Ash Wednesday

The mark of the ash cross on the forehead is a reminder we are mortal as in "ashes to ashes dust to dust". Receiving an ash cross on the head is an act of humility and a recognition we were created by God and are mortals. It is done not in mourning but as a beginning of lent. Lent is a period of introspection and prayer as we all journey together the 40 days to Easter. It's not a sign to show we are holy, it is a sign to show solidarity with the faithful as we shall all journey together. The ashes are a recognition of human frailty not just in that we are mortal but that we are all sinners and in recognizing that we need to forgive each other and ourselves as well as ask God for forgiveness.

Don't show me diamonds or gold

"Don't show me diamonds or gold they cannot reproduce or breath or feel. Show me an animal glowing in health in its own eco system and it can take my breath away. An animal is a jewel and a part of a bigger system that sustains life on this planet for us all. Kill an animal for pleasure or when you do not need to in order to sustain life and you rob all who live on this planet." -BMB

Prayer for the Home

By Edgar Guest

Peace, unto this house, I pray,
Keep terror and despair away;
Shield it from evil and let sin
Never find lodging room within.
May never in these walls be heard
The hateful or accusing word.

Grant that its warm and mellow light
May be to all a beacon bright,
 A flaming symbol that shall stir
The beating pulse of him or her
Who finds this door and seems to say,
 "Here end the trials of the day."

 Hold us together, gentle Lord,
 Who sit about this humble board;
May we be spared the cruel fate
Of those whom hatreds separate;
 Here let love bind us fast, that we
May know the joys of unity.

 Lord, this humble house we'd keep
Sweet with play and calm with sleep.
Help us so that we may give
Beauty to the lives we live.
 Let Thy love and let Thy grace
Shine upon our dwelling place.

Stop the Madness.

It has been very warm

A just society

A just society is built on great and charitable institutions, education and it's fair administration of justice. Families, neighborhoods and communities where people hold themselves and each other accountable is what makes for a society that cares for all its members. That is what makes for a nation that is great.  The violent reaction by some Christians against any kind of government intervention to alleviate poverty and suffering speaks very loudly. We can serve but one master, God or money. The sheer outrage this topic produces in some people makes it rather clear which master is being served. Matthew 6:24 -“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.