Leprosy was a sign of death in a body alive. Such afflicted persons must keep apart from the rest of the people. No one was permitted to touch a leper, for fear of contagion and uncleanness coming upon the person. Such a person was obliged to call out “Unclean, unclean,” so that people would stay away.

Wholeness of body and holiness of spirit were always seen together for a Jew. That is the significance of Jesus’ approach to the leper, of not being afraid of becoming unclean by such contact. Jesus reverses the principle; only what Jesus does touch becomes whole and holy!

Leviticus 13:29–59

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Keeping my inner house clean

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

Tap here for a video meditation on Psalm 133.

Whether it is Niagara Falls or the simple fountain in a park—flowing water makes for rest and refreshment. The psalmist discovers two images of flowing descent, similes for the pleasure of human life when people dwell as one. Catch the simple joy of noticing the crystal dew descending upon the awakening grass, replacing the white frost of winter. Feel the fresh descent of love and peace that this awareness brings.

How is it with you, your family, or the primary community in which you live? The Evil One makes frequent elbow jabs there, introducing strife. Memorize this brief psalm. Its anointing for love and intimacy descends upon you from above, passing through you, to those in your community you pray for by name.

Psalm 133

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: In loving: life forever v. 3

During Lent each year we read a third of the fifteen “Songs of Ascent”–
Psalms 120 to 134. This being year C, we read the final third: Psalms 130 to 134.

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

 Perhaps you’ve been frustrated in the back-and-forth arguing with Job and his so-called friends. So is Elihu who now enters the conversation. For him, there must be an alternative to the intolerable debate that has been going on—a testy tug ‘o war wearing away at the souls of the listeners, as well as those involved in the contest.

Elihu is midway between the imperfections of human reasoning as evidenced thus far in the Book of Job, and the kind of responses that God offers in the concluding chapters. You will find humility and wisdom in Elihu, with many verses worthy of savoring as you prayerfully read the beauty of the poetry.

Go between the verses, into the silence, where the still, small voice of God will be speaking to you.

Job 32—34

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: Teach me what I do not see. 33:32 

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Lent this year we read Job 22 to 37; 41-42.

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