Expect an Unexpected Lent

Meditation on the Second Sunday of Lent

Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; Psalm 27; Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 9:37-48a

"Surprise!"

If you look for them, you will find stories throughout the biblical witness of God bringing surprises into the lives of His people.

For example,, although he was a very old man, In Genesis 15 Abram is surprised by God with a new family and a new destiny. And though it was common for people to come to him for healing, in Luke's story Jesus seems surprised by a father who breaks through the throng seeking peace and health for his troubled son.

Ironically, if we thought about it at all, we would find it surprising to consider that Lent, among all seasons, could be a time of surprises. Typically, anticipation, unexpected events, and narratives of God intervening in our lives in fresh and unforeseen ways are central to Advent, Epiphany, Easter, and Pentecost. But during Lent?

And yet here it is, even in Lent.

While we acknowledge that Lent is primarily about preparing for Easter, it might also be a time to stay open to the unexpected ways God helps us repent, heal broken relationships, and recover from life's wounds.

Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” Luke 9:48.

Jesus reminded the disciples to be open to God's formula that the first shall be last, and the last first by standing with a child. So with a child's innocent acceptance of experiencing something new in almost every moment (like the child in the picture), let us accept the fact that God may bring us something new, even in Lent!

Do a New Thing

Faced with the old

The things done that

You wish forgotten

Not to be proud of

Painful to remember

Faced with the old

Do a new thing

Act as if forgiven

Get up and walk

Go on