Psalm 40,54 or 51
Genesis 40:1-23
1 Corinthians 3:16-23
Mark 2:13-22
This past January, I celebrated my 25th birthday. It is a milestone in its own way, not only because I have lived for a quarter of a century, but because it marks one of the most important anniversaries of my spiritual life: my 10-year anniversary as a confirmed member of the Episcopal Church. I honestly hadn’t kept track of the years, but I was reminded when I opened a birthday gift my parents sent me; a golden charm with the initial ‘C’ on one side and ‘Psalm 51:10’ on the other.
The charm is very similar to one my mother has, and like hers, I added the charm to the necklace chain of my small cross (in the photo). Later that night, I found myself re-reading letters from my confirmation in 2004 and reflecting on one in particular, the letter from my mother. In her letter were a few words of wisdom: “Remember to keep your heart and mind open to God’s voice…but, as with any relationship, you must keep working at it. There is no ‘due-date’; it is a work in progress…enjoy the journey, love your neighbors and God.”
My mother’s cleverness and love never ceases to amaze me. It is with her gentle reminder and wise words that I find myself entering Lent reflecting on what it truly means to seek forgiveness and open my heart to God: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10
– Caroline Holman
