From The Pastor - March/April Spire

"It's All in the Approach"

Wednesday, March 9 is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. I am not sure that most of us really know what to do with Lent. The traditional disciplines of fasting and almsgiving really don’t “speak to us.” Fasting for most of us is associated with cutting back a little and hoping to lose a few pounds. And while we do make a special effort to support Heifer during Lent, almsgiving—that is, giving help to the poor—is something we as a congregation do year round.

Still, Lent remains an important part of our spiritual journey. It is part of the cycle, the rhythm of our faith. Without it the true significance of Easter is lost. We need to move through the reflection of Lent to fully experience the hope and promise of Easter. Recognizing how we can and do separate ourselves from God, our neighbor and ourselves makes the reconciliation offered by Easter all the more powerful and life affirming. We know that experiencing the joy of true reconciliation is among the sweetest of all God’s glorious gifts.

So the question remains, “How do we approach Lent?” I have found that it helps to think of Lent as an opportunity to focus not on what I have done wrong, but rather on what could be. This allows me to look for possibilities. Instead of focusing on what I should have done, I focus instead on what is and what I need to do differently now as I look toward tomorrow. I try not to deny what needs to change. I strive to recognize the truth of what is, and I seek to take responsibility for what I can do to impact what will be. Through it all I recognize that there is much beyond my control. I try to accept this reality, because peace comes with acceptance.

It would be ideal to live with this mindset all year long. It certainly would make the journey easier. But the reality is we do not live this way. The business of life pushes in at us and causes us to lose our focus. This is where the cycle, the rhythm comes in to play. Lent reminds or calls me, and hopefully us, to refocus. These words
from a Lenten prayer capture the essence of what I am saying:

“But now the powers and principalities of this world crowd around us.
Not only do we realize that we alone are not strong enough to overcome such darkness, we also realize that we are a part of that darkness.

And with that realization begins a search into our depths to find the light within us – no matter how dimly it may shine – the light that is the Christ in all of us.

Only then when we find that light, identify it, and claim it – for all the terror and glory it can bring – will we experience the Passion and Resurrection.”

In this Spirit, I invite you to see the opportunity that Lent offers, and to use this Lenten Season to refocus. For if we do, I believe that the sweet gift of reconciliation that is offered in Easter will truly be powerful and life transforming.

Peace,

Eric