Lenten Resource from CMEP

Lent is already underway, but there is still time to download and share "The Road to Reconciliation - Reflections for Lent," provided by Churches for Middle East Peace - www.cmep.org

Find it online at http://www.cmep.org/documents/2008_CMEP_Lenten_Resource.pdf

From Anna Rhee, Grassroots Coordinator:

February 2, 2008

The devotions and traditions of Lent present opportunities for reflection on the meaning of Christ's sacrifice for us and our response. It is a time for somber contemplation and repentance as we humbly recognize our sins and failures. We focus on the need for God's grace as we seek to respond anew to God's presence in our lives and in the world.

For advocates of Middle East peacemaking, the current events that accompany this year's Lenten season exude danger and despair, even as the scene on the world's diplomatic stage signal some positive forward movement.

The reflections in this resource, "The Road to Reconciliation" - including one for Forgiveness Vespers and Clean Monday, the beginning of Lent for Orthodox Christians - lift up the critical need for Middle East peacemaking. We are challenged to seize the openings for reconciliation and to recommit ourselves to vital activities that make for peace.

Let us take this Lenten journey together knowing that we seek and struggle in partnership and community toward peace with justice in the Holy Land.

Click here to download "The Road to Reconciliation" - http://www.cmep.org/documents/2008_CMEP_Lenten_Resource.pdf

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The Road to Reconciliation - Reflections for Lent

Ash Wednesday
Isaiah 58:1-12

"Authentic Worship: Serving the Neighbor's Need"
Charles P. Lutz, CMEP Minnesota Grassroots Advocacy Program

Forgiveness Vespers and Clean Monday
Matthew 6:14-21

"Principles for Living"
The Very Reverend George M. Rados and Subdeacon Will Cohen, Ss. Peter and Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church, Potomac, MD

First week
Matthew 4:1-11

"Tempted to Take Shortcuts"
Ann Staal, Reformed Church in America

Second week
Genesis 12:1-3

"Blessing All of Abraham's Children"
Dr. Charles Kimball, Wake Forest University

Third week
John 4:5-42

"God's Grace Does Not Depend on Our (or Their) Virtue"
T. Michael McNulty, SJ, Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM)

Fourth week
John 9:1-41

"The Worlds of Sin and Light"
Warren Clark, Churches for Middle East Peace

Fifth week
Ezekiel 37 and Psalm 130

"Rattle Them Bones, Hope in the Lord"
Rev. Phil Jones, Church of the Brethren

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Register today for CMEP's 2008 Advocacy Conference, Calming the Storm: Middle East Peacemaking in a Turbulent Time, April 20-22, 2008 - Washington, D.C. - http://www.cmep.org/2008_conference/2008_conference_mainpage.htm

Churches for Middle East Peace
Email: info@cmep.org
Phone: 202-543-1222
Web: http://www.cmep.org

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