Here’s to Death: Lent
Well, the season of Lent has officially started. Christians will, for the next forty days, follow Jesus through his suffering and ultimately his death. We do this in order to truly have something to rejoice in this Easter. Lent gives us the opportunity to do some things that we’re normally horrendous at: grieving and remembering.
Henri Nouwen has this to say about it:
A Prayer for Lent, by Henri Nouwen
How often have I lived through these weeks without paying much attention to penance, fasting, and prayer? How often have I missed the spiritual fruits of the season without even being aware of it? But how can I ever really celebrate Easter without observing Lent? How can I rejoice fully in your Resurrection when I have avoided participating in your death? Yes, Lord, I have to die – with you, through you, and in you – and thus become ready to recognize you when you appear to me in your Resurrection. There is so much in me that needs to die: false attachments, greed and anger, impatience and stinginess…I see clearly now how little I have died with you, really gone your way and been faithful to it. O Lord, make this Lenten season different from the other ones. Let me find you again. Amen.
A Cry for Mercy: Prayers from the Genesee; Image Books, 2002
Let this season be different than others. Perhaps you’re like me and there needs to be a lot of death in your life. Death from pride, selfishness, fear, anger. Ask God to peel away the layers that cloud your vision of him. Really, ask him. When he does (and he will), ask him to do it every day. You and I both need it, there’s no question.
But, do we really want it?
Love this. I am going to strive to use this Lent season as a time of reflection – and really getting in there with Jesus and letting him peel away the layers that keep me from a full relationship with Him.
Thanks for the comment, Jason. I want those layers peeled away, too. We just have to keep in mind that the peeling sometimes isn’t pleasant. But, it’s necessary.
Praying he reveals a lot to you this Lenten season…
I have had some layers peeled away recently that cut deep – really deep. But the good and the blessings that have come out of the process far outweigh the hurt.
Indeed….following up on some of this tomorrow. Thanks again for sharing, Jason.
Thanks for the reminder Josh. I have struggled with the Lenten season since I was raised Catholic and it was done “because thats just what we do”. Not much understanding about it. I also pushed it aside since the churches I attended don’t acknowledge Lent during their sermons. So I accpet your challenge and await the layers to peel away. I think…I’m ready.