Wednesday, December 15, 2010

December 14, 2010

Ah … a day of -8 seems balmy as I look forward to -17! So much of the reflective life is drawing a breath and living in the moment. It brings a sense of peace, I find. 

This month at church we are engaging a spiritual practice for Advent. Two weeks ago I invited you to think about the threshold of your home, and then last week, your living room: the place where you relax. I suggested you pray for yourself, and then bring to mind another household, blessing them at their doorway one week, and then where they relax the next.

This week, please visualize your kitchen: the place you nourish yourself, body and soul. It may be the kitchen where you currently fill a particular teacup out of habit and stick photos to the fridge. Or maybe it is a memorable kitchen from a favourite home in the past. Pray for the heartbeat of your day, the ordinary sustaining moments. May your routine tasks bring you joy and stability.

Then please bring to mind someone from church and imagine his or her kitchen – and pray for the everyday moments in that person’s life.

Praying for one another, I trust this practice will remind you of God’s presence. I hope you will feel connected here in your church.


Holy Peace of this season of anticipation to you,

The Rev. Dr. Catherine Faith MacLean

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

December 7, 2010

We are well into winter and Advent now: the cold glow of the midday is breathtaking, as is the warm dark of the evening, safe at home.

Last week we began a spiritual practice for Advent. I invited you to think about the threshold of your home, and to pray for yourself and others in your coming out and going in. Then I asked you to bring to mind another household, and bless them: may their passages through their doorway be steps of hope, too.

This week, please visualize your living room: the place in your home where you relax and come to yourself. Ask God’s blessing on the essence of who you are. Draw breath in God’s peace. Then pray for those who share your living room: your household, family and friends. May they know that God loves them in the very core of their being.

Please bring to mind someone from church. Ask God to bring them the tranquility they need, and God’s peace that surpasses understanding.

Praying for one another, I trust this practice will connect you with God’s presence. I hope you will feel connected here in your church.

Holy Peace of this season of anticipation to you,

The Rev. Dr. Catherine Faith MacLean