My soul is content, as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips, When I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the night watches.
For you have been my helper, and under the shadow of your wings I will rejoice. My soul clings to you; your right hand holds me fast
Corinthians 10:1-13
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them, and they were struck down in the wilderness.
Now these things occurred as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not become idolaters as some of them did; as it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and they rose up to play " We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did, and were destroyed by serpents And do not complain as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.
Luke 13:1-9
At that very time there were some present who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices He asked them, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them--do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did."
Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, 'See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?' He replied, 'Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down '"
The Collect
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever Amen
Monday, March 24
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE | Uncreated Light
Egon Sendler, in his book “Icon, Image of the Invisible”, explained that the light depicted in icons is distinct from natural light. Iconic light represents incarnate grace and must be received in contemplation.
“In the icon, we see a divine reality that transcends this earthly world while respecting it because it is created by God, to be transfigured in His spirit. If an icon reduces the mystery of God to mere material forms, it loses its soul and spiritual character, becoming an illusion of reality.”
Icons mediate between the invisible and visible In an Icon, the source of light is God The artist works from dark to light shades, never painting in shadows Christine Hales writes, “The source of light in the Icon is not the sun It is not external light that is depicted, but a soft inner light, the uncreated light of God It’s a mystical light that emanates from the center of the figure and radiates out towards the viewer ”
This week, what it would look like for you to be drawn towards the light of God? Do you feel stuck in the shadows? Is your ego or pride seeking to create its own light source instead of relying on God?
Consider lighting a candle as you pray to experience God’s light coming from within you. Not a feeling or hope you have to conjure up or force, but rather a source of light that is beyond your own imagination or power. How might you be transformed by that light? How might you allow the light of God to shine through you to others?
Use the space below to journal your own thoughts about how light and shadow have shaped your spiritual journey Where do you find yourself this Lenten season?
You can read an article by Christine Hales about Uncreated Light here or visit spcathedral.org/lentrestore.
Tuesday, March 25
Ezekiel (24 x 18')
“So make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence ” 2 Peter 1:5
Ezekiel holding a scroll with a quotation from his book in the Bible about the transformation possible when repenting and turning to God. The four living creatures are shown in the upper right.
Wednesday, March 26
Dame Julian of Norwich (c. 1417)
Of Dame Julian’s early life we know little, only the probable date of her birth (1342) Her own writings in the Revelations of Divine Love are concerned only with her visions, or “showings,” that she experienced when she was thirty years old.
She had been gravely ill and was given the last rites; suddenly, on the seventh day, all pain left her, and she had fifteen visions of the Passion. These brought her great peace and joy. “From that time I desired oftentimes to learn what was our Lord’s meaning,” she wrote, “and fifteen years after I was answered in ghostly understanding: ‘Wouldst thou learn the Lord’s meaning in this thing? Learn it well. Love was his meaning. Who showed it thee? Love. What showed he thee? Love Wherefore showed it he? For Love Hold thee therein and thou shalt learn and know more in the same ’ Thus it was I learned that Love was our Lord’s meaning ”
Julian had long desired three gifts from God: “the mind of his passion, bodily sickness in youth, and three wounds of contrition, of compassion, of will-full longing toward God.” Her illness brought her the first two wounds, which then passed from her mind. The third, “will-full longing” (divinely inspired longing), never left her.
She became a recluse, an anchoress, at Norwich soon after her recovery from illness, living in a small dwelling attached to the Church of St Julian Even in her lifetime, she was famed as a mystic and spiritual counselor and was frequently visited by clergymen and lay persons, including the famous mystic Margery Kempe. Kempe says of Julian: “This anchoress was expert in knowledge of our Lord and could give good counsel. I spent much time with her talking of the love of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The Lady Julian’s book is a tender and beautiful exposition of God’s eternal and all-embracing love, showing how his charity toward the human race is exhibited in the Passion Again and again she referred to Christ as “ our courteous Lord ” Many have found strength in the words the Lord had given her: “I can make all things well; I will make all things well; I shall make all things well; and thou canst see for thyself that all manner of things shall be well ”
Lord God, in your compassion you granted to the Lady Julian many revelations of your nurturing and sustaining love: Move our hearts, like hers, to seek you above all things, for in giving us yourself you give us all; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever Amen
Thursday, March 27
"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!"
