Lent Day 2

“And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed-and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2:33-35)

My friend challenged me saying “Really?  Checking Facebook one time a day doesn’t count as giving something up”. Now, she is an expert at Lent. This is my first excursion into Lent. Last night, I went to my first ever Ash Wednesday service.  The service was amazing, moving, and life changing. As the people went to the front to confess their sins and receive the imposition of the ashes, I watched the hands of the pastors become covered in the filth of the ashes.  I thought of our Jesus becoming covered in the filth of death and then rising triumphantly. Then we left the sanctuary with an external and visible symbol of an internal and invisible change in our lives, reminiscent of the believer’s baptism received in other churches.

So my Lenten decision is called into question at the same time that I participate in an extremely moving ceremony of repentance and commitment.  God never seems to work on just one level or just on one area.  Today is also the day when my friend is delivering her second miracle baby and I happen to be reading through Luke. Can you imagine your beautiful new child being held by the respected priest and the priest looks right at you and says “a sword will pierce your own soul too”?   As parents we all have a small inkling that our children create in us a vulnerability to being pierced. As new parents though we have no idea that piercing is guaranteed.

Mary had been told that her son would be great and that he would reign over the house of Jacob. But understanding Jesus is never simple. The one who would reign over the house of Jacob would also be a sign that will be opposed. How would Mary hold these thoughts together in one mind? Would she forget pieces of them from time to time as she and Joseph lived their lives busy with daily tasks? How would living with Jesus change their perspective?

Living with Jesus changes perspective. To try to hold on to just one facet of Jesus is impossible. We see different images as the days move on. Some days we see the kindness of our Savior. Some days the focus is on our Savior’s call to do and be salt and light. Some days all we can do is hold on to the comfort that we find in the arms of one who has triumphed over death and pain and sadness. My favorite days though are the days we feel, if even briefly, what it means to have life and have it more abundantly. Those days when we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the God of the Universe love us, those are the best days.

What then do I do with the thought that my Lent sacrifice is not sacrifice enough? What do I do with my friend’s miracle? What do I do with a multifaceted Savior who interacts with us as both Lord and friend? I think I’m supposed to do what John the Baptist said to do-share with others and be satisfied with what I have.

Happy Valentine’s Day!