LENT: The Other Spring

Two weeks following my 79th birthday, the first day of spring, it was exhilarating to take a 1.5-mile walk. Mild temperature, azure sky, grass already lawn-growth green — it was glorious, I tell you! Coming as it did, after a few days of way too much time in front of a computer screen, the first day of spring was heaven-sent for some strained eyes and over-worked brain cells. 

Spring! It’s not coincidental that the Christian season of Lent has its roots in the Old English word meaning “the spring season.” Lent is the “other spring,” we might say. It traditionally is a time for spiritual reflection on our journey through all the seasons of our lives, good times and tough times, even as we recall  the last days of Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem. It’s a season for noticing the world around us, the vicissitudes of life, and pondering the wonder, majesty and mystery of creation — especially the mystery of why we’re here in the first place!

As a season, therefore, the “other spring” is an invitation to live deeply, prayerfully, and gratefully in the presence of that mystery just as Jesus did in his last days.  We must not forget, though, that it also is a time to hear once again our Lord’s simple but soul-shaking call at the start of his final journey, first to a couple of Galilean fishermen, now to us:

“Follow me.”

Those two words shake our souls because we know where Jesus is headed. Understandably, we are reluctant to go there. Unlike the other spring, our glorious, warm, blue-sky days don’t include a cross — or at least we hope they don’t. Talk about spoiling a good 1.5-mile walk! 

You and I know a great spring day when we see one. Today was one of them! Believe me, I’m thankful for such days, and look forward with you to many more to come. It can be a magical time of year, to re-experience nature’s return to new life after a long, cold winter. Seasons, too, are spiritual gifts, recurring signs of God’s grace as the world turns to remind us again of another side of creation’s glory and wonder.

But, then there’s Lent and that nasty business about the cross. The other spring also is very much with us, and it’s grace comes as an unsettling call to our deepest selves. Take up your cross, live by faith, and follow Him to the very end of your journey! Somehow we know our very lives depend on heeding Jesus’ words and walking henceforth in his holy way. All the way.

Lent. It’s the other spring — the springtime of our soul.

— Pastor Steve