by St. Mark
/ MEDITATIONS FOR LENT
MEDITACIONES DE CUARESMA
Introduction
A Message from our Bishop
I am delighted to introduce this booklet of meditations for Lent. Lent is a time of special focus for us: it is an invitation to a journey to a deeper relationship with God, and we are called to look at our whole life as individuals and as a community. What do we need to do to keep our focus on God and the values of the Kingdom? How may we live more authentically the life that God intends for us to live?
It is my hope that these reflections may help you do just this. We do not journey alone, but in each other’s company, and we are called to encourage and support one another as we go along this way to life. Like tender plants that push up through the heavy soil, we strive to grow into God’s light and life, and a little water and fertilizer can help!
May we grow this Lent with Jesus as our guide and companion, and may we encourage each other, so that together we may celebrate our Easter joy.
+Peter
The Rt. Rev. Peter Eaton
The Bishop of the Diocese of Southeast Florida
MEDITATION 1 March 1 – Ash Wednesday
Jesus is Baptized (Mark 1:9-11)
Mark tells us that Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist and that a voice was heard saying, “You are my Son, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased.” Clearly, Jesus’ baptism was a very important moment in his life. What does my baptism mean to me? I rarely think about it, except when I attend a Baptism in the church and then two things hit me hard. First, it’s the vows that are demanded of the person being baptized. “Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior? Do you put your whole faith in his grace and love? Will you strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being?’* Second, I am blown away by the baptism itself when the water is poured and the person becomes a part of the Body of Christ – the Church. Then the question remains – am I true to my promises to God? *Book of Common Prayer, pages 304-305.
MEDITATION 2
Jesus is Tempted (Mark 1:12-13)
When Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist, Mark tells us that he heard a voice from heaven saying, “You are my Son,the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Mark continues, “The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.” This was a turning point in Jesus’ life. He learned that he was the Son, the Beloved of God, and, inspired by the Holy Spirit, he went across the Jordan into a desert “wilderness” to pray and think about beginning his work. It was there that he confronted (or was tempted by) several false ways of getting started. When he heard that John the Baptist was arrested, he took up John’s message, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven has cone near.” (Matthew 4:17) We all face turning points in our lives and we wonder what to do. At these moments, we need to remember Jesus as he considered God’s work for himself. He didn’t rush out and get going. He went to a place where he could think and pray and, then, he began the greatest work the world has ever seen.
MEDITATION 3
Calling Disciples—Andrew and Peter (Mark 1:16-20)
With this reading our Lord instructs us to follow and obey his commands. To attend the Mass every Sunday, help with whatever is necessary for our brothers and sisters without waiting for any reward, because our heavenly Father rewards us every day. To participate in God’s call is to be ready to carry the Cross.
Llamado a los Discípulos—Andrés y Pedro (Marcos 1:16-20)
Con esta lectura el Señor nos hace un llamado a seguirle y obedecer sus mandatos. Asistir a la Misa los domingos, ayudar en lo que sea necesario a nuestros hermanos y hermanas sin esperar ninguna recompensa, porque nuestro Padre celestial nos gratifica diariamente. Participar en el llamado que Dios nos hace es disponernos a cargar la Cruz.
MEDITATION 4
Teaching in the Synagogue (Mark 1:21-22)
Jesus went to a synagogue on the Jewish Sabbath and, while he was there, Mark tells us that he taught. He didn’t sit and listen; he was a teacher. He read from the Jewish Scripture, which was used during his time, and then, like a church sermon today, he explained the meaning and applied it to the lives of the people present. I can’t help but wonder if I give enough attention to the Bible readings and the sermon in my church. Mark says that Jesus “taught as one having authority” – no “ifs or maybes” – instead, he declared God’s work to God’s people. And, we know, it got him into a lot of trouble. Do I take any risks for Jesus?
MEDITATION 5March 5 – First Sunday of Lent
Jesus Prays—Healing the Sick (Mark 1:35-39)
“Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.”Do your days flash by with work, appointments, meetings, shopping, e-mail, Facebook, children, grandchildren, and just trying to figure out what must be done next? It feels like most days are about being available for others, and prioritizing your time not to make others feel left-out. Somehow you have to squeeze that luncheon date (you’ve cancelled twice before) between a morning doctor’s appointment and picking the grandkids up from school. All of this activity may be consuming all your time, creating stress and causing you not to eat healthy or get enough sleep. In St. Mark’s gospel Jesus was busy healing the sick and preaching as he and his disciples were traveling the country-side.Everywhere they traveled, the word of Jesus’ healing abilities had preceded them.
Jesus was constantly pressed to listen to other’s travails and heal their illness. And when he wasn’t healing he was preaching. Yet Jesus could release his troubles and calm his spirit when he made time for a few moments with God alone. Rising early and finding a quiet place to be with God one-on-one, Jesus prayed. We must be mindful to allow time for prayer, and not be so busy that we forget to include daily prayer in our life. Who do you take your troubles to? Jesus took his to God. Allow Jesus to be the healer in your life, family life, and community life. God’s healing power restores our health and renews our spirit. Every day find a quiet place to pray, and give your troubles to Jesus with expectant faith.
