18For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written,“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” 20Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. 22For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, 23but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
- Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
- Sit five to fifteen minutes in silent meditation paying attention to the deep breath.
- What captures your attention in the message of the cross today?
- Let this word, phrase or image become your focus.
- What foolishness becomes truth to you?
- What stumbling block is removed?
- How does this truth shed light upon your call?
- Sit in the truth and the light.
- Be renewed with the truth and the light.
- Let go of anything keeping you from the truth and the light.
- Is there a further message from God? A call to action?
- Give thanks to God for this time at the cross and for any new insights you have received.
- Share as you feel led in the reply box below.
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, March 11, 2012, the Third Sunday in Lent Year B
Exodus 20:1-17
Psalm 94:1-14
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
John 2:13-22
If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author. Permission to use in not-for-profit settings The Rev. Lil Smith, M.Div., DASD