Hebrews
12:1-3. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us also lay aside every weight…and let us run with patience the race that
is set before us.
It is always hard to forget that Lent is a season on
the calendar, an annual re-occurrence. It is marked by the tilting of the earth
which makes for lengthening days, gradual warming, and new life in our gardens.
Lent. A season. But, as Paul tells us, “a cloud of
witnesses…,” worldwide, are deep into another kind of season. We turn inward,
as a community and individually, in contemplation of an historical event. No,
we turn inward in mourning for the loss, the pain and suffering (the humanity)
of our Lord Jesus Christ. We turn inward asking that He will increase his
presence with us. It is a time when we may review our ideas and ideals, seek
more understanding of our spiritual life, and explore our errors with hope “to
lay aside every weight….” It may be a sorrowful season.
But no. We are, after all, Easter People. We know the
story. He will rise in glory. We will celebrate the gift with joy, as we have
for past centuries and will for endless future generations.
— Mike Hayes
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