For all of us, there is a lot going
on during these days of Lent 2003.
Lent is a barren season. During the
forty days of Lent, we are reminded that this world is a broken
place. There are clear and present dangers all around. There are
temptations and trials galore. And we are reminded, whether we want
to admit (or confess) it or not, that too often each of us
participates in the brokenness of this world.
On the international scene, there is
the war against the government of Iraq. This war involves our loved
ones, our brothers and sisters in Christ. Add to the war the constant
concern about terrorism around the world.
Controversy now surrounds the war
against Iraq and terrorism. The military war abroad is stirring a
culture war at home. It has been said that the first victim of war
fought with weapons is truth. It can now be said that the first
victim of a war fought with words and images is also truth.
The American economy continues to
stumble. While the United States remains wealthy to a degree that is
unbelievable, many are going through very uncertain economic times.
Closer to home, there are many
challenges related to illness. Many of our illness involve treatments
that, in themselves, are sickening.
On top of these challenges are the
irritations of everyday life. Good will and civility among strangers
sometimes seem in short supply.
Where is all of this leading? Where
will it end?
It all leads to the Cross of Jesus
Christ. And it ends with the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
When life in this world seems too
heavy to bear, too much to endure, we need to lift up our eyes to see
the crucified Jesus. There He hangs, bearing the crushing burden of
the world of sin, enduring the horrors of the worst suffering and
death imaginable. There He hangs, for the world. There He hangs, for
us.
But that is not all. For the One
who suffered and died was raised from death, raised from the tomb of
burial, raised to life everlasting. His bruised and broken body was
raised, transformed, and glorified. The Risen Lord is the strongest
signal that the Kingdom of God is coming. Despite all appearances to
the contrary, all the travail of this age, the Kingdom is coming.
This hope is our hope. For we have
been baptized into Jesus Christ, His Cross and His Resurrection. And
we receive His Body and His Blood at His Table. And during Holy Week,
we will travel with Him to Jerusalem, through His Last Supper, through
His Crucifixion, to His being raised out of the tomb. By faith, this
hope is our hope.
This is our hope. Because of this
hope, with God’s help, we can endure the wars and rumors of wars, the
uncertainties, the challenges, the sufferings, the incivilities of
this age. Because of this hope, with God’s help, we can persevere.
Because of this hope.
