We Wonder

Welcome to We Wonder: Lent.

Lent is the season between Ash Wednesday and Easter: these are the days when we slow down, make space, and pause each day to journey with Jesus toward Jerusalem, and to the cross.

This Lent, we’re going to slow down and spend time in one story from Matthew’s gospel each week. We will join Jesus as he walks with his disciples to Jerusalem one last time. Along the road, we will listen to his words and imagine that we are there with him: that he is speaking directly to us. And we will pay attention, each day, to what we see, and hear, and feel. After all, every day is different; but we still need to meet and listen for God, in all that is happening to us. I wonder what we will notice, as we listen to the same words over and over, all week long? I wonder what we will have to say to God?

I hope that you can listen every day, and let these words take deep root in your heart. I hope you can imagine yourself walking with Jesus and listening to him, all along the road to Jerusalem throughout this season, so that we can all join together at the end, around the foot of his cross.

This week’s reading is Matthew 16:21-26. Jesus and his disciples are outside a city called Caesarea Philippi. Jesus is teaching them, and for right now, they are all alone. Can we open our minds and hearts, and imagine ourselves there?

Welcome to We Wonder: Lent.

Lent is the season between Ash Wednesday and Easter: these are the days when we slow down, make space, and pause each day to journey with Jesus toward Jerusalem, and to the cross.

This Lent, we’re going to slow down and spend time in one story from Matthew’s gospel each week. We will join Jesus as he walks with his disciples to Jerusalem one last time. Along the road, we will listen to his words and imagine that we are there with him: that he is speaking directly to us. And we will pay attention, each day, to what we see, and hear, and feel. After all, every day is different; but we still need to meet and listen for God, in all that is happening to us. I wonder what we will notice, as we listen to the same words over and over, all week long? I wonder what we will have to say to God?

I hope that you can listen every day, and let these words take deep root in your heart. I hope you can imagine yourself walking with Jesus and listening to him, all along the road to Jerusalem throughout this season, so that we can all join together at the end, around the foot of his cross.

This week’s reading is Matthew 16:21-26. Jesus and his disciples are outside a city called Caesarea Philippi. Jesus is teaching them, and for right now, they are all alone. Can we open our minds and hearts, and imagine ourselves there?

Welcome to We Wonder: Lent.

Lent is the season between Ash Wednesday and Easter: these are the days when we slow down, make space, and pause each day to journey with Jesus toward Jerusalem, and to the cross.

This Lent, we’re going to slow down and spend time in one story from Matthew’s gospel each week. We will join Jesus as he walks with his disciples to Jerusalem one last time. Along the road, we will listen to his words and imagine that we are there with him: that he is speaking directly to us. And we will pay attention, each day, to what we see, and hear, and feel. After all, every day is different; but we still need to meet and listen for God, in all that is happening to us. I wonder what we will notice, as we listen to the same words over and over, all week long? I wonder what we will have to say to God?

I hope that you can listen every day, and let these words take deep root in your heart. I hope you can imagine yourself walking with Jesus and listening to him, all along the road to Jerusalem throughout this season, so that we can all join together at the end, around the foot of his cross.

This week’s reading is Matthew 16:21-26. Jesus and his disciples are outside a city called Caesarea Philippi. Jesus is teaching them, and for right now, they are all alone. Can we open our minds and hearts, and imagine ourselves there?

We Wonder is back for Lent!

This year, we are going to spend time each week in one story from Matthew’s gospel. We will join Jesus as he walks with his disciples to Jerusalem one last time. Along the road, we will listen to his words and imagine that we are there with him: that he is speaking directly to us. And we will pay attention, each day, to what we see, and hear, and feel. These daily episodes will begin on Sunday, March 6, so be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you like to listen and they’ll be waiting for you each day.

But first, today, we are going to get ready. Lent is a long season: the road to Jerusalem is a long journey. So today, on Ash Wednesday, we’ll come to Jesus with our intentions and hopes for Lent, listen to his words, and then set our feet in his path and begin to follow him.

Today’s reading is Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21. Jesus is teaching his friends and followers on a mountainside. He wants them to see the world the way that God sees it, and to live in the way that God meant for people to live.

Luke 2:1-19

Today’s symbol is the manger. The Christ child is born! Alleluia!

I wonder how Mary and Joseph felt, now that their waiting for Jesus was over? I wonder if they were tired? Relieved? Happy to finally hold their child?

I wonder how I feel, now that Advent waiting is over? What has been hard? What has been good? What do I want to say to God about this waiting season?

I wonder what it was like to hear and see the angels singing the good news in the night sky? Can I imagine myself there? Can I taste a little bit of their joy?

Long ago, the prophet Isaiah promised that a new king would come out of Jesse’s family tree, and that he would be a loving king for every person in the whole world. I wonder if I can trust that Jesus is that king? I wonder if I can welcome him and his kingdom into my life?

I wonder what is different, now that God has come to live in our world? Can I ask God to help me see the world around me with his eyes?

I wonder if I can say thank you to God, who loves us so much that he was born and lived here, on earth, as one of us. What do I want to say to this God, who is with us always?

