March 2007

Dear Friends,

Last year at this time, I asked “What are you giving up for Lent?” We give up things that are unhealthy for us, or that block us from a clearer walk with Christ on our spiritual journey. We also give things up because to make a sacrifice reminds us of the Lord’s sacrifice for us, and Lent is our time of penitence, introspection and fasting with Jesus, as we travel with him through the wilderness on the way to the cross. Death and the cross are the only roads to resurrection. In my preaching, I tend to stress joy and happiness ten months out of the year, but during Lent I stress the time for quiet reflection and taking a hard look at tough changes that need to be made in our lives that will help us to New Life. What we “give up” may be a small, symbolic sacrifice, but the struggle to stay away from cream in our coffee (that’s what I gave up last year, and I’m still off of it) can help us to stay focused and remember what we’re trying to accomplish during these forty days. This year, as the pants get tighter, I’m giving up extra bread and sugar for Lent, because I feel healthier when I do, and when I feel healthier my spirits rise, and I feel closer to God.

But let me ask a new question. This year at our ecumenical Ash Wednesday service to kick off Lent, Kathleen Reynolds from Drew Methodist shared some thoughts on “picking something up” for Lent. Rather than merely lighten our load by giving things up, she suggests that we take something on, like a Lenten commitment to visit someone in the nursing home, or exercising or praying or reading the Bible every day, or perhaps regularly writing a card or letter to old friends who could use a touch. I like this idea. It reminds me of what is said about Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: It’s not a day off; it’s a day on. To honor MLK’s legacy, we don’t sit on the couch and watch TV, we get out and do something to break down separations between people. Surely the same must be said for honoring our Lord. To follow Jesus means to lay down our burdens, yes, but ultimately our responsibility requires that we take on the burdens of our neighbor. Jesus taught us to love with Servant Love. Kathleen from Drew gave us all smooth river rocks she had painted with a cross on one side and a word of affirmation on the other. I closed my eyes and reached into the basket and pulled out “balance.” The message was clear. As I give up baggage that weighs me down spiritually, I must stay in balance by picking up something that will help another. Paradoxically, I know that my soul will be lightened even more.

I haven’t decided what I’m picking up yet. I only know it won’t be the bread basket.

Love and light,

Martin

To read Martin's letters from past months, please click here.