Lent 3, March 20, 2022: Embody Spirituality
Isaiah’s vision of wholeness, like our Lord’s supper, is a vision of people being fed without cost and the thirsty being properly hydrated. This is a radical kin-dom vision where all have their hunger and thirst satiated. It is one we can work towards making a reality. In a spiritual sense, Isaiah writes, “Listen carefully to me and eat what is good; enjoy the richest of feasts.” In many ways, tending to our spiritual life, feeding and nourishing our spirits with spiritual practices like centering prayer, Lectio Divina, walking prayers, breath prayers, chanting psalms, journaling, guided meditation, Taize, meditative walks, reflective reading of scripture, and the Examen of St. Ignatius are all ways to “eat what is good.” Psalm 34:8 says, “taste and see that the Lord is good.” When we feed our hearts, minds, and spirits with this “good food,” we embody a spirituality that is deep, wide, and full of wisdom.
Psalm 63 begins,
“God! My God! It’s you—I search for you!
My whole being thirsts for you!
My body desires you in a dry and tired land, no water anywhere.
Yes, I’ve seen you in the sanctuary;I’ve seen your power and glory.
My lips praise you because your faithful love is better than life itself!
So I will bless you as long as I’m alive; I will lift up my hands in your name.
I’m fully satisfied— as with a rich dinner.”
Lent is a beautiful time to let God feed your soul. Lent has these boundaries of six weeks, so you are not committing to a year long program, as some of us are nervous to do. Let yourself lean into practices which embody spirituality this Lent. And in doing so, may God nurture something deeply beautiful in your spiritual life.
Scripture: Psalm 63:1-8, Isaiah 55:1-3
Song: Center your heart as you listen to Taize songs. Check out Wait for the Lord, Prepare the Way of the Lord, and Bless the Lord.
Write or draw a prayer that embodies what spirituality feels or looks like for you.