Psalm 69 • Jeremiah 5:1-9 • Romans 2:25–3:18 • John 5:30-47
*Elements of this
reflection are drawn from each of today’s readings.
It’s Friday; it’s Lent. Late winter has given us
glimpses of spring and coming warmth. These glimpses also bring us new
ambitions for outdoor activities and a busier family schedule.
We take a moment to breathe. We find in this
breath an opportunity to examine our commitment to be quiet, calm and
disciplined in Lent. In this moment we breathe
fresh air. This brief examine brings us to the shore of the great ocean. The
cold water rolls over our tender
toes, covered since before Advent.
We are refreshed by the quietly calming place, and
something rare begins to take us away — away for just a second, but it feels
like a generous moment lifted by the Spirit.
We breathe again.
We release any worry about what has gone undone in
these first two weeks of Lent. We’re renewed by what will be done (or possibly
more importantly, not done) in these next four weeks of Lent.
Close
your eyes and feel the cold salt water rinsing your feet. You’re here and God
is with you, rising and falling with the water.
Breathe again.
In some moments God is rinsing you in purifying
love. In other moments our reality may not be so soothing. We may actually feel
more like the drowning Psalmist.
We may feel that the waters have come up to our
neck. God may seem absent. In the times of deep water we hear the frightening
and painful words of wrath. Fear can swell, anxiety rises, stress abounds.
Wait.
Simply breathe again.
Now, in this moment, Jesus reminds us to come to
him to have life.
— Darren Ball
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