First Full Week Begins

The grinding power of the plain words of the Gospel story is like the power of millstones; and those who can read them simply enough will feel as if rocks had been rolled upon them.

- G. K. Chesterton

I don't know about you all, but when I have a sense that a huge rock is about to roll on top of me, my fight or flight instinct kicks in and, assessing in an instant that I can't possibly fight the rock, I flee. My guess is that, funny as the rock metaphor is, there is much of this instinctual activity at play in our Lenten journey, and probably the journey of discipleship writ large. There is a deep propensity to step out of the way of the rock coming towards us--to squirm out from in between those circulating millstones--to someplace a little more manageable. It's just natural to want to get out of situations that are uncomfortable for us, not to mention the situations that challenge the ways of life or practices we hold dear.

Lent is about banishing lies and self-deception. It's not about experiencing discomfort just for the sake of being uncomfortable. Not at all. The reason Lent has more than its share of uncomfortable associations is that we are seeking a raw encounter with the truth: and truth does not result in everyday comfort. We are trying to strengthen our ability to NOT run away from the rocks that will soften and tenderize us. And it is in that place of having been softened and humbled that we are most likely to encounter the deeper truth of ourselves and God.

Lest we think this happens all at once, though, we are reminded that there's a reason why Lent is so long! The path to the truth of oneself, and finally to the truth of God's sacrificial and redemptive love, is long and filled with unexpected turns. And here on Day 5, Bonhoeffer gives us a refreshing reminder that we need to start small, and start in a spirit of thanksgiving.

Question for the day:

What are the "small gifts" we receive from God each day?

"Thankfulness works in the Christian community as it usually does in the Christian life. Only those who give thanks for the little things receive the great things as well. We prevent God from giving us the great spiritual gifts prepared for us because we do not give thanks for the daily gifts. We think that we should not be satisfied with the small measure of spiritual knowledge, experience, and love that has been given to us, and that we must constantly be seeking the great gifts. Then we complain that we lack the deep certainty, the strong faith, and the rich experiences that God has given to other Christians, and we consider these complaints to be pious. We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the small (and yet really not so small!) gifts we receive daily. How can God entrust great things to those who will not gracefully receive the little things from God's hand?"

- from his book Life Together

Psalm to consider:

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and all that is within me,

bless his holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and do not forget all his benefits --

who forgives all your iniquity,

who heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the Pit,

who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

who satisfies you with good as long as you live

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

- Psalm 103:1-5

Prayer for today:

Lord, open my eyes that I may see the giftedness of my life and let my life be a hymn of praise and thanksgiving.

Amen