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Reading
Psalm 37:23
Our steps are made firm by the Lord
when he delights in our way
Devotion
This week's painting, "The Wine of St. Martin's Day" may be found in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain. Finished in 1568 by the great Renaissance artist, Peter Breugel the Elder, it portrays the tension of medieval festivity. We see eating, drinking, and dancing, which all affirm the goodness of creation. It looks like the festival has turned to excess, however. Off on the edges of the paintings we can see the story of St. Martin, people broken and injured, a graveyard, and a dark, smoke-hazed wood. As I beheld this image, I was reminded of all the advertisements for Christmas that have been about in abundance for weeks already. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas! But we haven't even gotten to Advent yet. How do we prepare ourselves for a feast? When should we start?
Once upon a time many churches celebrated a fast after the Feast of St. Martin. They began on or about 12 November. This Fast of St. Martin's lasted until Christmas. Byzantine Catholics began a fast on 15 November, following their celebration of St. Philips Day. Later Western Christians shortened the fast period to the four Sundays before Christmas and put the emphasis on the Coming of Christ. Perhaps, however, you, dear reader, may, this year, want to focus on fasting--things we do or do not do in order to better attune ourselves to life in the Spirit.
What might such a fast look like this year? Begin with thinking about something that you are really attached to: Social media? Doom-scrolling? Alcohol? Cookies and pastries? Over-working? Toxic 'friends'? What attachments might we withdraw from in order to find a better connection to the Divine and to one another? What prayerful practices might be embraced in order to tune-in to God? A daily devotion? A bodily practice like yoga or tai chi or meditation? Doing something for someone else for no reason? Almsgiving? Working at a shelter? Decluttering your home? Whatever you take leave from or lean into, dear reader, may you find it a blessing!
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thou who ordereth the stars and directeth the steps of man,
Align my life with Thy holy will in every hidden place.
I, [insert your name], lay down my striving and surrender my timeline.
Correct what is crooked, quiet what is restless, and steady what is uncertain.
Remove the voices that lead me away from peace.
Uproot desires that conflict with Thy calling.
Where I have clung to my own way, teach me trust.
Where I have rushed ahead, bid me wait.
Where I have lagged in fear, call me forward.
Let my thoughts mirror Thy truth,
My decisions reflect Thy wisdom,
And my path agree with heaven’s rhythm.
I seek not perfection, but position,
To be found moving only where Thy presence leads.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen. (prayer written by Mama Raya)