MEDITATION 6
Jesus Stays in the Country and People Come to Him
(Mark 1:35-39)
St. Mark tells us people were coming in droves to Jesus to be healed-both physically (“divers diseases”) and mentally (“possessed by demons”)– and to hear his words, for he spoke “with authority.” One morning he gets up while it’s still dark and leaves the house to pray. The disciples look everywhere and when they find him, Simon tells him “the whole town’s looking for you!” That’s when Jesus lets them know it’s time to go to neighboring villages– in other words, to spread out into the world. Everywhere his fabulous reputation precedes him and I think his message of faith and hope is passed on, too.
By God’s love this message descends to all of us in full through the Bible and his “bride”, the Church. Lord, I pray I may learn this fullness by listening closely to Thy Word every Sunday and welcoming it into my heart. Please give me the wisdom to digest it and use it to bring myself to be Thy devoted servant according to Thy will.
Jesús Se Queda en un Lugar Solitario y las Personas le Siguen (Marcos 1:35-39)
En nuestro mundo existe una falta de balance entre la acción y la reflexión de nuestra condición humana en el camino de la vida y, en especial, en cuanto a nuestra relación con Dios, el Creador que le dasentido no solo a lo que hacemos, sino másprofundamente, a quienes en realidad somos. Es poreso que a veces, incluso dentro de la comunidad cristiana, hay quienes critican o desvaloran a aquellos que dedican tiempo a la oracióncontemplativa.Jesús nos enseña que todos necesitamos darle sentido a lo que hacemos y más aún, a lo que somos, dedicando algún tiempo cada día a un encuentro profundo con Dios y con nosotros mismos en el silencio. Solo entonces estaremos mejor preparados para darle la bienvenida a aquellos que se acerquen a nosotros.
MEDITATION 7
A Man is Lowered Through a Roof to Jesus (Mark 2:1-11)
Mark tells us that Jesus returned to Capernaum and was at home. So many were gathered that there was no room, not even at the door. Jesus was preaching the Word to them. Then four men brought a paralytic to Jesus but were not able to get in, so they opened a hole in the roof and lowered the paralytic to Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven."
They are few points in this story we can focus on, but the emphasis is usually the paralytic and how Jesus forgave his sins. I would like to focus on his friends. What FAITH these men had, the four men and the paralytic, to find another way to get close to Jesus. Without his friends, the paralytic would not have been able to move much less get to Jesus. Do we have friends who share the same faith and help us get close to Jesus when we stray? Do we share with our friends and neighbors that faith? Do we help them get close to Jesus if we see their need? “Jesus saw their faith” and said, “My son, your sins are forgiven.” Remember, Jesus sees everything.
He knows us, he waits for us with open arms no matter what. It amazes me how these men climbed the roof with a paralytic, removed it, and lowered the paralytic to Jesus. Just imagine all what they needed to do. Imagine yourself climbing a roof with a man in a stretcher. Do you think this was easy? They did not stop at the obstacle they faced with the crowd. How many times have we looked for other ways to get close to Jesus? Some would have said, “oh well, we can’t get in, let’s go home.” But they found another way. They did not give up. Can we move away, go around or avoid the obstacles we face in our daily life and come close to Jesus? Or are we going to give up when we stump into our own obstacles? Do you think God ever gives up on us?
I believe God would never give up on us. Yes, I believe we too can find other ways to avoid the obstacles that keep us from coming to Jesus. We too can remove the roof. We too can share our faith with our neighbors and friends. WE CAN HAVE THAT FAITH! Just BELIEVE. Dear God, you havebrought us together in faith, we ask that you keep us together in faith and give us the strength to climb the roof and remove all obstacles to come close to your son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
MEDITATION 8
Jesus Eats with Sinners (Mark 2:15-17)
Jesus ate with sinners – the common people. Whenever we celebrate the Holy Eucharist, eating and drinking the body and blood of Jesus Christ, the meal is being shared by sinners. The need to be healed and made clean is why we are called to Jesus. This healing occurs at the Eucharist. Though I try to always do what Jesus would want me to do, I fall short; but, through God's forgiveness, I start all over again. When I see someone who appears to be in pain, afraid, lonely, hungry, etc., I need to reach out in prayer and a helping hand that they may see the light of Christ. Jesus ministered to the common people and that is what he is calling us to do. We are called to leave bigotry behind – to be an open, accepting, and loving people.
Jesús Come con Pecadores (Marcos 2:15-17)
Marcos indica que Jesús enseñaba a las gentes, pero esta enseñanza, una vez más, se va a hacer sobre todo en hechos. El punto de partida de la controversia es un relato de vocación de las que encontramos varios en el evangelio. Este género de relato supone habitualmente tres elementos: la mirada de Jesús, la palabra “sígueme” y la obediencia. Levi es cobrador de impuestos, por ese título es considerado como pecador. Organiza una fiesta para festejar su llamado: es el punto de partida de la controversia. Jesús se sienta a la mesa con los pecadores… Jesús mostrócon su vida, hechos y palabras, cuál debe ser nuestra actividad. El no hizo diferencias, la viña del Señor es diversa. ¿A qué me llama Jesús?