“I AM WHO I AM,” God says after Moses removes his sandals from his feet to greet the burning bush. His toes must have dug gently into the ground. The God that has made all of Creation is speaking.
I don’t often get into nature as much as I would like, but I find the closest connection to God when I’m witnessing God’s beautiful handiwork in the way the trees move with the wind or seeing the contours of the earth when looking from a high place. I hear the gentle chirping of birds in my backyard and watch the ripples of water even on a calm day. When I take note of my surroundings, “ my soul is content… and my mouth praises [God] with joyful lips (Psalm 63:5).” Isn’t our world beautiful?
Just as calm and centered as I feel when I’m witnessing nature, I have one other spot that might be my favorite: our beautiful Cathedral – but not necessarily at the time you would think. My favorite time to go into the Cathedral to sit and pray is on a Sunday afternoon. The Cathedral moves from a stirring excitement to a gentle quiet. The lights are turned off, everything has been put away, and I am one of only a few who might still be around. The stained glass in the early afternoon hits the walls and pews in just a way to provide a gentle wash of abstract color. I feel as though I am “gaz[ing] upon you in your holy place (Psalm 63:2).”
Where do you see God in our world?
Written by: Michelle Thomas Cathedral Administrator & Associate for Christian Formation
Friday, March 28
Hide Not Your Face | Good Shepherd Collective
Uncreated light hiding in the dark
Every soul is searching
For you the life we know
Show us your mercy
Hide not your face
Hide not your face from me
Hide not your face
Hide not your face from me
Although the world is full of suffering and shame
The universe feels all the pain
If you know the darkest part of every broken heart
Do you weep when our tears fall down?
Hide not your face
Hide not your face from me
Hide not your face
Hide not your face from me
Can you feel me? I can’t feel you
Can you hear me? I want to know if you ’ re there
Help me to trust
Help me to trust in you.
Saturday, March 29
Opening Prayer
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord my strength and my redeemer.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
I seek you out in all places, trusting you will make yourself known For your loving-kindness is better than life itself; my lips shall give you praise.
I believe you hear the cries of those who suffer and will deliver them. For your loving-kindness is better than life itself; my lips shall give you praise.
Reflection
Together with your prayer partner, center yourself on the Ezekiel Icon. If you can do this in person at the church this week, even better! Meditate on the scripture found on the scroll, “And I will give you a new heart with new and right desires and I will put a new spirit in you. ” How can you turn towards God this Lent? What worries, regrets, or sins can you turn over to God? What transformation might be possible through repentance and seeking God’s desires over your own? Pray with your partner for your heart to be transformed.
Closing Prayer
Eternal God, your thoughts are not our thoughts. Your ways are not our ways. Even when we have turned away from you, you never cease to love us Help us to pray for your spirit to fill our hearts so that we see as you see, love as you love, and walk as you walk. As we search for you in the dark, turn our eyes inward to see your uncreated light shining within us, transforming and sustaining us. Amen.
Now nearer draws the day of days when paradise shall bloom, when we shall be at one with you, Lord, risen from the tomb.
Fourth Week of Lent
Joshua 5:9-12
The Lord said to Joshua, "Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt " And so that place is called Gilgal to this day.
While the Israelites were camped in Gilgal they kept the passover in the evening on the fourteenth day of the month in the plains of Jericho. On the day after the passover, on that very day, they ate the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. The manna ceased on the day they ate the produce of the land, and the Israelites no longer had manna; they ate the crops of the land of Canaan that year
Psalm 32
Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, and whose sin is put away!
Happy are they to whom the Lord imputes no guilt, and in whose spirit there is no guile!
While I held my tongue, my bones withered away, because of my groaning all day long. For your hand was heavy upon me day and night; my moisture was dried up as in the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and did not conceal my guilt.
I said," I will confess my transgressions to the Lord "
Then you forgave me the guilt of my sin
Therefore all the faithful will make their prayers to you in time of trouble; when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach them.
