Reading the Gospels for Lent

 

Read ~ Luke 11-13

 

An overview of these three chapters: This grouping of chapters starts with prayer but takes a turn toward brokenness and pain and suffering.  Placing the stories side-by-side in these chapters reminds us that prayer is not just some salve that will solve everything that ails us.  Prayer isn’t a money-back guarantee for the good life.  Prayer will be honest about the evils that surround us, even assail us.  Jesus reminds us that we are called to persist in shining our light, even when there are gale force winds that threaten to extinguish the light.  Luke continues to place truths that contradict one another next to each other.  We have parables about building up more and more in storehouses, but then told not to worry.  This is a contradiction to the cultural gospel which says you need to save, build up your nest egg, because who is going to take care of you later?  We live in a culture of individualization and isolation, but the call of discipleship is into community ~ connections that are not always perfect or even easy.  I do believe that when Jesus talks about the lilies of the fields, he is pointing to being present and aware ~ open to the fullness of this moment ~ even when there is some evil or brokenness.  In chapter 13, we read a few more parables about that which is seemingly small or insignificant bringing about great change.  I think here of moments when someone’s words made all the difference in my life or one kind gesture really causing my heart to feel strangely warmed.  

 

Three questions to ponder prayerfully: Do you remember or recall how you learned the Lord’s Prayer and who taught it to you?  You are invited to slowly pray these words, letting each settle in ~ evoke and provoke new insights.  How can you today slow down?  Dallas Willard said that, “Hurry is the great enemy of the spiritual life in our day.  You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life…There is nothing else.”  This takes time, but that journey to a slower pace can begin today.  As you slow down, try to notice one small mustard-seed or yeast moment rising in your life today, how does this make an impression and impact for you?

 

Rather than more words from me, today let these chapters and words simmer and stew in your soul to see where the good news in these verses might take you.  Amen.