As Lent approaches we are reminded of the Temptation of Christ in the wilderness and his three year journey to the Cross. As I approach the cross and the concept of resurrection in these meditations I tread carefully, understanding many can’t go there yet and even those who believe are somewhat perplexed by what it means. I love Luis’s words – “believe as much as you can, and that’s good enough for God.” The core Christian belief – resurrection — because of its depth, its bold claims, and its many layers of meaning evokes wonder and encourages reflection.
Perhaps, it’s worth a few meditations before Lent to consider some of the story’s and reflect on what they mean in our day-to-day life.
Luke 24:5 – Why do you seek the living among the dead?
Resurrection is about a new life. Who amongst us hasn’t once felt or thought about what it might be like to be totally free from the things that hold us back? Different from returning to the past or flight to some utopia (or in my case some isolated beach), resurrection means a full and complete break with what has been, and a movement into a new creation that is and will be. For every one of us, it can be a radical break with the past which no longer has a claim to define, restrict, or hold us back.
This Lent is an opportunity to make such a radical break. Meditate on what it might take for you on Ash Wednesday to quit seeking the living among the dead and begin a new life with God.
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