Lent begins with readings about beginnings, each one reminding us about how life’s journey starts off with a covenant.

Animal stories in the Bible have tremendous appeal. They are the first scripture stories to which we are introduced as children, in part because illustrators find them very enticing subjects.

People say, “Come hell or high water” to describe dogged determination. But hell or high water create determination, too.

A friend of mine is a Trappistine nun who spends a good part of each day in silent prayer. She once told me the hardest adjustment she faced when entering the monastery was realizing how much “noise” was going on inside her heart and head—especially at times of silent prayer.

“But you promised!” When my mother heard my friend Murray say this to me, I knew instinctively that, at 12 years of age, I was about to learn a very important life lesson, like it or not.

God renews the Earth. We pray to take our part in that renewal.

When you fast, see the fasting of others. If you want God to know that you are hungry, know that another is hungry. If you hope for mercy, show mercy. If you look for kindness, show kindness. If you want to receive, give.