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
You are my hiding-place; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. "I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go; I will guide you with my eye
Do not be like horse or mule, which have no understanding; who must be fitted with bit and bridle, or else they will not stay near you. "
Great are the tribulations of the wicked; but mercy embraces those who trust in the Lord Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in the Lord; shout for joy, all who are true of heart.
From now on, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
All the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." So Jesus told them this parable:
"There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me. ' So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands."' So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son. ' But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly, bring out a robe--the best one--and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate.
"Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on He replied, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound ' Then he became angry and refused to go in His father came out and began to plead with him But he answered his father, 'Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!' Then the father said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.'"
The Collect
Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Monday, March 31
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE | God’s Perspective
The use of different forms of perspective is one element that separates Iconography from other types of religious art. In typical Renaissance painting, the viewpoint converges on the horizon. Christine Hales shares how Icons differ from this traditional technique:
“The Icon is a window where we have access to the Kingdom of God, God’s perspective, to His presence. In the Icon, the scene or saint shines out towards the viewer who opens himself to receive it. In inverse perspective space itself becomes active instead of the observer, who is, in fact acted upon. ”
This week, see which Icon in the Cathedral you feel drawn towards Spend time before the Icon and center yourself in prayer. Notice how the energy, directional flow, and sacred geometry of the Icon flow out towards you, the viewer, and bring you in to an encounter with the saint or scene in the Icon. One teacher said, “When you are looking at an Icon, the Icon of God is looking at you. ” Allow yourself to be brought into this interactive experience and encounter with God.
In order to help us see things as God sees them, sometimes a multi-view perspective is created (a building is drawn showing both the top and bottom simultaneously, or left and right sides simultaneously). Prayerfully consider a worry or encounter where you can seek God’s multi-view perspective over your own limited view This week, practice responding to people or challenges by accessing a perspective that is not your own
An Icon can depict a person as present at an event in which the person was not historically present. For example, the Burning Bush Icon (April 1) shows Mary and the Christ Child present with Moses. The perspective of Kairos time emphasizes God’s time and eternal nature. In our over-scheduled culture, how can you allow yourself to surrender to God’s time over your own sense of control? How do you experience Christ as present here and now?
You can read an article by Christine Hales on Inverse Perspective here or visit spcathedral.org/lent-restore.
“But you must not forget, dear friends, that a day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years like a day.” 2 Peter 3:8
This icon shows Moses encountering Mary and the Christ Child in the Burning Bush It symbolizes the eternal nature of God
The Burning Bush (12x9")
Wednesday, April 2
Andrei Rublev (Monk and Iconographer, 143)
Generally acknowledged as Russia’s greatest iconographer, Andrei Rublev was born around 1365 near Moscow While very young he entered the monastery of The Holy Trinity and in 1405, with the blessing of his igumen (the Orthodox equivalent of abbot), he transferred to the Spaso-Andronikov monastery where he received the tonsure and studied iconography with Theophanes the Greek and the monk Daniel Among his most revered works are those in the Dormition Cathedral in Vladimir.
The icon (“image” in Greek) is central to Orthodox spirituality. It finds its place in liturgy and in personal devotion. An icon is two dimensional and despite being an image of someone it is not a physical portrait. Western art, especially since the Renaissance, has sought to represent figures or events so that the viewer might better imagine them. A western crucifix seeks to enable us to imagine what Golgotha was like. Icons seek to provide immediate access to the spiritual and the divine unmediated by the human, historical imagination
For Andrei, writing an icon was a spiritual exercise. It involved the ritual of preparing the surface, applying the painted and precious metal background and then creating the image, first outlining it in red. Throughout he would repeatedly say the “Jesus Prayer” (“Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me”). He was creating a window into the Divine which he knew was always before him but which was invisible to the human eye. He knew he was able to create such an image of God because he himself was made in the image of God. His object was to be totally focused on receiving God’s love and loving in return. He died peacefully in 1430.
As Jesus was the icon of God, so each one of us is also. Ascetic practice aims at freeing that image from sinful distraction and claiming it more and more. To venerate an icon is to find some of the ineffable beauty that is God, that is manifest in Christ and the saints, and is also in each one of us.
