Depending on which weather model is correct, we will either have an enormous wet snowstorm or it will blow out to sea and we’ll see about an inch or two. As much as I love snow, I’m ready for signs of the spring that is supposed to arrive on March 20. The hellebores, also known as Lenten Roses at Trader Joe’s, were too lovely to resist and told me that, yes, spring will come, although a little later than we had hoped.
About six hours north of us, where there is much more snow, the Manchester Union Leader, hardly known as a bastion of liberal politics, published an essay by Ernesto Burden, a media executive and local musician, on hearing his local priest explain how the Episcopal bishop told his clergy to get their wills in order before facing ICE.
As Burden wrote, he’s always considered himself part of the “staunchly polite, political middle,” but in light of what happened in Minneapolis, it seems that neutrality is no longer an option --- for him, for any of us. We, part of the same middle, are reminded that for Jesus, there was no neutrality. As we now see kids pulled off school buses here we are now being asked what our responses will be. Uneasy questions for sure.
Prayer for the Day
Turn to us, O Holy One, and be gracious to us,
For we are afflicted with our failings and sins;
Called to respond as did Jesus in this Lenten season,
We are fearful of the harsh truths we see about us.
But you, O God, call us to shake off the fear infecting our souls,
And turn to you who are the only who can heal us.
In the name of the One who understands us all,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
This is not normal. I’m not in favor of wide-open borders. I favor the rule of law. This does not feel like the rule of law anymore. This feels like intentional terror.
Ernesto Burden, Manchester Union Leader (Feb 9, 2026)
The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis.
Dante Alighieri, Italian writer (1265-1321)
Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me!
“Come,” my heart says, “seek God’s face!” Your face, O Lord, do I seek.
Do not hide your face from me.
Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help.
Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my rescue.
Psalm 27: 7-9