Week one: Food for the Journey
Elijah went a day’s journey into the
wilderness… and he lay down under the bush
and fell asleep.
All at once an angel touched him and said,
“Get up and eat.” He looked around, and
there by his head was some bread baked
over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate
and drank and then lay down again.
The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said,
“Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So, he got up and
ate and drank. (1 Kings 19:4-8)
Reflection Question
God sent what Elijah needed to recharge his batteries, and it took a couple
of doses. God sent Elijah food and drink, sleep, and the care of someone
who noticed his need.
How do I recharge my batteries and restore my soul this week?
It may be something very physical and practical, like Elijah’s food and
sleep. It may be something less tangible. It might be Scripture or songs,
peace or pizza, chocolate, a good book or cheery friends.
Prayer
Like Elijah, O God, we are tempted to run and hide from you and from self
during the storms of life. Provide us with what we need at this time so
we may be satisfied in mind body and spirit. Amen
Music
Food for the Journey by Michael Zabrock
Week Two: Cup of tea (or coffee) with God
God came and sat down with me. I asked God to tea.
God sat there in the kitchen and smiled at me.
But I stumbled and mumbled, afraid just to speak.
It was my invitation, yet how could this be?
I poured God some tea and started to cry.
God patiently waited, but finally asked why.
I couldn’t begin, I was afraid just to start.
What could I say, since God knows my heart?
Do you love me? God asked. But of course! I replied.
Then why won’t you speak to me? And again, I cried.
I love you, God told me. I know you so well.
But there are things on your mind. Why won’t you tell?
But you know! I replied.
You are God! I cried.
I am just little me and I’m scared. Don’t you see?
God took hold of my hand in the gentlest way.
God said close your eyes and then try to pray.
I love you so much, so much more than you know.
Talk to me as a friend, just let the words flow.
I don’t seek to control you, I want you to choose.
I want you to love and I want you to lose
the fear that has told you that God is so great
that no one can know God, that Heaven can wait.
For God is right here, God is sipping this tea.
God is talking to you; will you please talk to me?
So, I prayed, and I talked, soon my eyes opened wide.
God was here drinking tea; God was right by my side.
I’m no longer afraid, not in awe do I stand.
But in love, like a friend. God again took my hand.
Whenever you need me, remember the tea.
Ask me in, sit me down, and then look at me.
I’m your friend, God said. Don’t hold me in awe.
So I looked in God’s eyes and there was love that I saw.
(Brian Sheridan ignatianspirituality.com)
Week Three: Snowdrops & Winter
It was You who set all the boundaries of the earth; You made both
summer and winter. – (Psalm 74:17)
It is clear that God very purposefully made both summer and winter (and
springtime and autumn, too!) The seasons are part of His divine
established order in the universe, creating rules and boundaries under
which the natural world must operate. There is a purpose and time for
rest and hibernation of winter, just as the growth and refreshment of
summer.
Snowdrop flowers carry a symbolic
meaning of hope, purity, and new
beginnings. These dainty flowers are
often seen as the first signs of spring,
emerging from the winter snow, and
symbolize the triumph of light over
darkness. Snowdrops also represent
resilience and the ability to thrive in
challenging conditions.
“In the light of the New Creation all miracles are like snowdrops –
anticipations of the full spring and high summer which is slowly coming
over the whole wintry field of space and time.” (C S Lewis)
God in the heart of a snowdrop
Sometimes my faith is fragile, God, as
frail as a snowdrop.
Help me to be so earthed in you
that I can stand firm, weathering the
winter of the soul, nodding defiance in
the storms of life, bending with the
winds of change, not breaking, bowing
my head in reverence to you, my loving
God, who causes me to dance for joy and, in companionship with others,
give glory to you. (Carol Dixon godspacelight.com)
Week Four: Matariki and the Winter Solstice
It is the LORD who created the stars,
the Pleiades and Orion. He turns
darkness into morning and day into
night. He draws up water from the
oceans and pours it down as rain on the
land. (Amos 5:8)
Matariki is a small cluster of stars also
known as the Pleiades, in the Taurus
constellation. In New Zealand it comes
into view low on the north-eastern
horizon, in the tail of the Milky Way, just
before dawn in midwinter.
This heralds the Māori New Year and the changing of the seasons.
It is a time to celebrate family/whānau and all the precious moments. A
time to huddle together and stay warm. We share food/kai, we share
stories, we farewell our loved ones that have gone before us and give
thanks for the year ahead.
The Winter Solstice is a time when light is born out of the womb of
winter’s darkness. It is also a sign of hope.
Blessing
The new light of Matariki has risen!
May it be to you a sign of resurrection and new life.
May it be to you a sign of hope in times of darkness.
May it be to you a sign of the wondrous mystery of Atua who loves you.
May it be to you a sign that the eyes of the Eternal One are ever upon
you and that the presence of the Holy One is ever with you.
And may this be the cause of your rejoicing.
Go in peace. Through Christ and in the perfect unity of the Holy Spirit,
we pray. Amen
(https://www.chrisskinner.org.nz/)
Song : Matariki by Sung by Chris Skinner (Track 20)
Link: chrisskinner.org.nz/songs-commissioned