God who is with us, on this night your holy light shines bright in the darkness.Thank you for coming to live among us, to bring us into your light, and to save us from sin and death. We praise you, Jesus, and we love you.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Matthew 1:18-25

Today’s symbol shows a carpenter’s tools. Mary was betrothed to Joseph, who was a carpenter. Joseph became Jesus’ earthly father, and he loved and protected him as he grew. Joseph listened to God’s words and he was not afraid.

I wonder what Joseph felt like, when he began to see that Mary would have a baby? I wonder if he worried and prayed as he worked in his carpenter’s shop?

I wonder how Joseph felt in the morning, when he awoke from his dream. I wonder if he was certain and confident, or doubtful? I wonder how he came to trust the words that he heard in his dream?

I wonder what Joseph thought when he heard his son’s name? Hopeful? Excited? Confused? What do I think, when I remember that Jesus’ name means “God saves”? Can I ask God to show me more about that name?

I wonder if it was ever hard for Joseph to believe that his son was from the Holy Spirit. I wonder if it’s ever hard for me to believe that Jesus really is God with us? What do I want to say to Jesus about that?

I wonder if I can hear God saying “do not be afraid” to me right now? What do I want to say to God?

God, you are kind and you protect us. Thank you for Joseph’s kindness to and protection of your Son, Jesus. Help us to obey like Joseph, not to be afraid, and to love everyone you give us who needs our care.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Luke 1:26-38

Today’s symbol is a heart. Mary opened her heart and her life to God’s words, and she became Jesus’ loving mother. Because of Mary’s brave heart, God’s love came into the world as her son.

I wonder what Mary felt like in her stomach, in her hands, in her body, when the angel appeared and began speaking to her? I wonder if his words, “Don’t be afraid!” brought her peace?

I wonder what Mary felt when she heard her son’s name? Hopeful? Excited? Amazed? I wonder how I feel, knowing that God chose to come and live with us with the name, “God Saves”?

Mary knew that God would come to save everyone who was small, unimportant, poor, and who needed him. I wonder how I need God to save me today? What do I want to ask God for, as we wait together for Jesus?

I wonder how Mary got ready for the birth of this special baby? I wonder if there is anything I can do to get ready to welcome Jesus into my life?

I wonder if I can hear God saying “do not be afraid” to me right now? What do I want to say to God?

God of love and grace, thank you for Mary’s brave heart. Thank you for choosing to come to your people as her small son. Help us open our hearts to you, too.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Luke 1:5-17

Today’s symbol is the angel who appeared to Zechariah. The angel told Zechariah that although he and his wife Elizabeth were old, they would have a child. This child would help God’s people get ready for the coming king.

I wonder what it was like to see Zechariah’s incense smoke going up like a prayer, and then to see God’s messenger appear? Can I imagine that moment in that holy place?

I wonder how Zechariah and Elizabeth got ready for the birth of their baby? I wonder how it felt to know their child had an important job from God?

I wonder why John was given such an important job? I wonder why we have to have someone help us get ready for Jesus?

I wonder how Advent this year has helped me get ready for Jesus’ coming? Is there anything I want to tell Jesus about my hope and waiting?

Can I say thank you to God for coming to us gently, and helping us get ready to welcome him?

God you want us to be ready, and you give us what we need to prepare for your coming. You sent John the Baptist to help Israel get ready for the coming king. Prepare us by your Holy Spirit for your coming Son. Turn our hearts back to you, give us light, and guide our feet in the ways of peace.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Jonah 1; 3:1-5, 10

Today’s symbol is the great fish. God sent the prophet Jonah to Nineveh, but Jonah tried to run away. God was with Jonah in the storm, and in the fish, and finally when Jonah went to Nineveh. Jonah could not run away from God.

I wonder why Jonah immediately ran in the opposite direction when God asked him to go to Nineveh. I wonder what he hoped would happen?

I wonder if I have ever wanted to run away from what I knew God wanted me to do? Has there been a time when it felt too hard to be kind? Or too scary to say, “I’m sorry?” What do I want to say to God about that time?

I wonder why Jonah was so angry after the people of Nineveh listened to his words? I wonder what that anger felt like inside his body? I wonder why it was so hard for him to see God continue to protect Nineveh?

I wonder if I can believe that God wants to be like a sheltering roof for all people? I wonder if there are people I might not want to share that roof with? What do I want to say to God about that?

I wonder where God is when I can’t see his protecting love? Can I talk to God about that right now?

Daniel 6:6-23

I wonder how Daniel felt when he heard the king’s new law? The Bible doesn’t tell us: I wonder if he was afraid when he went up to pray? Or I wonder if he loved coming close to God so much that he couldn’t imagine changing his ways?

I wonder if I have a practice of coming close to God? Or I wonder if I find it hard, or scary, or boring to try to pray? Can I talk to God about that? Can I trust that all of my words to God are prayer, and that God loves to hear them?

I wonder what the pit with the lions looked like inside? I wonder what it smelled like? I wonder what Daniel felt as he was lowered into it?

I wonder how the messenger from God appeared to Daniel? I wonder what it was like to spend the night close to those lions, after their mouths had been shut? I wonder what Daniel said to God?

Can I believe that the God who was with Daniel is the same God who is close to me right now? Can I trust that this God is still faithful and will come to save? As we continue to wait in Advent, what do I want to say to God?

Living God, you deliver and rescue your people. Help us to tell others about the ways you have delivered and rescued us, so that they will honor and trust you too.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.