Blessings to you, my fellow pilgrims, as we head into the most Holy week of our Christian lives together. This Sunday, Palm Sunday, we will begin a liturgical walk alongside Jesus as He shows us the depth of His grace and His Love for us. Along The Way, we will encounter darkness, fear, and pain that will set the stage for a Hope so incomprehensible that it can only come through Christ. A Hope that leads to a Joy so incomprehensible that it can only come through Faith. In a sense, the events from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday encapsulate what it is to be human in all of our beloved brokenness, and what it can be as faithful humans embraced by a Creator who knows and loves us deeply. I believe that we can each identify with one or more of the characters we will accompany this week through scripture, for better or for worse. The important thing to keep in mind as we identify with parts of ourselves in these characters is that Christ knew what was in all of their hearts, and He gave Himself up to them anyway. Christ knows what is in each of our hearts, as well, and He gives Himself up to us anyway. Christ offers us the hope of that first green shoot in Spring rising out of the bleak melancholy of winter. The resurrection of life. Christ shows us that no matter how hard life can get, there will always be hope—through Him. And Christ asks us to share that hope with one another—to be that hope for one another.
In that spirit, I’d like to share a blessing written by a contemplative who speaks deeply to my soul. It is written by Christine Valters Paintner, Abbess, artist, and poet.
Blessing of Earth
By Christine Valters Paintner (Water, Wind, Earth & Fire: The Christian Practice of Praying with the Elements, 2010)
Spirit of the Abundant Earth,
Allow me to live in the knowledge that
I am of the earth, from the earth, and returning to the earth.
Tree of life
Rise up in me,
Rooting me deeply in the ground
And inviting me to extend my branches far into the sky.
Spirit that rises like bread,
Knead me into the shape you desire for my life
And allow me to be nourishment for others.
Blessings of the earth be upon me.
May its taste, smell, and touch remind me of the abundance of God.
—Fellow pilgrims, you are beautiful and you are beloved. Peace be with you as we embark upon this Holiest of weeks together in faith and in love.
Angela+