You can become a Holy Land pilgrim this Lent, without leaving home. Each entry includes a Bible verse, paragraph for reflection, question to ponder, prayer and visual. The material is drawn from my book, Chasing the Divine in the Holy Land.
Day #1 — Ash Wednesday
Woe is me, that I am an alien in Meshech, that I must live among the tents of Kedar. ~Psalm 120:5
What does the word “alien” mean to you? In these days of immigration debate, that powerful word is loaded with negative connotations.
As the ancient Hebrews journeyed toward Jerusalem on pilgrimage, they chanted the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120?134). These ancient songs reminded them that they were not the first generation to make a pilgrim journey. These Psalms can remind us of the same thing. Each pilgrim has her/his own reason for searching, but is often impelled by a particular distress or sense of alienation. I was propelled by the uneasy feeling that my faith had become shallow because of the demands of ministry.
What uneasiness is propelling you this Lent?
Prayer: Spirit of God, propel me on this pilgrim path.
Ruth, I enjoyed your blog for Lent to started today. Thank you, I can hear your voice in these words as I did in your book. I liked the book si much I read it twice.
God bless you and keep you.
Terrie
Thanks so much Terrie, for your words of support! They mean a lot to me.