Holy God, we bless you for the gift of your monk and icon writer Andrei Rublev, who, inspired by the Holy Spirit, provided a window into heaven for generations to come, revealing the majesty and mystery of the holy and blessed Trinity; who lives and reigns through ages of ages. Amen.
Thursday,
April 3
But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him
Then the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son. '
I’m a huge fan of the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes and the outrageously entertaining adventures of Calvin and his sidekick, Hobbes In one comic, Calvin turns to Hobbes and admits, "I feel bad I called Susie names and hurt her feelings I'm sorry I did that " Hobbes, usually the voice of reason and often acting as Calvin’s conscience, replies, "Maybe you should apologize to her " Calvin thinks for a moment, then responds, "I keep hoping there's a less obvious solution "
Our Gospel reading this year for the Fourth Sunday in Lent is the story of the Prodigal Son, and the concept of "hoping there's a less obvious solution" resonates with this parable in a profound way. The prodigal son, who initially sought independence and fulfillment in a way that led him away from his father's house, hits rock bottom. He was then faced with the obvious solution: to humble himself and return to his father in search of forgiveness. In Calvin's case, he's reluctant to take the straightforward step of apologizing to Susie, hoping instead for an easier way to make amends. Both stories highlight the human tendency to avoid the straightforward path of seeking reconciliation Yet, it is through embracing the obvious solution returning to their father or apologizing to a friend that they can find true healing and forgiveness
The parable of the Prodigal Son teaches us that sometimes the most straightforward solution, though it may require humility and courage, is the most effective path to reconciliation and inner peace. As we continue our Lenten journey, may we be given the grace to seek forgiveness and to offer forgiveness in return.
Meditation written by: Dwight Thomas Canon for Music and Precentor
Friday, April 4
A Change Is Gonna Come | Good Shepherd Collective
I was born by the river
In a little tent
Oh, and just like the river, I've been runnin' ever since
It's been a long
A long time comin', but I know
A change gon ' come
Oh, yes it will
It's been too hard livin'
But I'm afraid to die
'Cause I don't know what's up there
Beyond the sky
It's been a long
A long time comin', but I know
A change gon ' come
Oh, yes it will
I go to the movie
And I go downtown
Somebody keep tellin' me "don't hang around"
It's been a long
A long time comin', but I know
A change gon ' come
Oh, yes it will
Then I go to my brother
And I say, "Brother, help me please"
But he winds up Knockin' me
Back down on my knees
Lor', there been times that I thought I couldn't last for long
But now I think I'm able to Carry on
It's been a long
A long time comin', but I know
A change gon ' come
Oh, yes it will
Saturday, April 5
Opening Prayer
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord my strength and my redeemer.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
In Christ, we are new creations
Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in the Lord; shout for joy, all who are true of heart.
Through Christ, we are reconciled.
Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in the Lord; shout for joy, all who are true of heart.
Reflection
With your prayer companion, reflect on the parable of the Prodigal Son When have you been the one who wandered away? When have you yearned for a loved one to return? When have been the one who stayed? If there are places in your life that you seek repentance, forgiveness, and restoration, write about them below. If there are people you need to extend forgiveness towards, pray for humility and courage to take the first step.
Closing Prayer
God of new beginnings, you are always pleased to welcome us home. Nothing is greater than your love. When we are ashamed, help us remember that you greet us with joy. When we are mired in resentment, give us the grace to celebrate what was lost and has been found. We seek your wisdom to guide us towards the changes we must make to live more fully as your disciples and to seek your presence in all people. Amen.
The universe your glory shows, blest Father, Spirit, Son; we shall acclaim your majesty, eternal Three in One.
Fifth Week of Lent
Isaiah 43:16-21
Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise
Psalm 126
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, then were we like those who dream Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy. Then they said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad indeed Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses of the Negev. Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves
Philippians
3:4b-14
If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless
Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.
John 12:1-8
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me. "
The
Collect
Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever Amen
Monday, April 7
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE | Praying in Color
Inherbook,EyesofFire,ChristineHaleswritesaboutthesymbolismofcolorinIcons.
