Hard won observance
Holy Week arrived before I felt even remotely ready. On Palm Sunday I felt both exhausted, relieved, and triumphant that Brian and I had fought through waves of busyness and distraction to stay *mostly* on track in our family’s Bible reading plan and our Lent observances. We didn’t fast perfectly. We didn’t light the candle, read scripture, and listen to St. Matthew Passion every day. We weren’t always together and we weren’t always engaged and sometimes we scrambled to catch up. We had end-of-the-sport-season celebrations and Brian’s work trip to the US and guests and sleepovers and youth group and Ray’s writers’ group and music lessons and Willa’s church volunteering… and… and…
And Holy Week arrived. Amidst the flurry of western civilisation busyness that seemed never to abate, good though all of it was, the lights turned off at night and we found the ground beneath our feet. This is why we have our traditions that are extra-biblical. Nowhere in the Bible are we commanded to observe Advent or Lent. If we’re doing it out of obligation or pride, then it’s useless. It has become an idol in and of itself. But in our Age of Distraction, the fight to observe Lent is a fight worth waging. It has drawn our eyes again and again to the story that matters.
“My Jesus, my Jesus, rest in peace.”
It’s now Black (or Holy) Saturday and we are awaiting the joy of the resurrection morning. We’re praying that you have found the ground beneath your feet and have your eyes firmly affixed to Christ, not the waves.
Ruth
Agree with you about the struggle to keep Lent. Even though we are retired, it was a struggle. But we attended two Good Friday services, one here and one at the church we attend in the area. What a wonderful experience to worship together and share the communion with other believers and await Sunday. Prayers for you have been said and thanksgivings too. May we never forget that He said, “It is finished.” Sending love to all of you, Ruth
Grace
This is such a beautifully and thoughtfully written reflection. I really liked the honesty of it – not pretending to do things perfectly, just recognising how hard it is to keep your attention on what matters in such a distracted world!
Grace
Also just read your monthly update – also beautifully written, even in the middle of so much stress and heartbreak. I’m so sorry you’re all dealing with all of that – the water issues, the poor bird, your knee, all of it. But what a beautiful reminder too of how much small acts of care can mean when things feel especially heavy. Sending love and hoping everything is sorted very soon before your guests arrive!