Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Psalm 27
Philippians 3:17-4:1
Luke 13:31-35
The Lenten season once again lays upon us a great challenge, a great decision, squarely before each of us. During Advent, we were told of Christ's coming, and we waited with much anticipation. The, at Christmas, we were told of the stories of his arrival, and received him with great joy. During Epiphany his ministry and message were revealed to us, and we marveled at it. Now, in Lent, we are being asked to accept him and allow our lives to be transform by his Presence.
So, how's that going for you? How's that going for the world? Well, there are signs that in many places it's working quite well. If we look closely, we can see the Spirit actively working through the souls of individuals and groups, spreading the love of God through words and deeds that really help those in need. There are many great support groups, and even people working to unite mankind with nature. Much of the good that happens is not seen by all, but it's there. And I, for one, think that most of what's happening in the world is good.
But, of course, there is much work to do. If God is so loving and compassionate, if He holds the key to a unified world of love, if He can truly wipe away every tear and turn every anguish into joy, why is this Lenten decision to follow Him so hard to make and keep?
Why is there still so much violence? Why is our country fractured by a paralyzed government and general loss of purpose? Why is our health care system curing people of illnesses and broken bones, while chewing them up with astronomical costs? Why do some people have seven bathrooms in their home while others have to pee on the street? Why is our water and food supply being contaminated with things that hurt us?
Jesus comes to us with a message of love and unity, and they warn him, "Herod wants to kill you." Paul writes to the Philippians and says, "For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ...Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things."
"...their minds are set on earthly things." Herein lies the core problem – free will decisions that are heavily influenced by earthly things [read: mankind's delusions and essential survival instincts]. Devoting one's life to Christ will often be in direct opposition to natural human tendencies of physical safety and survival.
Built into our instincts and brain wiring is the desire to live in safety and security, and as a result we often feel the need to get as much as we can in life, whatever it is, to satisfy that survival need. We are deeply afraid of not succeeding at this. Our marketing systems, economic systems, political systems, and social systems are designed to feed off of this fear, which pits people against people, in a winner take all environment. This is very powerful and separates us into disconnected individuals. And this is where the delusion begins.
The odd thing, however, is that this need for survival and security is a God-given thing – He wants us to survive, to be safe, and to prosper, too. But in His case, He wants it used for the common good. That's where we, as humans, tend to slip up. The abundance of the world must raise us beyond the shallow waters of the human mind and lead us into the depths of spiritual love. We must rise above the fear of scarcity and embrace the faith in a system based on a united human family.
It all begins with the individual, you and me, making the Lenten decision to live a life based on the love of God in Christ. And although this begins with an individual choice, bringing it to fruition requires a solid network of support. Having like-minded people joining you on this quest is the best way to overpower those forces that would prefer that you fail – the Herods of this world; the enemies of the soul.
Making this decision for Christ is only the first step. The rest is a journey as a family. When we stumble, they help to pick us up. When they stumble we help them, too. Unity, love, and peace is the result.
God bless you on your journey!
Reflection Questions
1. What concerns to do have about devoting your life to Christ? Who can help you work through these?
2. As you walk through your day, try to catch people doing something good for others. then thank them for it.
3. Read through the scripture lessons for this Sunday again, and spend some time journaling your thoughts.
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