“Colorsymbolismisaculturalphenomenon....However,withintheByzantinetraditionitisworth notingthefollowingcolorsandsymbolicmeaningsattributedtothatera.”
Red:Relatedtotheearth,especiallyredochre,venetianredandredoxide;redsymbolizesthe earth,humanity,blood,passion,fire
BrightRed:Cadmiumredlightandcinnabar;representmartyrdom,thenewcovenant,theHoly Spirit
DeepReds:Alizarincrimson,rosemadder;thesecolorsrepresentroyalty,nobility
Blue:Pthaloblue,miloriblue,indigo,azurite,cobaltblue;symbolizeGod,Hislight,Hismystery
EarthYellow:Yellowochre,rawsienna,jarosite,Indianyellow,Bristolyellow,andNaples yellow;representthelightofGod’spresence
Black:Marsblack,earthblack;symbolizetheearth,death,sin,ignorance
Brown:Brownochre,burntsienna,burntumber;representpoverty,themonasticandascetic life
White:Titaniumwhite,zincwhite,buffwhite;symbolizesGod
This week, be mindful of colors you come across in your every day life. Try grounding yourself at least once a day by noticing each color in your surroundings.
Set aside time to spend time in the church with the Icons. Can you identify each of these colors in an Icon? Which color speaks to where you find yourself this Lent?
Our Lady of Perpetual Help (12 x 9")
Tuesday, April 8
“Care for the flock of God entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly -- not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.” 1 Peter 5:2
In this icon of the Madonna and Christ Child we see two angels holding the symbols of Christ’s death and Mary with a very powerful sad but accepting expression
Wednesday, April 9
John Cassian (Abbot at Marseilles, 433)
John Cassian struggled with the problems of living the Christian life in a time when the world seemed to be falling apart. In so doing, he laid the foundations for what would be the spirituality of the Western Church.
Born in Romania around 365, Cassian traveled as a young man to a monastery in Bethlehem and later moved to Egypt where he sought the tutelage of the great founders of the ascetic movement of the desert such as Antony and Macarius.
At the heart of desert monasticism was the idea that the image of God in each person, tarnished by sin but not destroyed, yearns to and has the capacity to love God with the purity of heart with which God loves us. Their aim was to rid themselves of the anxieties and distractions that called their attention away from loving God
Cassian was initiated into this tradition before political pressures forced him to leave Egypt in about 399. He moved to southern Gaul and there founded a house for monks, and later a house for women religious. Though Cassian’s goal was, like his desert mentors, the perfection of the individual soul, he insisted that no one should embark on a monastic vocation alone. One should enter a house where other monks are pursuing the same goal, live according to a timetested rule, and thereby gain the guidance and companionship of the community.
Though Cassian remained committed to the desert ideal of individual perfection, his insistence on the necessity of Christian community and loving moderation was the basis for Benedictine monasticism, which eventually became the basic spirituality of the Western Church. It was perhaps a paradox that only in community could the Christian: “lose sight of earthly things in proportion to the inspiration of its purity so that ... with the inner gaze of the soul it sees the glorified Jesus coming in the splendor of His majesty.”
Holy and Mighty One, whose beloved Son Jesus Christ blessed the pure in heart: We give you thanks for the life and teachings of John Cassian that draw us to a discipline of holy living for the sake of your reign. Call us to turn the gaze of the eyes of our soul always toward you, that we may abide in your love, shown to us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who with you and the Holy Spirit is one God, living and true, to the ages of ages. Amen.
Thursday, April 10
Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair.
