Dear Edwards Church Community,
“Do not be afraid.”
The season of Lent is limited to 40 days over six and one-half weeks (minus the Sundays), but the reason for Lent and our need for Lent are not so limited. The 40 days commemorate the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness, facing his demons and preparing for his coming ministry. Those 40 days echo the 40 years the Israelites spent in the wilderness, finding their way from captivity in Egypt to a new life in a home promised by God. But the reason for Lent is not a number; it is time set aside to prepare ourselves to allow something to die, so that new life may grow in its place.
Repeatedly in the gospel, the voice of God speaks through angels or through Jesus, saying “Do not be afraid.” An angel says it to Zechariah, father of John the Baptist, when he is serving in the Temple and learns that his wife Elizabeth, though already old, will have a baby. The angel Gabriel says it to Mary when he tells her she will give birth to the son of God. Both are afraid, and both are reassured.
When the first followers of Jesus worry about how they will provide for their basic needs, Jesus tells them to worry less about their meals and wardrobe and more about their role in the unfolding of God’s realm. When frightened disciples wake Jesus from sleeping because they fear their boat will sink in a storm, he chastises them (gently, of course), “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?”
Even on Easter morning, those who have been told what to expect still struggle to accept that it has, because they are overcome with fear. The angel at the empty tomb in Matthew greets the women with “Do not be afraid.” In John’s gospel the risen Jesus reassures Mary Magdalene first by asking her “Why are you crying” and then by speaking her name, which helps her to recognize him, risen in new life. In Luke, the faithful are brought to moments of recognition that Christ has risen, each as soon as they are able to see, feel, and accept it as real. Just like those events at the empty tomb and on the road to Emmaus, God knows what we need and gives us reasons to believe, as soon as we are able to accept them.
It could take 40 days, 40 years, or a lifetime. And once that moment of recognition occurs, it may fade but it never fully leaves you. Take the time this Lent to face your demons. God will be with you, whispering “Do not be afraid.” Prepare for new life.
Blessings,
Michael