“At the beginning of Lent, we are reminded that our possessions, our rulers, our empires, our projects, our families and even our lives do not last forever. ‘You are dust, and to dust you shall return’ (Genesis 3:19). The liturgies throughout Lent try to pry loose our fingers, one by one, from presumed securities and plunge us into unknown baptismal waters, waters that turn out to be not only our death tomb but surprisingly our womb of life. Rather than falling back into nothingness, we fall back on everlasting arms.”
During the second year of Lent in the time of Covid, someone online asked, “Haven’t we been living in Lent for the last year?” And someone else commented, “This is the Lentiest Lent ever.” They were referring to the fear, isolation, and loneliness of Covid, as well as Lent’s invitation to do without the ways we protect ourselves from the uncertainty of being fully human. Lent this year begins on Wednesday, March 5th, but it seems like we’ve been living in Lent for the past two months because of the way our rights and freedoms are under threat.
On Ash Wednesday we’ll be reminded that all we count on to keep us safe and secure is an illusion, and that someday all will turn to dust. Lent is 40 days that echo Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness where He fasted, prayed, and was tested by the deceiver. Jesus’ response to the deprivation and temptation of the wilderness was to rely on scripture… not out of context but out of faith and understanding.
I have two new books about scripture on my desk by United Methodist pastor Magrey R. deVega, Questions Jesus Asked, A Six Week Study in the Gospels, and The Bible Year, A Journey Through Scripture in 365 Days. I’m wondering if you’re interested in starting to read one of those books with me during Lent, either online or on a Sunday afternoon?
On Ash Wednesday, March 5th, Keith Calara and I will offer ashes at Murray Plaza (by Napa Noodles) from 7-9am. That evening at 6pm there’s a brief worship service in our sanctuary with St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.
Fat Tuesday (also called Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras) is on Tuesday, March 4th, and St. Mary’s has invited us to a pancake supper at 5:30pm. The cost is $10 for adults and the money raised will go toward the needs of our sanctuary family. Our accompanist Brian Shaw will again be at there playing jazz piano. Reserve your space by calling Dianne at the church office 707.253.1411.
This Sunday in worship we’ll ponder Jesus’ incomprehensible plan to overthrow the empire: “Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you.” Whew!
In faith, Marylee