the church of the
ascension
in the city of
new york
Friday, February 27, 2009
Friday, February 27
Psalm 95 / Titus 2: 1-15 / John 1: 35-42
One of the many things at Ascension that is special to me is the Lenten Devotional. I find the reflections on the Scriptures by people whom I know and with whom I worship are both interesting and helpful. Reading them is rather like taking a journey with friends.
The first verse of Psalm 95 reminds me of a wonderful course of Bible study with the Reverend Dr. Vesta Kowalski, who was awarded her Ph.D. by both the General Theological Seminary and the Jewish Theological Seminary. Her thesis topic was the meaning of references to God as a rock in the Old Testament. To me this Psalm means we should recognize God as a landmark rock in the center of our lives.
The reading from Paul's letter to Titus instructs us specifically on centering one's life on God. Taken together, Psalm 95 and the reading from Paul's letter to Titus make a good agenda for Lent. However, at the time these scriptures were written, Lent as we understand it and know it had yet to be developed. They were intended not just for a particular season, but for all times.
Finally, what the Gospel reading from John adds to this is that at the very beginning of his ministry, Jesus calls the disciples to accompany him. Clearly, he did not intend to make this extraordinary journey alone. I believe this shows us the importance of making the journey with friends.
— Judith Sands
One of the many things at Ascension that is special to me is the Lenten Devotional. I find the reflections on the Scriptures by people whom I know and with whom I worship are both interesting and helpful. Reading them is rather like taking a journey with friends.
The first verse of Psalm 95 reminds me of a wonderful course of Bible study with the Reverend Dr. Vesta Kowalski, who was awarded her Ph.D. by both the General Theological Seminary and the Jewish Theological Seminary. Her thesis topic was the meaning of references to God as a rock in the Old Testament. To me this Psalm means we should recognize God as a landmark rock in the center of our lives.
The reading from Paul's letter to Titus instructs us specifically on centering one's life on God. Taken together, Psalm 95 and the reading from Paul's letter to Titus make a good agenda for Lent. However, at the time these scriptures were written, Lent as we understand it and know it had yet to be developed. They were intended not just for a particular season, but for all times.
Finally, what the Gospel reading from John adds to this is that at the very beginning of his ministry, Jesus calls the disciples to accompany him. Clearly, he did not intend to make this extraordinary journey alone. I believe this shows us the importance of making the journey with friends.
— Judith Sands