The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume
This week we follow Jesus as he continues on his way to Jerusalem and the cross. As the countdown to Passover begins, Jesus stops in Bethany where he is welcomed into the home of his dear friends, Martha, Mary and Lazarus. During dinner Mary interrupts the proceedings with an act that surprised and confounded the other guests - everyone but Jesus. As she kneels at the feet of her Lord, she opens an expensive jar of perfume and anoints his feet, wiping them with her hair. Like the air that carries it, the fragrance wafts through the house, evoking the Spirit which is surely present in this holy moment. In letting down her hair to wipe the Master’s feet, Mary creates an image that is both intimate and vulnerable. Her use of the precious fragrance demonstrates her extravagant love for Jesus through an act that many would deem wasteful. The expensive perfume, worth a year ’ s wages, symbolizes her deep gratitude and recognition of his divine authority. By anointing Jesus’ feet, she acknowledges his imminent sacrifice, understanding that his love for humanity would soon be displayed in its fullest form We also see in this act of devotion a foreshadowing and mirroring of Jesus washing the feet of his own disciples
Jesus’ response to those who object to Mary’s extravagance emphasizes that true devotion is not measured by worldly standards but by the sincerity of our hearts. In a culture that often prioritizes practicality and efficiency, Jesus invites us to embrace the extravagant. As we reflect on this passage, let us consider how we might express our love for Jesus. Are there areas in our lives where we can demonstrate extravagant devotion be it through acts of service, generous giving, or heartfelt worship? In doing so, we not only honor Him but also fill the atmosphere of our lives with the fragrance of His love.
Written by:
The Reverend Mike Alford Canon for Congregational Care
Friday, April 11
Free | Good Shepherd Collective
There's a world at war
Caught in suffering
Silent casualties
Oh God, grant us peace
In these sleepless nights I can hardly breath
Despite the brutality
I know that we'll be free I know that we'll be free
Let the light in
Keep it shining
Let it break into the darkness
All the love dares us to see
We'll all be free
In these desperate times
Love will hold us here
Love will join our hands
Teach us to have no fear
So we lay our hate down
To wash their feet
When we see our brother
Oh, we'll all be free
Yes, we'll all be free
Let the light in Keep it shining
Let it break into the darkness
All the love dares us to see
We'll all be free
Let the light in
Keep it shining
Let it break into the darkness
All the love dares us to see
We'll all be free
We'll be free, free
Keep it shining
Let it break into the darkness
All the love dares us to see
We'll all be free
Let the light in
Keep it shining
Let it break into the darkness
All the love dares us to see
We'll all be free
We'll all be free
We'll all be free
Saturday, April 12
Opening Prayer
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord my strength and my redeemer.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
When the worries and tragedies of the world overwhelm me, remind me: Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy.
When I feel disconnected from family, friends, and community, remind me: Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy.
Reflection
With your prayer companion, reflect on the worries and anxieties of the world that prevent you from loving God as God loves you. As John Cassian reminds us, we are not meant to navigate the complexity of this world alone. Do you feel connected to Christian community in a meaningful way? If you feel disconnected, discuss with your prayer companion ways you can bridge the gap and reconnect. Pray about ways you can actively build community in your life.
Closing Prayer
Faithful God, you created us to be connected Through the gift of Christian community, we have a glimpse of what it means to be known and loved by you. Help me remember that I cannot do it alone. When I feel in over my head and at the end of my rope, allow me to feel your grace and comfort through the actions of others. Open my eyes and heart to those who feel isolated so that I might truly see you in all people. Amen.
Holy Week
The Collect
Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Luke 19:28-40
After telling a parable to the crowd at Jericho, Jesus went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, "Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it '" So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?" They said, "The Lord needs it." Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying,
"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!"
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, order your disciples to stop " He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out "
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures for ever.
Let Israel now proclaim, "His mercy endures for ever. "
Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter them; I will offer thanks to the Lord.
"This is the gate of the Lord; he who is righteous may enter."
I will give thanks to you, for you answered me and have become my salvation
The same stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.
This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
On this day the Lord has acted; we will rejoice and be glad in it Hosannah, Lord, hosannah!
Lord, send us now success.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; we bless you from the house of the Lord. God is the Lord; he has shined upon us; form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar
"You are my God, and I will thank you; you are my God, and I will exalt you. "
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures for ever.
Monday, April 14
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE | The Face of Love
By Anne Lawrence, Ph.D.
A Meditation Practice for Nurturing Your Light
To support your contemplation of the invisible through the visible, choose a symbol that evokes the face of Love for you (e.g., an icon, a rose, the ocean, the moon).
For five minutes, gaze into the face of Love
Draw or write your symbol here What words, emotions, or sensations come up during this time?
Gently close your eyes, bringing your awareness inward For five minutes, receive the gaze of Love How does it feel to receive Love? Are you comfortable being truly seen by God?
