Sunday March 9: Leaving the Porch

To Practice

• Prayerfully re-read these passages again in the manner of Lectio Divina, reading them aloud to engage more of your senses and feel the vibrations in your body. Gaze at the image. What do you receive for your journey now?
• If you have already chosen one or more Lenten practices, spend some time reflecting on how they might make you a more free and open channel for the love of God, especially in the challenging moments of your journey.  Acknowledge that “failure” in these practices may be the most important aspect of your personal Lent; God is reminding you that it’s not about you, but rather about sinking into the grace of God and deepening your intimacy with the Divine.
• Take a little time each morning to consider how you might better support your own contemplative practice in concrete ways: less social media and screen time, healthier food choices, good rest, a more intentional use of free time, use of the Welcoming Prayer in daily life. Lenten practices include creating space, and nurturing energy and alertness – all ingredients for a life of intimacy with God and service to others. Each evening before you retire, thank God for graces received and to ask for continued help on your own journey to Easter.

If you wish, you may re-read the full email reflection here: https://mailchi.mp/coutreach/2025_word-of-the-week-march9

Henri Nouwen’s statement speaks to walking my Lenten walk. He writes “True Christian discipline is the human effort to create the space in which the Spirit of Christ can transform us into it’s lineage.” I couple this with the reflection that “‘failure’ in these practices may be the most important aspect of your personal Lent.” Together I rejoice that God lovingly reminds me that I am being transformed, I will fail, and grace covers all. <3 linda

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