What better time for intentional life reflection
and searching than the Lenten season. Beginning with Ash Wednesday…this
period leading up to Easter extends six and a half weeks….
Lent is a time to contemplate the reality of our
humanity. As we do this, we begin with the greater reality of God who
is not only creator but also the One who, by caring for all equally
and without limit, defines the essence of love.
Lent is a time for confession, which is never an
easy thing to do. In fact, on its own, confession is neither practical
nor possible. None of us can be objective in looking at our own
weaknesses, failings, dependence, or sin. We much prefer to conceal
these things from ourselves and from others.
Yet confession is possible because we start out by
confessing God. By affirming our belief in God and by worshiping God,
we are brought face to face with our unworthiness. Knowing that God
never gives up on us, we can be honest about how we have not lived up
to the demands of discipleship. Assured that God loves us
unconditionally despite our unfaithfulness, we can confess those
actions, words, and thoughts that have separated us from God and our
neighbors.
During Lent we acknowledge when we have been too
busy, self-serving, and preoccupied to find room in our lives for God’s
gift of Jesus Christ. We confess not always being willing to sacrifice
our self-interest for the well-being of the community. Lent is a time
to be humble and to say, "I’m sorry," even when we feel we
have done nothing wrong…..
Sadly enough, the church is too often the last
place where we feel we can confess our sin. Yet our congregations
should be the places where we look for support as we share openly and
honestly with each other about our struggles to follow Jesus.
There really is no Lent except as seen through the
eyes of what follows. Our reflection and confession during this season
is informed and made possible by the witness of the crucifixion and
resurrection. It is only through these pivotal events that humbling
ourselves before each other and before a forgiving God makes any sense
at all.
Confession is not a despairing thing. Rather it is
cause for rejoicing. For in being honest with ourselves before God, we
become open to God’s forgiving grace and mercy. Without confession
we cannot recognize and receive these bounteous gifts even though they
are always freely offered.
As we journey through Lent this year, may we take
the time to reflect on our discipleship. Let us consider how generous
we have been in sharing our witness and our resources. As we do this,
may we open ourselves to God’s presence in our lives through new,
even surprising opportunities. And let us respond to God’s
invitation in ways that are generous and worthy of the divine trust.