Offer a loving gaze to all you meet. Welcome the face of Love in all you see.
Calmly open your eyes, bringing your awareness outward. Filled and enfolded by the gaze of Love, let compassion overflow in your daily living. What is one way you can be compassionate today? At the end of the day, reflect on how your interactions with others felt. How might you incorporate this spiritual practice into your life more often? What are other ways you might let compassion and love overflow in your life?
Tuesday, April 15
Crucifixion (24 x 18")
“Christ also suffered when He died for our sins, once for all time. He never sinned, buthe died for sinners that He might bring us safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the spirit.” 1 Peter 3:18
Christ is the central axis of this Icon, with angels ascending and descending, Mary and three women watching and mourning on the left, John the Apostle weeping on the right and the Roman centurion, once powerful, now cowering in fear.
Wednesday, April 16
Cyril (Bishop of Jerusalem, 386)
Cyril is the one we have most to thank for the development of catechetical instruction and liturgical observances during Lent and Holy Week. Born in Jerusalem about 315, Cyril became bishop of that city probably in 349. In the course of political and ecclesiastical disputes, he was banished and restored three times. His Catechetical Lectures on the Christian faith, given before Easter to candidates for Baptism, were probably written by him sometime between 348 and 350.
The work consists of an introductory lecture, or Procatechesis, and eighteen Catecheses based upon the articles of the creed of the Church at Jerusalem. All these lectures (the earliest catechetical materials surviving today) may have been used many times over by Cyril and his successors, and considerably revised in the process. They were probably part of the prebaptismal instruction that Egeria, a pilgrim nun from western Europe, witnessed at Jerusalem in the fourth century and described with great enthusiasm in the account of her pilgrimage. Many of the faithful would also attend these instructions.
Cyril’s five Mystagogical Catecheses on the Sacraments, intended for the newly baptized after Easter, are now thought to have been composed, or at least revised, by John, Cyril’s successor as Bishop of Jerusalem from 386 to 417
It is likely that it was Cyril who instituted the observances of Palm Sunday and Holy Week during the latter years of his episcopate in Jerusalem. In doing so, he was taking practical steps to organize devotions for countless pilgrims and local inhabitants around the sacred sites. In time, as pilgrims returned to their homes from Palestine, these services were to influence the development of Holy Week observances throughout the entire Church. Cyril attended the Second Ecumenical Council at Constantinople, in 381, and died at Jerusalem on March 18, 386.
Cyril’s thought has greatly enriched the observance of Holy Week in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer.
Strengthen, O Lord, the bishops of your Church in their special calling to be teachers and ministers of the Sacraments, so that they, like your servant Cyril of Jerusalem, may effectively instruct your people in Christian faith and practice; and that we, taught by them, may enter more fully into the celebration of the Paschal mystery; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Thursday, April 17
"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!"
After spending a month in the wilderness of Lent, we finally welcome Jesus into Jerusalem to fulfill his mission. The gospel from Luke is read on Palm Sunday, which begins the week of the Passion. On this day, we bless the palms and wave them and joyfully proclaim with loud voices that Jesus is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. We hail his teachings and deeds of power, as we seek to ride into our own “Jerusalem” to hand over our lives to God Almighty.
The first verse of the reading contains a detail that provokes wonder within me “After telling a parable to the crowd at Jericho, Jesus went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem ” Geographically speaking, Jerusalem is situated southwest of Jericho So, the journey actually takes him downward But the Scriptures tell us he went up This desert trek is around 17 miles with an elevation change of about 3400 feet So, from a terrain perspective, he was heading up But I also believe we are meant to understand his journey to be an uphill battle, one that requires perseverance and determination
On the way, Jesus sends two disciples to a village to untie a colt and bring it to him. They do as instructed, providing Jesus the means to ride into the city. Finally, they lay down their cloaks on the path to give the colt the proper footing to enter Jerusalem. This series of events underscores the need we have for others to assist us on our own spiritual journeys.
We know what happens next. Jesus makes the ultimate sacrifice on Good Friday, willingly giving himself over to death. In doing so, he fulfills the mission set out before him. As his disciples, we are all called to go up to our own Jerusalem, with the humility to know we cannot complete this journey without the help of others.
