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The Path That We Are On...

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Scribbles from...

Ash Wednesday is but a week away. Before it is upon us, let us consider how we might use Lent, not so much as a time set aside from this needy world, but as a time of prayer at the service of that need, both in our own life and that of the world at large.

Five years ago, I sent out a Lenten Scribbles that opened, "Today is Ash Wednesday and we begin again a walk - familiar, dear, difficult by design, and rich with meaning and memory. Lent is often seen as a 40- day journey, following in the footsteps of Jesus. But after a near full-year of the forced march of Covid, we may want to think twice before putting one foot in front of another. We are tired, without ambition to take on more."

Who knew then where we would now be? That Covid walk, though largely in our rearview mirror now, still stretched a distance before us at that time. So much has since come and gone and come... Today, I do not know if we are any less tired or more ambitious, but the invitation still comes. It comes, and we respond in the putting of one foot in front of the other as we come forward to receive the stark smudge of ashes as a cross on our forehead.

From where do we summon the courage and determination to do so once again? For me, it comes from the assurance I am not alone. Five years ago, I posted this song and I find great solace and strength in listening to it once again. (click button below)

Christ has Walked this Path

To Ponder...

I'd like to suggest some Lenten practices based upon this concept that Christ has Walked This Path, The Path That We Are On.

Start by listening prayerful to this song, perhaps more than once. Ask yourself: (Journaling would be helpful for this).

What is the path that I am on? 

In my life? In my relationships? In my health and stage of life? In my personal and professional growth? At this time and place in history? What paths have I chosen? What paths have I not chosen but find myself upon?

Who are the "We" That Walk this Path? 

Do I feel alone or with others? Who is in my inner circle? The larger circle? How do others I do not know share this path with me? How do I feel about my companions? Who would I like to invite onto this path with me?

How do I envision Christ as my Companion on the path?

Does he lead me or travel alongside? Am I being asked to take on anything more than Christ was? How are our paths different or the similar? How does Christ's example speak to my own journey? How might I have experienced Christ with me in the past? Is this a new, familiar, challenging or comforting prospect for me? What do I need from Christ for this journey?

No need to answer all of the examples under the three questions. Answer as many as is helpful to you. Which ones speak most strongly to you right now?

To Practice...

  • Everyday Pilgrimage - Expectation and attentiveness can turn the normal commute or neighborhood walk into something special. Change it up, alter your route, look for details, talk with Jesus as you go. Engage others with kindness--always.
  • Revisit old walking grounds - Use your imagination to recall your walk to school as a child, the walk through your old neighborhood, a favorite trail, etc. Pay attention to details. Invite Jesus into your memories. A lovely habit before falling to sleep.
  • Find a labyrinth - Walk it slowly, with intention, stopping or not, as you choose. Pause at the center before you retrace your steps. Consider bringing this song with you on the journey. If there are others walking as well, notice how your movements vary though your path is the same.
  • Get outside! Jesus spent most of his public ministry walking the pathways of Palestine in the company of his followers. Stories from those walks fill the parables.
path To Practice - image
  • Journal and or doodle/draw your thoughts, encounters, questions. Consider it your travel diary for Lent.
  • If you know someone who has gone on an intentional pilgrimage like Compestela de Santiago, ask them about the experience Go to the library and get a book about pilgrimage or Google it.
  • Consider what images represent this Lenten journey for you...hiking boots, walking staff, hand holding hand, rosary beads, toddler steps, footsteps in the sand, the horizon, a trail through the forest, your shadow alongside, signposts along the way, a shared meal at day's end, blistered feet, a back pack...

Great News! COMING SOON to Puget Sound Area

LENT: A Feminine Perspective

Women show up in the scripture stories of Lent in abundance. Perhaps it is time to take seriously their presence. Using the framework of her book, WHY THESE WOMEN, Kathleen invites us to consider the relevance of women's stories in the life and ministry of Jesus.

This presentation will be given twice:

LENT: A Feminine Perspective

Sunday, February 22nd, 7 PM

St. Bridget's Catholic Church
4900 NE 50th St.  Seattle, WA 98105

Saturday, February 28th, 1 PM

First Congregational Church, UCC
2401 Cornwall Avenue. Bellingham, WA 98226

PLUS

Kathleen will be joined by artist Scott Ward for a live presentation on their book,

TERRANCE McPHEE 
and the TOY EATING TREE.

at Village Books in Fairhaven. Pre-registration required through Eventbrite. 

Saturday, February 28th, 6 PM

Village Books
1200 Eleventh Street
Bellingham, WA 98025-7015

TERRANCE McPHEE  and the TOY EATING TREE.

Responses...

To our last Scribbles feature on "Responses" would be redundant, but all replies are read and appreciated. Thank you!

Contact Kathleen

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