Saturday, March 15

Purim, festival of Lots, begins at sundown

Reading: Psalm 121

“The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade at your right hand”   Psalm 121:5

The Ignatian examination of conscience that was described in the Ash Wednesday reflection begins and ends with gratitude. Our days begin with “O Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall proclaim your praise,” (Matins) and end with “Let us bless the Lord; thanks be to God.” (Compline)

When life leads us into the wilderness, gratitude helps us recall that we have a shelter from the sun and wind, a refuge from predators. Meister Eckhart, 14^th century Rhineland mystic, wrote “The one most needful prayer is: thank you.” Gratitude cultivates an approach to life that is life-giving and healing. Gratitude provides a deep well to sustain us in dry desert times, days of wandering and uncertainty, days of wilderness.

O Lord, thou hast given so much to me;

Grant one thing more: a grateful heart.”  (George Herbert)

Amen

• Go to www.gratefulness.org and click on the video “A Good Day.”