This sacred journey we take during Holy Week will surely be a hike with rough and challenging terrain But, with God’s help, and the support of beloved companions, we continue upward, and ready ourselves to be an offering to God
Meditation by: The Reverend Brandon Peete Canon for Hospitality
Friday, April 18
All Is Not Lost | Good Shepherd Collective
May the seeds of peace be scattered
Birthing trees whose shade gives us rest
May the seeds of peace be scattered
Birthing trees whose shade gives us rest
The pain of life I know it well
It knows me well
The road to peace I know is hell I know It well
All is not lost
Is not lost
All is not lost
Is not lost
May the seeds of peace be scattered
Birthing trees whose shade gives us rest
May the seeds of peace be scattered
Birthing trees whose shade gives us rest
Saturday, April 19
Opening Prayer
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord my strength and my redeemer.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
As we journey a challenging terrain and our bodies are weary, Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures for ever.
When we must make sacrifices we do not understand, Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures for ever.
Reflection
With your prayer companion, listen to “All Is Not Lost” from Friday’s devotion Discuss moments from this week when you experienced pain and peace Can you turn to God and allow yourself to find rest and comfort in the promise that all is not lost? Share with your prayer companion people and things you have lost. Write down where you see seeds of peace and hope being sown in your life, or where you hope to find rest.
Closing Prayer
God of restoration, I am safe in your loving arms Let me rest and find safety here as long as I need. You are my peace. In each moment, let me remember this truth: all is not lost for I am loved by you. At all times, in every way, let nothing keep me from you. I thank you for the shade trees that provide me a place to remember your goodness. Make me an agent of your love so that I may share your hope with a hurting world. Amen.
Easter Sunday
Acts 10:34-43
Peter began to speak to Cornelius and the other Gentiles: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ--he is Lord of all That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. "
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures for ever. Let Israel now proclaim, "His mercy endures for ever. "
The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation
There is a sound of exultation and victory in the tents of the righteous:
"The right hand of the Lord has triumphed! the right hand of the Lord is exalted! the right hand of the Lord has triumphed!"
I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. The Lord has punished me sorely, but he did not hand me over to death.
Open for me the gates of righteousness;
I will enter them;
I will offer thanks to the Lord.
"This is the gate of the Lord; he who is righteous may enter "
I will give thanks to you, for you answered me and have become my salvation.
The same stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.
This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes
On this day the Lord has acted; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
John 20:1-18
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him " Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.
But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him " When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away. " Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ` I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her.
The Collect
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever Amen
Resurrection (24 x 18")
“Work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen Doing this, you will never stumble or fall away And God will open wide the gates of heaven for you to enter into the kingdom of God, our Lord and eternal Savior, Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:10)
Christ is shown here trampling down the gates of hell with Adam on the left and Eve on the right. Christ is pulling them from their graves because “...he came to save the living and the dead”.
Prayers and Reflections
Prayers and Reflections
Lord Jesus, Sun of Righteousness | Hymn 144 spcathedral.org/lent
Lord Jesus, Sun of Righteousness, shine in our hearts, we pray; dispel the gloom that shades our minds and be to us as day.
Give guidance to our wandering ways, forgive us, Lord, our sin; restore us by your loving care to peace and joy within.
Lord, grant that we in penitence may offer you our praise, and through your saving sacrifice receive your gift of grace.
Now nearer draws the day of days when paradise shall bloom, when we shall be at one with you, Lord, risen from the tomb.
The universe your glory shows, blest Father, Spirit, Son; we shall acclaim your majesty, eternal Three in One.
special thanks
Publication curated and edited by the Rev Hillary Peete
Passages about the saints are derived from Holy Women, Holy Men, the Church Pension Fund. Portions of this book may be reproduced by a congregation for its own use.
Music videos are by the Good Shepherd Collective in New York, “creating liturgical art to inspire the Christian imagination that we may embody the love of Christ for the good of our neighbors ”
Scripture texts are from the Revised Common Lectionary.
For more information about Iconographer Christine Hales, visit newchristianicons com