I have to say that Lent is my favorite liturgical season. Perhaps it is because I take more time to reflect, to fast, pray, and give alms. It is not that I don’t do this type of reflection in other seasons, but I seem to be more intentional about it during Lent.
This journey begins on Ash Wednesday when we hear the words “You are dust and to dust you shall return,” and leads us to walk with Jesus while he is tormented, tempted, challenged, distrusted, and unjustly arrested. Jesus in his humanity struggles and wishes he could take another road. The journey ends on Good Friday as we hear the nails being pounded into the cross and hear the seven last words of Jesus, including “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Today we focus on the cross. We focus on the times when we have not been faithful, when we have denied Jesus by not loving our neighbor, when we have unjustly forgotten another. Lent is a reminder that we can do better in loving God, our neighbor, and ourselves.
But the cross is not the end of the story. Come Sunday morning we will focus on the rolled away stone. Emily Heath in her book Glorified – Reclaiming the Heart of Progressive Christianity writes: “Most Christians would say that the cross is the sign of our faith. But I’ve heard it said before that maybe there should be another one. Maybe it should be a stone, because in the end even the cross could not destroy God’s love. It is the rolled away stone that tells us the truth.” (Pg. 112)
As we enter a new liturgical season may we remember the great love God has for us. May we be the beacon of light shining forth Christ love to one another. May we remember that we are the eyes, hands, and feet of Christ in the world.
-Rev. Tammy Barthels
Amen. Love your reflection. I have also heard that Each of us may be the one who brings Christ’s love to another and touches and embraces their being to feel loved.
What a gift of Christ’s love we each can be to one another because we first were loved by God’s great love for us all.
Thanks for the inspiring words! We live in a world that needs the constant reminder that we are unconditionally loved by God and that we need to share that same love with everyone, every day, in everything we do. Wishing all a blessed Easter season!
Hi from the north woods of WI. Thank you for sharing of thoughts with Jesus.
Lent is my favorite season too! Like one big long retreat. Good to remember after Lent how it felt to be in the desert. Thanks for this reminder of the beauty of Lent.