Lent is an opportunity to enter the desert–that barren and challenging place–and there, to deepen our relationship with the Living God so that we can bear the harsh realities of discipleship. The journey to Easter is by the road of the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. It is a road that demands everything of us, including life itself.
In the Diocese of Western Newfoundland Labrador Straits, we have made discipleship our primary focus. During some of the training sessions in discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s writings on discipleship were referred to. He makes it abundantly clear that following Jesus Christ comes with a cost. Easter Sunday is preceded by Good Friday, which is a day when all of human weakness and mortality are on full display. It is even bigger than that, as the whole cosmic order, the universe, all of the heavens and spiritual realms, are drawn into that day, and re-ordered. A New Creation has been birthed. As no birth is without labour pains, this birth definitely is not.
At baptism, each Christian is signed with the cross. We are baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection. It is both: death and resurrection. We also enter the road of suffering and the harsh realities of discipleship, of following Jesus Christ. Ultimately, it is resurrection and abundant life. Eternal life even! But with following Jesus Christ comes a cross. We too must die to self and live for Christ. We too must carry a cross.
C.S. Lewis said, “If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.” If wanting a religion that puts you on a potter’s wheel and molds you over and over again, then Christianity at its best will do that for you. If wanting a religion that lets us love God and neighbour, and even our enemies, then Christianity is that religion. If wanting a religion that lets us speak truth in love and receive truth in love then Christianity will do that for us as well.
This Lent may we go to that barren place of the desert and be with Jesus Christ. The more genuine time there, the more strength we will have for bearing the cross, and the more transformed we will be to receive the fullness of the Glory of Easter.
