The center of Lent finds us contemplating perhaps the most beloved of Jesus’s parables:  The Prodigal Son. Reflect upon the challenge that the father has with his two sons. The brothers have likely been at odds with each other from early on; the older a “holier-than-thou” type; the younger, “spoiled rotten.” Into this setting comes a father at once delirious with joy that his beloved son has returned, yet shocked into sadness when he learns how “far away” the oldest son has been all along. 

Stop when you find your spirit moved in positive or negative ways. These are moments of grace. Identify with the persons in the story. The parable will touch your heart as you come home to your Father who loves you. Look around and discover in faith, the welcome-home party that God is throwing for you.

Luke 15:1–3;11–32

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Your looking with compassion. v. 20

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year C, we generally read from the Gospel of Luke.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.

We discover what is clean and unclean from the Lord, not only from natural inclinations. Repugnance for vermin and other insects is part of God’s teaching!

The routine of bathing or cleaning the house can be transformed into an activity that evokes God’s presence. Think of this as you wash dishes, or clean windows. The transparent presence of God shines through.

To keep the house clean and in order means that everything in life has its proper place and assigned boundary. For example, when distractions come in prayer, think of these as intruders crossing the boundary of your sacred space of time with God. Something imposes itself to be dealt with at another time and place. Draw the distraction into your prayer, place it into your hands, and lift it to the Lord, saying, “Later about this, Lord!”

Leviticus 11:33–47

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Cleanliness and Godliness

The Saturday passages follow the reading list that Jewish people use in their synagogue worship
throughout the world. They are taken from
“The Torah,” the first five books of the Bible from Genesis to Deuteronomy
that are read each year beginning with autumn.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information

Greeks wish to see Jesus—the occasion for Jesus’ outpoured expression that his hour has finally come. This incident has the same purpose in John’s Gospel as the account of the Magi has in Matthew. There is total rejection on the part of the Chosen People. The Gentile world, on the other hand, searches and seeks to see Jesus and accept him. Victory courses through this passage, even as the forces of evil mount against Jesus. The cross becomes a great magnet, drawing all people to it, and to the victorious Savior reigning from this throne lifted on high.

Resurrection and ascension are embedded in the cross. From now on, these three are bound together for those who believe and adhere to Jesus. Surrender yourself to the drawing power of the cross and live as never before.

John 12:11–50

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: When lifted up: drawing all v. 32

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In Lent and Easter we read the Gospel of John.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.