Candice's Comments

As a requirement of my PrairieFire: Spiritual Renewal and Formation class, I went on a directed spiritual retreat to begin the season of Lent, February 11-13 at the Creighton University Retreat Center in Griswold, Iowa. It was a wonderful three days of prayer, journaling, meditation, resting in God, and dialogue with a spiritual director who invited me to look at specific scriptures, to pray with them and to experience them in a personal way.

As I experienced this retreat center, I became aware of the importance of symbolism. The grounds and buildings were filled with works of art, including paintings and sculptures, to enrich one’s prayer life.  

I thought about how important symbols are to us as we continue our Lenten journey to Easter. As we walk through Holy Week, March 20-26, we will read of:

· the parade on Palm Sunday (John 12:12-13);

· the oil that was poured on Jesus to prepare him for burial (Mark 14:3-9);

· the basin, towel, and water Jesus used to wash the feet of his disciples (John 13:3-5);

· the bread and cup, representing Jesus’ broken body and spilled blood (Matthew26-29);

· the crown of thorns placed on Jesus’ head (John 19:1-3);

· the cross upon which Jesus was crucified (Luke 23:33);

· the empty tomb which could not contain Jesus who was resurrected on

     Easter morn (Matthew 28:1-8).

May we be alert to these symbols and others as we journey toward Easter.

Blessings,

Pastor Candice