Dear Brothers and Sisters,
What an odd conjunction of Lent–that season in which we are urged to slow down, take time to reflect on our inadequacies, and to step back from the world to rest in Christ—and coming back together again after having to close down for a second time because of COVID! Part of me wants to be singing songs of Alleluia! (Ooops. I didn’t say it, just wrote it as an example…don’t report me to the Liturgy Police!) While part of me wants to retreat with Jesus for 40 days of learning and self-study in the wilderness.
Is there a way to do both, I wonder? Pour out our grateful praise for God’s generosity and blessings, as the passage from Deuteronomy 26:1-11 requests? And ponder, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, if there are weak points where we can be tempted? How wonderful that Jesus was willing to go from his baptism and God’s ringing affirmation, “You are my Son, the Beloved,” to the struggle of the wilderness and repeated encounters with The Tempter! In that time, he learned how to encounter Evil, face it down and defeat it. And he provided us with a model for how to do it—careful listening, prayer and using Scripture to give us strength and wisdom not to yield to temptation.
For me, Lent is a “yes and…” part of the church year. It is certainly about repentance, about spending more time contemplating the Scriptures, and being intentional about time spent in conversation with the Holy One. But it is also time for becoming aware of the huge number of blessings that God showers down on us. It is a time to recognize the ways in which we are bound to God in love—MUTUAL love. Our love for God and God’s boundless love for us. (Psalm 91:14) And to reflect on the ways that God has protected us throughout our lives. It is a time to acknowledge that EVERYONE, no matter what labels they bear, is equally loved by God and will receive the generous welcome and kindness that God reserves for everyone who calls on the name of God. (Romans 10:13)
Looking forward to spending A Holy Lent with you, God’s Holy People.
Mo. Laura+