February 1, 2025

There is so much space, so much expanse surrounding each one of us. Religious images are not necessary to focus on. Some people may enter the path through religious practices, and others may come in through meditation or time spent in nature or in caring for others in a selfless way.  All are valid.  (Write on.) The main thing is to set aside time for contemplation, prayer, or meditation, as each is suited to, without judgment. This is especially important in modern life, as it will do much to alleviate anxiety, reduce stress, and teach us to be more careful with our precious and irreplaceable natural world.  The idea that we could just move to Mars is quite absurd, as many already appreciate.  Celebrate each plant, flower, and small creature. We would miss them when they were gone.  Amen.

Mark 4: 35-41

In this reading, Jesus and his disciples were in a boat along with others when a strong storm came up. The boat was being swamped and the disciples were terrified of drowning, but Jesus was asleep on a mat.  They woke him up and asked him if he was not afraid all of them would die.  At that, Jesus rebuked the wind, saying “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was a great calm. He asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”  At this they were filled with awe, asking each other, “Who then is this whom even the wind and sea obey?”

It is not unknown that weather can respond to prayers even now in the current age.  We should take heart from this, as we weather the storms of current events, of despots and unwise government policies.  Let us pray for those most affected, usually those who can least afford higher prices, and pray for this storm too to cease.