The Carpenter's Nail

Holy Week—Tuesday Isaiah 49:1-7 Psalm 71:1-14 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 John 12:20-36 In the days before He is betrayed, Jesus spends his time in a last impassioned effort to explain what is about to happen and why. We often think of the second coming described in Revelations as the hour of final judgment, but as recounted… Continue reading St Mark’s Lenten Thoughts: Tuesday in Holy Week

Master of the Legend of the Magdalene active probably in Brussels, ca. 1480–1530 Holy Week—Monday Psalm 36:5-11 Isaiah 42:1-9 Hebrews 9:11-15 John 12:1-11 Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the… Continue reading St Mark’s Lenten Thoughts: Monday In Holy Week

Palm Sunday Psalm 31:9-16 Isaiah 50:4-9a Philippians 2:5-11 Matthew 26:14- 27:66 The Palm Sunday Liturgy and readings seem to me to sum up the whole of our theological understanding of Jesus’ life in a way unlike any other. We begin with the entry into Jerusalem. In many ways it is a sort of return to… Continue reading St Mark’s Lenten Thoughts: Palm Sunday

Jewish soldier settlers dancing the Hora in Palestine, 1948 Lent Week Five—Saturday Psalm 144 Jeremiah 31:27-34 Romans 11:25-36 John 12:37-50 This psalm is believed to be written near the time David became recognized as the king over all tribes of Israel and expressed David’s heart for the nation in war and peace. This passage strikes… Continue reading St Mark’s Lenten Thoughts: Saturday in the Fifth Week of Lent

Lent Week Five—Friday Psalm 141 Jeremiah 29:1, 4-13 Romans 11:13-24 John 12:1-10. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer.” In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. Psalm 141 is written by king David while in the wilderness. Unlike many… Continue reading St Mark’s Lenten Thoughts: Friday in the Fifth Week of Lent