Disciples, Apostles, and Saints!
Perhaps the most common conversation in Lent is about discipline. About what we choose to give up or take on. How we are marking the time and what personal rules we are setting for ourselves.
And because this is the most common conversation, I try to make other conversations more common. Like what insights we hope to gain from this discipline. Or what we are learning from the process.
I ask about how this intentional behavior is opening us up to God’s presence and guidance. And how we are opening ourselves in new ways to our present relationships. I want to get us thinking about how we are attuned to and with God and our neighbors and become more vulnerable and seek more intimacy this season.
Mostly, though, I remind us of the big picture. That we are in a season of learning. Of growing. And of getting over ourselves. So that when we get to Easter, with all our celebrating and joyful pronouncements, we are able to welcome the change that Easter brings.
This is ancient practice, matching our convictions and theology with our practice. Being people of the resurrection, willing to be changed, growing and learning, showing mercy and receiving it, becoming new creations. And we continue in this tradition, expressing our faith, not just that Jesus died and was raised, but that we do this, too. And for the rest of our lives together.
With love,
Drew