This is the forty-second in a series of daily Lenten devotionals by a group of Anglican bloggers and friends. Today’s entry is by David McCarthy of the Gadget Vicar blog (whose entry about the Scottish Lent blog inspired our Lenten collaboration. Thanks David!). You can read other entries in the series here.
—–
Eclipsed?
And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
— 2 Peter 1:19
Today is a day for contemplating the darkness of a world eclipsed by sin. A world without hope or a future, apart from God and his grace.
As we wait for the light of Christ to dawn, we are made to think again of the darkness of our own hearts, and the sin of the world. We mourn for what is lost.
Sin eclipses light. We marvel at the experiences afforded by this eclipse, but a deep gloom encompasses us. We see the tantalising corona of light, yet are powerless to dispel the darkness.
The darkened world remains in eternal eclipse, and, oblivious to the possibility of the coming light, goes its own way. We are in the thrall of darkness. Dead in sin.
But the Light breaks into, and through the darkness: dazzling, like a diamond ring bearing the promise of eternity.
So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life, not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to us through the gospel.
2 Timothy 1:8-10
A Family Prayer for Holy Saturday
Mother or a child: “May our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who alone by his powerful word governs all things, yet has buried the shame of the Cross and iron bonds, who has broken the bars of the bronze doors and has descended into hell, who has shone with the brightness of a new light on those who were sitting in the shadow of death — may he, the sun of justice, rising from the tomb, shine upon our darkness with the marvellous light of his risen Body.”
Father: The women sitting at the sepulchre
Family: were weeping and lamenting for the Lord.
Father: Let us pray. O God, who makes this most holy night illustrious by the glory of the resurrection of our Lord, preserve in the new children of your family the spirit of adoption which you have given, that, renewed in body and soul, they may give you a pure service. This we ask of you through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son.
Family: Amen.
Father: Let us bless the Lord.
Family: Thanks be to God.
Father: May the almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless and keep us.
Family: Amen.
— Prayer Source: Holy Lent by Eileen O’Callaghan, The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minnesota, 1975
—–
GadgetVicar is Dave McCarthy, Rector of St Silas’ Episcopal Church, Glasgow, Scotland. He also coordinates the Scottish Anglican Network. He’s looking forward to visiting the USA as he speaks at a Renewal Conference at Kanuga, 25-30 June.
