Our waiting is not likely to be appalling.
Joseph waited, imprisoned in a pit; the vineyard waited, caught between destruction and redemption.
For us, the Lenten script was written long ago. We know the ending; it will be bloody and then finally redemptive.
So, what do we do — or be — about it? Forty days is a long time to stay focused…without the pressing need to find some locusts or rotting grain to eat.
I like the idea of “re-inventing” Lent each year: finding a new observance to deepen my experience of Lent. Some of these become beloved and get added on to my non-Lenten life.
One of these is “door sitting.” Historically, Ascension was known as the Church of the Open Door. In time, that became untenable; but for a year or so, we’ve been able to open the Church from 12:00 to 2:00 on weekdays. A group of us volunteer (Sirkka Kyle organizes us, online) to be at the door to welcome visitors. Some are local. Most come from the ends of the earth. It is always an adventure. People are enthusiastic, looking or praying. Delightful questions and conversations arise. You may even get some work done — I do my journal.
And then…. there’s the Peace, the Beauty. Can you imagine a lovelier place to “wait out” Lent”?
If not, why not add the Door to your Lent?
Come join us!
Friday, February 26, 2016
Genesis 37:3-4,12-28
Psalm 105:16-22
Matthew 21:33-43
