That smudge on your forehead—the dark, gritty residue of burnt palm branches—takes some scrubbing to remove. You might find yourself at the sink, rubbing your skin, only to find a faint shadow still lingers. A little soap and water just won’t do it. In many ways, our lives feel like that shadow on our forehead…
The Sacred Invitation
As we cross the threshold into this Lenten season, we are not called immediately to frenetic activity, but to a purposeful stillness. These initial days are for the interior life—a time for listening to the murmurs of our heart. In this quiet, I invite you to identify an injustice that genuinely pierces your spirit. Do…
Ash Wednesday — A Dusty Beginning
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. I’ll be honest: the Ash Wednesday service—specifically the imposition of ashes—makes me a little queasy. Every year, I seem to find a convenient excuse to miss the service and start Lent in some other, less “dusty” way. Sorry about that, God. I do believe…
Shrove Tuesday
Shrove Tuesday has been one of my favorite days for a long, long time. I know what you’re thinking—it’s all about the stacks of golden pancakes, the syrup, and the indulgence. But for me, it has always been much more than a meal. I was first introduced to the true spirit of the day when…
The Forty-Day Search: A Peaceful Approach to Injustice
Lent has arrived with its usual suddenness, catching me mid-stride. While I have always preferred adopting a positive discipline over the traditional act of sacrifice, I believe any meaningful Lenten practice should be anchored in prayer, service, and study. I began this year with ambitious plans that remained unformed; but perhaps by articulating them here,…