April 1
Isaiah 50:1 – 9a; Psalm 70; Hebrews 12:1 – 8; John 13:21 – 32
Links to Bible verses:
Integration: the healing journey of integrating the 7 pillars of Benedictine spirituality
How fitting that for the last devotion, which focuses on integration, I integrate all of the readings. I simply couldn’t decide which to choose because I experience a common thread running throughout, and I hope this thread resonates as we end our Lenten journeys.
This common thread, while not necessarily hopeful on the surface, speaks to the human condition, specifically the human condition according to the teachings of Christ: We are all flawed. We are all imperfect. And no amount of prayer, discernment, or service will ever change that completely; a speck of Judas lives in each of us. So, we can throw up our hands, put our heads down, and give in to the inner Judas, or we can do the integrative, healing journey of the Way of Christ as best as we can each day.
There will be days when the Way of Christ is more difficult, especially in the short run, and when we wonder whether the effort and sacrifices are worth it. If, however, we do the daily work of praying with and living hospitality, community, reverence, discernment, humility, stewardship/partnership, and integration, we will be gifted grace, mercy, and compassion amidst our flaws and imperfections. And perhaps more importantly, we will become the feet and hands of Christ in a world of deep need. Hopelessness, despair, and death indeed do not have the last word. Amen.
Thank you to Linda Land-Closson for writing our 2026 Lenten Devotions.