by Rev. Richard Phillips, Care Ministry Coordinator
Lent was not a part of my life until recent years. But now that I have gotten to know it, I appreciate it. It is a time that says, “Slow down; reflect, ponder, meditate. Take a break from all the busyness of your life and give the spiritual side a bigger place.”
There are interesting parallels and contrasts between Advent and Lent. Both are seasons of expectation and celebration – one, the birth of Jesus, and the other, his resurrection. But Advent is a time of excitement – parties, shopping, music, Christmas trees and all the rest. And Lent is a time after the partying (Mardi Gras), and a time of quiet contemplation – that includes introspection and confession.
Thus, the title of this blog is: “Please Don’t Rush to Easter.” Yes, it’s a great time of celebration and joy, but it loses some of its meaning if we just rush through Lent to get to Easter morning. Not only do we deprive ourselves of a time of inner spiritual renewal, but we miss some of the important teachings of Jesus’ ministry.
It was near the end of his life when Matthew’s gospel records Jesus’ words about the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and mind and love your neighbor as yourself.” The Gospel of John tells us Jesus washed his disciples feet during this time, a lesson in humility for them and us.
Also in Matthew’s gospel, Jesus taught about the final judgment (sometimes called the Parable of the Sheep and Goats). It was there he said, whenever you care for the least of these – the hungry and thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick and the prisoner, that you are doing my will, and you will be welcomed into the kingdom.
In addition to missing some of Jesus’ greatest teachings, if we rush through Lent to Easter, we shortchange the agony of Jesus on his journey to the cross. He wept over the city of Jerusalem, and how far short of God’s expectations it was. He wept at the death of his friend, Lazarus.
Even as he observed the Passover meal with his disciples – and challenged us to remember – he was saddened over Judas, who would leave the supper and betray him. As he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, he was in such agony that he sweated what appeared to be drops of blood. Yet he prayed that prayer that still haunts and challenges us today – not my will, Father, but yours.
He suffered beyond our comprehension during his arrest and mock trials – betrayal (we sometimes miss that little half verse that says, “Then all the disciples deserted him and fled…”), humiliation, mocking, beating. Then the ultimate shame and disgrace – being nailed to a cross as a common criminal and lifted up for everyone to see. And death. Don’t forget his death – for you and me.
So, please don’t rush to Easter. There will be plenty of time to celebrate the resurrection – Easter Sunday and for all eternity! But for now, slow down, ponder, reflect, meditate. Take another look at your own journey to the cross. Then look again at the journey of Jesus – and all he did for you and me – so we can celebrate.