Holy Thursday, or Maundy Thursday, is one of the holiest days in the Christian calendar. Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum, which means “command.” It refers to Jesus’ new commandment given on this day to love one another as he has loved us, not superficially, but selflessly. On Holy Thursday—the day before the crucifixion…
The Tenebrae service, often held on Wednesday of Holy Week, involves the gradual extinguishing of the lights until the church is in darkness. In fact, tenebrae is Latin for darkness, and the service symbolizes the confusion and terror that accompanies the death of Christ. In many ways, going more deeply into this darkness goes against…
Earthening & the Grandeur of God Ashes and palm-branches Bookends of Lent Earthening, homing, lengthening, soul-ing Pruning what’s lifeless and spent “Remember Ha-damah (Adam), that you are dust, And unto dust you shall return…” Springtime resurgence Pandemic begone! Deepening, flowing, strengthening, groaning When will we welcome the dawn? “Hosanna! Hosanna! Blessed is the One who…
Today, as we mourn the loss of so many lives, John O’Donohue’s reflection “For the Dying” might assist us as we courageously hold one another in love and loss. And we also offer this beautiful, recorded blessing “Deep Peace” by Bill Douglas as a source of consolation, inspiration, focus, compassion and love. For the Dying by…
Come back to your breath Where God resides Where Spirit inspires Where you are one with all creation ***You are home*** Alive with the energy of the universe The power of breath is phenomenal. It awakens us to the energy inside of us and all around us. It connects us with all creation. We share…
Good morning, Prairiewoods Family! We are going virtual with our weekly Tuesday Prayer Experience Series. Please consider joining us via Zoom this Tuesday, March 31, from 11:30 a.m.–noon, as well as subsequent Tuesdays for the time being. This series offers an opportunity for us to pray together. We are blessed with many ways to pray, ranging…
I was moved by Sister Ann Jackson’s blog last week entitled “Coming Home.” What especially spoke to me was the stanza from the poem she shared by Jane Hooper as cited in Cynthia Bourgeault’s book The Wisdom Way of Knowing (p. 38–40). Please come home. Please come home INTO YOUR OWN BODY. Your own vessel, your…
In 2013 I completed the eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, facilitated by Chris Klug and based on the model developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn. Today I continue to use many of the techniques I learned in that program and often refer to it as a life-enhancing experience.…
“I hear the drizzle of the rain Like a memory, it falls Soft and warm, continuing Tapping on my roof and walls …” (Kathy’s Song by Paul Simon, 1965) When in the ’60s Paul Simon penned these lyrics for his British soulmate, Kathy Chitty, life was in turmoil. Upheaval was everywhere and themes of…
As we at Prairiewoods focus on shifting our attention from the pandemic to #PanDeepening, we are looking at meditations, readings and activities that help us go deeper and get more centered within ourselves and in our God. In today’s PanDeepening, let’s slow down, quiet our minds and listen to the words of a gifted Celtic…