Lake Deaton at Home

I am writing this reflection on the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday. Today I began by having the ashes of last years Palm Sunday branches imposed upon my forehead, a reminder to me and to the world who sees me that I came from the dust of the ground and to the dust I will return…quite literally it is the sign of death. Death that leads onto life. It is also the visible identification of possession. I am possessed by another, who has Lordship over my life, Jesus Christ. 

You may have never thought about this before, but there are three days between Ash Wednesday and the first Sunday of Lent. Historically these three days represented the three temptations of Jesus in the wilderness. As you read the lesson today from Mark 1, think about what the baptism of Jesus and the days of the wilderness represent in your life today. Then I encourage you to watch the video as we think about these events together.  

Scripture: Mark 1:9-15

The Way of Peace Prayer: Jesus, I choose to follow your Way of Peace. Lead me to one person that I can love, give hope and bring your peace to today. Amen.

Blessings,

Jim