These readings, as so many during the Lenten season, are full of confusion. The images are of life and death, dying and rising. For a modern day reader there are many challenges. The message is very counter cultural. None of us want to be killed for what we say. Neither do we want to be the servant of the servants. The image just does not work, if it ever did.
What is the message and where is the good news? I think the message may be something along the lines of the distinction between the message and the messenger. By killing the messenger, the message is not likewise destroyed. In our world today we can be very selective about the messages we listen to and the ones we ignore - the ones we try to do away with. Jesus, in trying to prepare the Apostles for what was coming, is sidetracked by the mother of Zebedee’s sons who does not hear the message. She is focused on the future status of her sons. She is a very human character, not a villain.
The question for me during this Lenten season is what is distracting me from hearing and paying attention to Christ and his message? Distractions, some call addictions which is a much harsher but possible more realistic word, are always around. Addictions range from the total attention to the routine of the day to over indulgence of whatever. Addictions are not just medical concerns, they are social and, most importantly, spiritual concerns. Distractions, addictions can be food, clothing, life style, job - anything which attracts us more than does our God. What could be more attractive than the God who loves me?
Walking with Jesus along the Lenten path is an opportunity to stop and listen and “be” with Christ. It is a time to let go of what holds me and to hold onto Christ. It is a time to drink of His cup.
The good news is that God, who loves us deeply, understands that we are confused and easily distracted. Even the apostles who were right there with Christ could not stay focused. They too were pulled into the distraction of status and position.
I must keep reminding myself how much God loves me and how patient she is. If I can keep this message in focus this lent, I know that I will be walking closer to Christ.
Joan Blandin Howard
After working and teaching at Creighton for many years, I am officially retired, but hardly so. Having 5 adult children, in-laws, and 11 grandchildren I keep pretty busy! My husband and I spend hours in our garden planting, pruning, dead-heading and of course weeding and mowing! We spend even more time sitting in our garden, delighting in its beauty. The beauty overwhelms me and invities me into a space of en-Joy-ment and gratitude to the Creator and Artist of all. I have much for which to be grateful. I also like to travel, read, write and make art. My ministry of spiritual direction and silent retreats continues.
I count my blessings. You among them.
Initially I thought I was writing for myself. I use the readings as a source of personal prayer. I thoroughly enjoy the time I spend in prayer, study and preparation. The writing seems to be a natural end product. The wonderful e-mails I receive tell me that I am not writing just for me and they reconfirm my faith in the presence of the Lord, who speaks all languages, permeates untold experiences, and surfaces in the most ordinary of daily delights and disturbing distractions. That the Lord would speak through me is a gift I had not anticipated.
I thank you, the reader and fellow pilgrim, for joining us on our journey. God bless us.
