Lent 04•04•2021: Show Me The Way

Easter Sunday, April 4th, 2021

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Hallelujah ~ Amen ~ Christ Is Risen

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Dear friends and family—

What an incredible Lenten journey this has been for me. I have thoroughly enjoyed the writings of Henri Nouwen and I’ve learned some new things along the way. Show Me The Way, is more than a title to a really good devotional book but is indeed a prayer for every day. Each and every day I need guidance, let’s face it life is challenging to say the least. One of the most valuable lessons I learned through this season of Lent is that “But mortification — literally, “making death” — is what life is all about, a slow discovery of the mortality of all that is created so that we can appreciate its beauty without clinging to it as if it were a lasting possession.” (1).

The scriptures indeed were written many years ago, much still remains for us to glean. “The Easter story brings the awareness that God is present even when his presence is not directly noticed. Easter season is a time of Hope. There is still fear, there still is a painful awareness of sinfulness, but there also is light bearing through. Something new is happening, something that goes beyond the changing moods of our life. We can be joyful or sad, optimistic or pessimistic, tranquil or angry, but the solid stream of God’s presence moves deeper than the small waves of our minds and hearts. Easter brings the GOOD NEWS, that although things seem to get worse in the world, the Evil One has already been overcome.”(2).

‘Jesus says, “I have told you all this so that you may find peace in me. In the world you will have hardship, but be courageous: I have conquered the world.” — John 16:33 NJB

“As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples…’” — Mark 16:5-7 NIV

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,” — John 11:25 NIV

Thank you so much for being a part of my Lenten journey. Your support and encouragement has warmed my heart. Thank you for the beautiful comments as well. May God bless you and keep you —

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Lenten M•I•C•R•O Practice for today:

~ Presence ~ Easter Sunday

Reach out to someone in your church or neighborhood who could use a call or visit. This might include an elderly church member, a stay at home parent, someone who has recently lost their job, or someone grieving.

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REFLECT ~

🔹 What Lenten M•I•C•R•O Practices have been meaningful for you?

🔹 How can you incorporate them into your daily life now that Lent is over?

🔹 How have you been changed by engaging with these practices over the last six and a half weeks?

🌟 Prayer ✨

Almighty , everlasting God,

on this day

you conquered death through your son

and opened for us the path to eternal life.

And so we celebrate in joy

the feast of his resurrection.

Make us new through your Spirit,

so that we too may rise

and walk in the light of life.

We ask this through Jesus Christ.

— Amen

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

Show Me The Way — Henri J.M.Nouwen • 1992 The Crossroad Publishing 

(1) Show Me The Way — Henri J.M.Nouwen • 1992 The Crossroad Publishing • Page 136, paragraph 2.

(2) Show Me The Way — Henri J.M.Nouwen • 1992 The Crossroad Publishing • Page 139, paragraph 5.

https://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/debbie-mcdaniel/a-prayer-for-resurrection-day-and-25-scriptures-to-remind-us-he-has-risen.html

https://biblehub.com/

https://www.biblegateway.com/

(NIV) New International Version Bible/Translation 

(NRSVA) New Revised Standard Version Apocrypha 

(NJBV) New Jerusalem Bible Version/Translation