MEDITATION 9
Why Do Jesus’ Disciples Not Fast? (Mark 2:18-20)
After Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit drove him out into the wilderness. During the forty days he was there he was tempted by Satan; he found clarity and strength to resist temptation. Afterwards, he was ready to begin his ministry. Hence, Lent is forty days, from Ash Wednesday to Easter. On Ash Wednesday, we receive the ashes on our foreheads in the sign of the cross. The ashes remind us of our mortality and sin, and the cross reminds us of Jesus' resurrection and forgiveness. Traditionally, Lent is a time for fasting, penance, recollection, and prayer. Many people choose to forsake favorite foods, activities, or habits, while others commit to particular service to others. What types of fasting and/or penance will lead to clarity and strength for God’s will to be done?
¿Por qué los Discípulos de Jesús No Ayunan? (Marcos 2:18-20)
En el evangelio según San Marcos, encontramos un ambiente muy judío donde las prácticas religiosas como el ayuno ocupan un lugar destacado en la vida y piedad de la comunidad. Jesús no critica el ayuno y las prácticas religiosas, pero pone en el centro lo más importante: una espiritualidad del Amor, del respeto al otro, de la libertad, del encuentro y, en este caso, destaca que lo más importante es una relación sincera, honesta y atenta a Él. Ni las religiones, ni las prácticas rituales salvan a nadie de nada. Es nuestra relación con Jesús, la aceptación de Él cómo nuestro Salvador personal y nuestro compromiso con esa salvación los que hacen el milagro de una vida nueva.
MEDITATION 10
The Sabbath Was Made for Humankind (Mark 2:23-27)
Jesus was fully God and fully human. In Mark’s passage, we see an example of his humanity when he permits his disciples to pluck grain on the Sabbath which was not lawful on this day. He understood the needs of the body and of his disciples. They were hungry. If he understands the needs of the body, would he not also understand the needs of the mind, of family dynamics, personal grief, struggles and other human needs?
It gives me confidence to believe that he does and that he is willing to support and encourage us at difficult times. He understands the emotions and struggles of being human. He understands the feeling of being defeated and of the power of prayer.It is comforting to know that Jesus is always there as God but understands us as humans.
If we only believed him, we would not worry so much about our children, about our society, about horrible wars and senseless killings, about diseases and death. Christ is with us every step of the way, if not taking away our pain, then standing side-by-side with us to comfort us and see us through. He is always there if we let him.
“El Sábado Se Hizo para el Hombre” (Marcos 2:23-27)
Leemos en Marcos que un día sábado, Jesús caminaba con sus discípulos por unos sembrados y estos empezaron a arrancar espigas de trigo, y se comían los granos. Algunos fariseos le preguntaron a Jesús por qué sus discípulos hacían algo que no estaba permitido el sábado. Jesús les recordó que David en una ocasión entró en el templo de Dios y comió los panes consagrados que solamente se les permitía comer a los sacerdotes. David no solamente comió él, si no le dio también a todos los que iban con él porque tenían hambre. Jesús también les dijo: “El sábado se hizo para el hombre y no el hombre para el sábado”. El sábado, según la costumbre israelita era el día dedicado al Señor. Era el día de reposo (el séptimo día). Sigamos el ejemplo de Jesús, sin importar que día de la semana sea.
MEDITATION 11
Who Are My Mother and My Brothers? (Mark 3:31-35)
As children, we learn from our parents and siblings how to get along together and the basics of how to get along in the world. As we grow older, we experiment and try new things and new ways of doing things. Eventually, we get into trouble. A good family will always be there to bail us out when we get into trouble. When Jesus said of his disciples, “Anyone who does my father’s will, is my brother, my sister, and my mother,” he tells us that we need to be ready to help any and all of our fellow Christians, and not merely our blood relatives. We are now all brothers, sisters, and parents as children of God through Christ’s sacrifice for us. We have to remember to act that way, as well.
¿Quiénes Son Mi Madre y Mis Hermanos? (Marcos 3:31-35)
Jesús estaba rodeado de una gran multitud y llegaron su madre y sus hermanos y no podían llegar hasta Él. Entonces su madre mandó a llamarlo. “Tu madre y hermanos están afuera y te buscan”. Jesús respondió: “¿Quiénes son mi madre y mis hermanos?” Y mirando a los que estaban a su alrededor dijo: “Aquí están mi madre y mis hermanos. Cualquiera que crea y siga los mandatos y la voluntad del padre, esa es mi madre y mis hermanos”. Hermanos y hermanas, si todos siguiéramos los mandatos, la voluntad del Padre y las enseñanzas de Jesús, este bello planeta seria el paraíso terrenal que Dios creó para el género humano.