I hinted at this on Friday with a haiku but I have decided to take on a second discipline for Holy Week. I bought the book of Holy Week reflections a couple of years ago, but I did not use it at the time. This year I saw the book advertised in something else I was reading and it reminded me that I have it.
I have to say I am really looking forward to using it this year, first of all because after getting this far with this discipline of writing - which I admit has been quite challenging at times, I am ready for a spiritual practice which involves reading, reflection and some questions. Reading what someone else has written is going to be a little easier than having to come up with something to write every day. Secondly I am looking forward to it because it is called Iona Dawn and it comes from the Iona community. The work of the Iona Community really appeals to my celtic roots.
Today's reflection from Iona Dawn was by Jan Sutch Pickard and in the piece she reflected on the passage where Jesus weeps for Jerusalem. Jan wrote about the many reasons why God still must weep for Jerusalem. As the daily reading comes to a close, Jan asks these questions:
- Where do you feel God is weeping, in other places in the world right now?
The lives of innocent victims were changed forever again today, in Moscow, from which we received word of two suicide bombers who blew themselves up along with a large number of other subway riders. God is weeping.
God continues to weep for the people of Haiti, who are still desperate almost three months after the January earthquake.
- What can you do to express your common humanity with the people in that place?
I don't know what I can do directly to express my care and concern and sorrow for the people of Moscow. I can pray that a peace with justice will find a way as the resolution to the problems that are sending people to make such dramatic, inhumane, and destructive actions.
We joined the many millions of people who made a direct financial donation in the days immediately following the earthquake. Perhaps it is time to make another.
- What in your own country, community, or family life might make God weep?
I think God continues to weep over the two solitude fathom that separates aboriginal and non-aboriginal people in our country. - In these situations, can you see the way that leads to peace?
Yes. - What are they?
As has become so apparent to me in the past few months and years - it is all about relationship. Relationships - healthy, whole , respectful relationships are the only way to create peace and understanding.
- What would be the first steps?
Taking a step outside of our normal path of walking. Swallow pride, swallow fear of embarrassment, swallow fear of saying the wrong thing, swallow fear of difference - and reach out.
