We’ve entered the season of Lent. It is a time of reflection, self-examination, and up until this week, I’d never really thought about it being a season of “reconciliation.”
I know, that may sound odd coming from a pastor whose favorite season is Lent, who loves the introspection, asking of questions, and unearthing all the spiritual debris that backs up in my soul and heart the rest of the year, but if I’m honest with myself, I tend not to really think about reconciliation as a focus of the season. And yet, it most certainly is.
The word “reconciliation” has come to mind because part of my daily discipline is to open my browser and go to: www.d365.org . During the season of Lent the name changes to “Journey to the Cross,” but it is the same poignant message, written by ordinary folks, bumbling through life and faith as we are. The theme this week is “Reconciliation.” The front page of the site gives a title each week. This week it reads, “For Reconciliation,” and each day the focus has been on what reconciliation is and how it is lived out.
As I’ve thought about the whole concept, I have found myself reflecting upon what it means to examine oneself and what the purpose is. Part of it has to do with preparing ourselves to receive the amazing grace of the cross and resurrection. Part of it has to do with getting outside ourselves and our normal routine, so that we might see from a different perspective, where and how God is working in and around our lives. But at it’s core, the preparing and the “change of scenery” is that which moves us to see and acknowledge where we fall short, where change needs to take place...and where God is in the midst of it.
It is through this process that reconciliation takes place. The question is, with whom is that reconciliation made? The answer is different for each of us.
Through the process of Lenten discipline and devotion, some discover the need for them to be reconciled with those whom they have hurt or who have hurt them. The lenten catharsis of laying oneself bare and being stripped to the core reveals the scars and open wounds inflicted by human to human interaction. Reconciliation is the salve.
Others find this season revealing the need to be reconciled on a more global basis. That is, some chosen disciplines lead us to realize how much we consume, whether it be food, gasoline, or other resources, and through having our eyes opened to our greed, we realize that we need to be reconciled with God’s gift to us in Creation.
But one of the most poignant and important places where lent reveals the need for reconciliation is in our relationship with ourselves. Through the risk of asking God to reveal who we really are, as opposed to who we think we are, we can find ourselves led to places to which we don’t want to go emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. In opening up we can come to realizations about ourselves that are painful or difficult to accept, and we resist. But if we are willing to go into the places that we resist, we discover the gift of reconciliation. We realize that the hardest things are often the life-changing things of life.
In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians (fifth chapter), he shares some thoughts about the ministry of reconciliation. Part of his message to them is to be reconciled with one another, but then he shifts his point and speaks about Christ’s reconciliation with the world. Because of Christ’s sacrifice and work while on earth, because of his death and resurrection, Paul says that we are
reconciled, made whole, brought back into right relationship, with the world and God. “Therefore,” he says, “regard no one from a worldly point of view...for if anyone is in Christ he/she is a new creation...God reconciled us to himself through Christ...Be reconciled to God.”
This season of Lent is a time to honestly reflect on where we are in life, in our faith, in our relationship, and with ourselves. It’s a time to be reconciled and made new through the risk of stepping out in faith and seeking God’s truth.
Part of what I shared on Ash Wednesday is the Lent is a time when we take the time to examine and remember who we are and whose we are. If we take it seriously, we can’t help but learn, grow, and be changed. If we venture forth into this unknown, God will make a way for wholeness, true life, and reconciliation to be ours.
What does reconciliation mean to you? Where might God be inviting you to be reconciled? Who might you call on to help along the journey, just in case the truth seems to difficult?
I know, that may sound odd coming from a pastor whose favorite season is Lent, who loves the introspection, asking of questions, and unearthing all the spiritual debris that backs up in my soul and heart the rest of the year, but if I’m honest with myself, I tend not to really think about reconciliation as a focus of the season. And yet, it most certainly is.
The word “reconciliation” has come to mind because part of my daily discipline is to open my browser and go to: www.d365.org . During the season of Lent the name changes to “Journey to the Cross,” but it is the same poignant message, written by ordinary folks, bumbling through life and faith as we are. The theme this week is “Reconciliation.” The front page of the site gives a title each week. This week it reads, “For Reconciliation,” and each day the focus has been on what reconciliation is and how it is lived out.
As I’ve thought about the whole concept, I have found myself reflecting upon what it means to examine oneself and what the purpose is. Part of it has to do with preparing ourselves to receive the amazing grace of the cross and resurrection. Part of it has to do with getting outside ourselves and our normal routine, so that we might see from a different perspective, where and how God is working in and around our lives. But at it’s core, the preparing and the “change of scenery” is that which moves us to see and acknowledge where we fall short, where change needs to take place...and where God is in the midst of it.
It is through this process that reconciliation takes place. The question is, with whom is that reconciliation made? The answer is different for each of us.
Through the process of Lenten discipline and devotion, some discover the need for them to be reconciled with those whom they have hurt or who have hurt them. The lenten catharsis of laying oneself bare and being stripped to the core reveals the scars and open wounds inflicted by human to human interaction. Reconciliation is the salve.
Others find this season revealing the need to be reconciled on a more global basis. That is, some chosen disciplines lead us to realize how much we consume, whether it be food, gasoline, or other resources, and through having our eyes opened to our greed, we realize that we need to be reconciled with God’s gift to us in Creation.
But one of the most poignant and important places where lent reveals the need for reconciliation is in our relationship with ourselves. Through the risk of asking God to reveal who we really are, as opposed to who we think we are, we can find ourselves led to places to which we don’t want to go emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. In opening up we can come to realizations about ourselves that are painful or difficult to accept, and we resist. But if we are willing to go into the places that we resist, we discover the gift of reconciliation. We realize that the hardest things are often the life-changing things of life.
In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians (fifth chapter), he shares some thoughts about the ministry of reconciliation. Part of his message to them is to be reconciled with one another, but then he shifts his point and speaks about Christ’s reconciliation with the world. Because of Christ’s sacrifice and work while on earth, because of his death and resurrection, Paul says that we are
reconciled, made whole, brought back into right relationship, with the world and God. “Therefore,” he says, “regard no one from a worldly point of view...for if anyone is in Christ he/she is a new creation...God reconciled us to himself through Christ...Be reconciled to God.”This season of Lent is a time to honestly reflect on where we are in life, in our faith, in our relationship, and with ourselves. It’s a time to be reconciled and made new through the risk of stepping out in faith and seeking God’s truth.
Part of what I shared on Ash Wednesday is the Lent is a time when we take the time to examine and remember who we are and whose we are. If we take it seriously, we can’t help but learn, grow, and be changed. If we venture forth into this unknown, God will make a way for wholeness, true life, and reconciliation to be ours.
What does reconciliation mean to you? Where might God be inviting you to be reconciled? Who might you call on to help along the journey, just in case the truth seems to difficult?
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I find that some times we don't want reconciliation because it is too hard.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Exactly Brenda. But when we do, it goes back to the old saying from Jesus, "The Truth shall set you free."
DeleteTim, I really love this line you wrote: "The lenten catharsis of laying oneself bare and being stripped to the core reveals the scars & open wounds inflicted by human to human interaction. Reconcilliation is the salve." Wow! This is one I will ponder and share with others. Also, your invitation at the end is so important: in case the truth is too difficult, who will you ask to help? As I have learned and am learning from you, dear friend and pastor...this is what the church is.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathy.
ReplyDelete