Lent -Day 28
Lent 2010: A Season for Listening
3/20/10 – Day 28
The First Day of Spring
Listening to The Teachings of Jesus: Part 16
Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” – Luke 21:29-33
For most of us in the Southeast spring came a day early this year. Friday was the first day that we were able to turn off the heater and leave the doors and windows open all day long. I was amazed at two things on this sunny day. First I was amazed at how quickly a house that has been so cold can become uncomfortably hot. At the same time I was surprised at how sweet and clean the fresh air (undoubtedly filled with allergens) smelled. We had not noticed how stale and used up the air in the house had become. The fouling of our air was not an over night phenomenon rather it was a slow and gradual process over weeks of bitter cold.
Likewise this time in Lent usually provides a breath of fresh air for our spirits. As creatures of habit, we need season of refreshment, renewal, and growth. What a gift that our spiritual calendars should be in sync with the natural rhythms and weather patterns. We know that there is still a threat of frost in the coming weeks, but we now know for certain that the longer days and warmth of spring are upon us. Similarly, we are reminded of the nearness of the kingdom of God, while not completely present in our lives. We may still have battles and struggles between here and Easter, but we have tasted the sweet air and sunshine of what is to come.
Today we will spend some time in the sunlight. We will listen for God in the explosions of life that surround and fill us. We will meditate on the gospel of resurrection in the midst of colors quickly overcoming the greys of winter. Once more we will discover all that has been eagerly waiting in dormancy for the first golden rays of spring. Tomorrow we will carry this excitement and joy with us into our places of worship. Tomorrow we will allow our hearts to bud and bloom in unrestrained joy as we sing praise to the God of the fig trees and willing servants. Today and tomorrow we will strain to lift our voices above the hymns of creation in honor of our Lord. – Rev. John Mattox
Let us pray,
O God, in mystery and silence you are present in our lives,
bringing new life out of destruction,
hope out of despair, growth out of difficulty.
We thank you that you do not leave us alone but labor to make us whole.
Help us to perceive your unseen hand in the unfolding of our lives,
and to attend to the gentle guidance of your Spirit,
that we may know the joy you give your people. Amen.
- Ruth Duck, 464 UMBOW
