Daily Bread February 24

Lent-A Spiritual Cleaning
Stassi Cramm, First Presidency


God is calling for a prophetic community to emerge, drawn from the nations of the world, that is characterized by uncommon devotion to the compassion and peace of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Through divine grace and wisdom, this faith community has been given abundant gifts, resources, and opportunities to equip it to become such a people. Chief among these is the power of community in Christ expressed locally in distinctive fashions while upholding a unity of vision, foundational beliefs, and mission throughout the world.  -Doctrine and Covenants 163:11a

I remember entering Lent during 2020 as we had just introduced the guiding question “Are we moving towards Jesus, the peaceful One?” We were still near the beginning of what turned out to be an unimaginable year. Then, part way through Lent, we closed the Temple, sent people home to work remotely, and experienced a new level of isolation with stay-at-home orders.

This unfolding experience gave a whole new meaning to the image of the Israelites wandering in the desert for forty years and Jesus withdrawing into the wilderness for forty days. Now, here we are a year later; and, in many countries, we are still struggling as people scramble to make the COVID-19 vaccine available to everyone. I keep asking myself how am I-how are we-being shaped by the experiences of this very unusual time that is not yet over?

For me, Lent is a time of spiritual cleaning-like spring cleaning-only focused on my life as a disciple instead of my home. As I move through this forty-day journey of intentional reflection, I consider what clutter has entered my life that distracts me from faithful discipleship. The guiding question provides a litmus test for prioritizing what is most important in helping me not only move closer to Jesus, the peaceful One, but also embody His mission. Further, the struggles of the past year serve in shaping my perspective and informing my sense of call.

I confess I have room to grow in my understanding of who Jesus, the peaceful One, really was as shared through the Gospels. It is too easy for me to burden Jesus with who I want him to be instead of allowing his ministry to push me to new levels of faithfulness and discipleship. Even as I anxiously await a time where we can safely be together as families, congregations, and a world church, I am recognizing that being present in the world comes with both new opportunities and challenges to live Christ’s mission in tangible, life-giving ways that share the peace of Christ with ALL people AND creation.

Prayer Phrase

Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?

Spiritual Practice

Gospel Contemplation (Mark 1:9-11)

Each week during Lent, you are invited to pray with a different gospel story from the life of Christ. Use your senses and imagination to enter the text. Allow it to come to life in you, observing details, noticing interactions, even engaging in dialogue. Notice where you find yourself in the story and how you feel about what is happening. Notice what it evokes in you or invites of you. Take time to journal or enter silent prayer to reflect on your experience and to sense where the Spirit may be leading you through this scriptural encounter.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

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