LENTEN REFLECTION ON LUKE 13:18-21

Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.”

I admit that I’ve never seen a mustard seed. Nor have I seen a fully-grown mustard plant. I must, therefore, take Jesus at his word when he says that a mustard seed can grow into a plant large enough to support a flock of birds. But I have seen the seed of a Pin Oak tree. The Pin Oak produces the smallest acorn of all the oaks, no bigger than the fingernail on your smallest finger. But that acorn contains everything needed to produce a towering oak tree. The Pin Oak begins its life as a tiny seed and will spend its 120-year life reaching for the sun, the source of its very being.  During its life it will provide food, refuge, and shelter for hundreds of animal species, each dependent on the tree in its own unique way.  

What a perfect metaphor for human faith! Faith begins as a small seed within us. Like an oak tree reaching for the sun, faith compels us to reach for God, the source of our very being. And as we reach towards God, faith nurtures us, shelters us, and protect us.  

I’ve come to think of the myriad of human faith traditions as the branches of a great tree of faith. One major branch represents the Abrahamic spiritual traditions; Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Another branch represents the traditions of the Eastern world; Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Yet another represents the traditions of the Indian subcontinent; Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism. And while the beliefs and practices of these traditions vary widely, they are all an expression of the universal human need to touch the infinite. And like the Pin Oak sustains life within its branches, the tree of faith shelters us all, nurtures us all, and, most importantly, unites us all. 

PRAYER

Lord, since the beginning of time humanity has reached for you. And in your love for us all you responded. You touched unique peoples, at unique times, in unique places, within unique cultures, in unique ways. And in doing so, you gave birth to the innumerable spiritual traditions we see today. In a world that seeks to divide, where violence against “the other” is all too common, we pray for the wisdom to see that which transcends our differences. Focus our hearts on what binds us together and to you – faith. Give us the courage to reach out, in faith, to our spiritual brothers and sisters. May our shared faith be a beacon of strength and unity among all people.

LENTEN REFLECTIONS ON ZECHARIAH 3:1-10

- This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘If you will walk in obedience to me and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here". - Zechariah 3:1-10.  

When I was young, abstaining from something that gave me pleasure during Lent was an act of obedience. Usually this involved giving up some trifle like chocolate or a favorite TV show. When asked, my parents would explain that partaking in this Lenten sacrifice was required to help me remember how Jesus suffered for 40 days in the wilderness. Even at a young age I had a hard time equating abstaining from chocolate with the sufferings of Jesus. But, as an obedient Christian, I “did my time”, as it were.

Traditionally, Lenten discipline centers on sacrifice. As such, Lenten practice places the focus of Lent on self; self-denial, self-control, and self-discipline. But is this God’s intent for our obedience? Micah 6:8 provides an alternate view of what God requires of us.

“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Perhaps this Lenten season, rather than focus our obedience on some minor token of self-sacrifice, we can emphasize life-giving practices such as justice, mercy, and humility. We can withhold harsh words, curb our unworthy thoughts, and refrain from callous acts. We can forgive someone who has wronged us, stand up for the millions who suffer from systemic injustice, and appreciate the many gifts God has given us. Would such a Lenten practice serve us better than going without chocolate for 40 days?

Lord, during this time of reflection and contemplation, keep us mindful of the many ways we fall short of what you ask of us. Focus our discipline on actions that affirm all Creation in thought, word, and deed. And in doing so, may we come to understand Lent not as a season of contrition, but as participation in the Kingdom here and now.

Amen