ASBURY FIRST MONDAY READER | MARCH 24, 2025

CONTENTS: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL WEEK 3 | WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH Part 2

LENTEN DEVOTIONAL – WEEK 3:

A MOMENT OF RESURRECTION

Have you ever imagined actually meeting or seeing our resurrected Christ? On our own journeys, unexpectedly, we may see a face of Christ however we might envision it and be surprised. I taught a class a while back at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. We were seeking to understand how… when… might… the Resurrected Lord come to us in our everyday living. Belief and unbelief were part of our discussions.

One of the participants, a practicing physician, told this story that I have never forgotten. With a face of sincerity and serious reflection, he began. “It was a tasking day in the office. The end of the day was in sight, and I was thoroughly exhausted from emotion, discouragement and disillusionment with the task of telling one more person that I could not “cure” them of disease. My receptionist stepped into my office, where I had just taken a seat, and she told me there was a woman out in the front reception area who had no appointment but insisted upon seeing me. It turned out that not only did she not have an appointment, as reported, she had no insurance as well. She was dressed in disheveled clothing, unwashed and pleading. Against my better judgement and with great hesitation I agreed to see her. I entered the examining room… went to the sink to wash my hands before looking at her and examining her. When I turned around … there she sat … I saw with my own eyes … my depiction of the living resurrected Christ. It was an experience of the resurrected Christ in my midst and my very own journey. Never did I think it could happen!”

We may not know when or where, we may not even believe it, but the Resurrected Christ journeys with us and promises that we can see, feel, or experience this gift in our own way. He is among us. Thanks be to God!

Reflections:

• What do you see in this depiction of this African Jesus? What speaks to you in this art?

• What are your experiences of seeing or knowing the Crucified Christ in your life?

• As you reflect, is there a time or times you missed Him in His disguise? 

LITURGICAL COLORS 101

Purple is a color of both penitence and royalty used during the preparatory seasons of Advent and Lent. Blue, a color of hope, may also be used during Advent." 

The UMC Book of Worship goes on to say “Somber colors such as purple or ash gray and rough–textured cloth are most appropriate for paraments, stoles, and banners. Unbleached muslin cloth with red stitching is also appropriate. Remove all shiny objects from the worship area. Some may wish to omit flowers. Other visuals may include a large rough cross (possibly made from the trunk of the Chrismon tree) or a veil over the sanctuary cross.

Although use of these colors is based on broad ecumenical tradition, other colors have been and are being used in Christian churches. Creativity with colors and other signs for days and seasons is encouraged.”