Ash Wed

Folks,

Today begins the 40+ day journey of Lent. For most of us, Lent isn’t that much different than any other time in the year; we’re always busy running around doing this or that, running errand, working, taking the kids here and there, working to keep the house picked-up, feeling guilty about the things we haven’t gotten to but need to, and in there somewhere we have to eat and sleep some perhaps- if we have time. I used to say- “I’ll sleep next year!”

And in the middle of this we look for meaning! Some of you may remember a rather edgie British film called “Alfie” (in 1966 there was a whole wing of our culture that was edgie) – about a self-absorbed guy who uses people for his own pleasure. Then at some point has a come-to-Jesus moment where he questions his all of his life; his motivations, his lifestyle, his choices, and decides to straighten up his life- only to be let down by the effects of his choices. The lyrics of the title song still ring true to us today:

Alfie Lyrics Artist(Band):Joss Stone What's it all about, Alfie? Is it just for the moment we live? What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie? Are we meant to take more than we give Or are we meant to be kind? And if only fools are kind, Alfie, Then I guess it's wise to be cruel. And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie, What will you lend on an old golden rule? As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, Alfie, I know there's something much more, Something even non-believers can believe in. I believe in love, Alfie. Without true love we just exist, Alfie. Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie. When you walk let your heart lead the way And you'll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie would you tell me what's it all about? what's it all about? Alfie, Alfie, Alfie. What's it all about? Whats this all about? what's it all about Alfie? tell me what's it all about Alfie? what's it all about Alfie? just tell me yeah. what's it all about? what's it all about?

And yet more Americans claim to be religious and/or spiritual than not. So what’s my job in the midst of middle-class suburbia where we all seem to be so busy, yet so interested in spirituality and wanting to lead a life of meaning and depth? Perhaps it has to do with speaking the truth that we are so busy (for one)… too busy some times… and offer some ways and practices to help us counter-act the pressures of our life-style, the currents around us that pull us towards selfish abundance, and incline us towards circling our wagons in self-protection-cocooning ourselves in from the greater world.

One of those ways is to take back control of our own spirits! We do not have to be subject to the greater whims of “culture” and “schedule”. Now, no-one is saying this is easy! Or that it can be done in one sitting! Countering our “life-styles” of activity and time pressures takes a lot of discipline for sure.

And that’s what I wanted to share about – discipline.

Usually Lent is a time, we’ve often been taught, to give something up- more often than not, something we like (like for me would be dark chocolate). If that works for you, great! If that helps you bring your mind and heart on those things that are more meaningful, (like family, or doing good work in the world), then more power to you! If that helps you remember that you aren’t the only person in the world, and part of your “divine mission” in life is to help make the world a better place, then keep that practice up!

Thing is, these things we give up are usually temporary (like I can only go so long without my dark chocolate). We usually end up resuming the very things we gave up for Lent after Lent is over! So, I would offer something to those who are looking to do something else – instead of giving up something, perhaps think of adding something- like practices that help you connect to your God and your world. “How in the world am I going to ADD something else into this schedule?” Well, I don’t mean going on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, or building a church in your spare time. I mean something doable like saying “At 12 noon every day I’m going to take some quiet time – 5 minutes or some time like that – and be with God” in prayer, in meditation, in bible reading, or whatever is important to you. Or how about taking a walk every day, a short or long walk (depending on the time you have available) just to be alone with your thoughts, without distractions- some time to look at the sky, or see the flowers growing, or whatever helps you remember you are also part of the world! Practicing Muslims in our culture take time (5 times actually) to set aside whatever they are doing, and take a few minutes to focus on God and what God may be speaking to them. And in our world, in the way we live life, I can’t imagine having the discipline to pray 5 times a day is a bad thing!

This Lent, let our Lenten discipline be to find the gaps in the busy lifestyles we lead, and widen them just a little, being conscious to do the work of letting the Light of God in a little more. In Lutheran parlance this is called “Sanctification” – the living out of our faith in our daily lives.

And please pray for this gathering of people and the community it serves – during these 40 days of Lent… pray with me for us, for guidance.

I, we, need pray-ers, people to pray for us and our work. Will you commit to daily prayer for us?

If this is something you can do, and commit to, during this time of Lent, please let me know. I’ll put you on a separate list for e-mail and/or snail-mail and/or phone call (some do not have e-mail) and connect with you all that way.

Peace,

Pastor C-