I’m so glad that Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Groundhog’s Day and that this will be a short winter. The sunshine recently has been restorative! On our women’s retreat, we were able to enjoy the sun on an afternoon walk. The sun brings so much joy to our lives, making certain activities more pleasant such as strolls and fun on the playground. As wonderful as a snow day can be, I’m glad we’re turning our attention to spring.
Our Lenten journey can be similar to this transition from winter to spring. On Ash Wednesday we are reminded of our humanity through the imposition of ashes and hearing, “You are dust and to dust you shall return.” Yet from the dust, from the brokenness of our humanity, sprouts of life emerge when we recognize that we are forgiven and receive the grace of Jesus Christ. Each day the sky brightens a bit more as we get closer to Easter.
And then Easter is the ultimate sunny day in our faith. The Son has risen and we rejoice! We have been through the wringer of Holy Week – the celebration of Palm Sunday and the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to the devastating crucifixion of Jesus. We wake up on Easter to the realization and joy that Jesus has overcome the grave and is alive! It is such a miracle that we are giving thanks and celebrating 2000 years later.
Our celebration is about more than the miracle of Christ’s resurrection. It is what Jesus has done through his death and resurrection that we give thanks. Through his death and resurrection, we are given eternal life. There is nothing we can do to deserve this, it is all freely given to us because of God’s great love for us. We can take comfort in that no matter how broken we are or how many times we fall short, Jesus is still there for us.
On this journey, how is Jesus calling you? In our culture, the talk around Lent typically involves conversation on what we are giving up, how are we fasting during this period? In our Lutheran tradition, we don’t tend to fast during Lent. Martin Luther taught that fasts can be very beneficial for discipline and keeping the body from its worldly desires. However, there is no fasting that can earn us salvation or grace. Those are the free gifts of God. So where does that leave us?
For me, I am going to try to reinforce good habits that have slipped away over time. I want to have a stronger prayer life and more time focused on journaling. I’ll be spending less time scrolling social media, but I’m not setting out as a specific fast. I am not denying myself but rather ensuring that I am being satisfied spiritually and emotionally first. I am feasting on things that are better for me than getting lost in reels I’ve already seen.
What about you? How will you be spending these next six weeks? However you decide to travel this journey, may you bask in the light of Jesus and enjoy the beautiful growth that is upon us. As the flowers sprout from the dark soil, may the love of Jesus sprout in your hearts. May you know the peace of Christ fully this season.
In peace,
Pastor Laura Applegate, Seminary Intern