The
term "lent" derives from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning "spring." As
a liturgical season, its origin is rooted in the final period of preparation
of candidates for their Easter baptism. Their preparation included acknowledgment
of, and absolution for, their spiritual and moral shortcomings. By the
late Middle Ages, Lent had become a period of penitential devotion for
everyone, especially by abstaining from festivities, by fasting and almsgiving,
and by dedicating more than the usual time to religious endeavors. In harmony
with Jesus' own sorting out process as depicted in tonight's reading from
Mark, Lent has evolved for the self-examination of one's fundamental values
and priorities; it is not a time for self-punishment.
I
am repelled by the elevation of self-denial and self-sacrifice as
primary virtues for Lent or any other time. Clearly, both self-denial
and self-sacrifice are called for in particular circumstances when
others’ needs have primacy. However, the real ongoing issue
for us is neither self-denial nor self-sacrifice, but removing from
our lives chronic self-centeredness. As I have been mentioning quite
frequently of late, a balanced love of oneself with equal regard for
others is part of the “Summary of the Law” given by Christ.
The one moral absolute is to love God, one’s neighbor, and oneself,
as we heard at the beginning of tonight’s liturgy. [See “Internal
Suffering and Christianity” in the Episcopal Liturgy subsite.]
As
a youngster, I simply accepted the customs of my Episcopal parish
and Roman Catholic school and “gave up” something inconsequential
for Lent. I felt quite pious and satisfied by such artificial self-denials
and sacrifices. As I recall, I threw in candy, too; I have never been
much of a candy eater. During those elementary school years, I went
to church every Lenten Wednesday afternoon. We heard wonderful stories
about heroic missionaries and saved pennies for our Lenten offering
to be presented at the season’s conclusion, perhaps on Easter
Sunday. Amazingly most adults continue with similar, immature traditions
so satisfying for children. In fact, throughout their lives, adults
generally do not move beyond a child’s perception of their religious
beliefs and practices.
If
you are inclined to observe Lent at all, I should like to suggest
that we reinvent Lent as a positive, genuinely personal experience.
What’s more, I would like to propose some possible ways by which
we might experience a worthwhile Lenten season.
First,
learn something significant about your religious beliefs. Recognize
that what you learned as a child was suitable for children,
not for adults. Also, accept the possibility that you may have been
taught
some erroneous, even harmful, doctrinal and moral views. Years
ago, I wrote a “Commentary on the Prayer Book Catechism” as
an adult refresher resource or to be used as preparation for
adult Confirmation. It is neither entertaining nor inspiring. The
writing
is informational, thoughtful, and sometimes requires more than
one reading. Far be it for me to imply that my Commentary provides
God’s
own Truth; rather, it offers more than one humanly fallible,
informed, position on most issues. It is available within the designated
subsite
of www.philosophy-religion.org/. If you choose to use it at
all now or in the future and you have questions as you read, e-mail
me at
canon@rtnolan.com; I shall
get back to you within a matter of a day or two. Most Episcopal churches
do not ask you to leave your
brains
at the door. We are a community of faith that values both heart
and head!
Second,
as a Lenten project and beyond, accept the reality that regardless
of whatever you are persuaded to believe after studying something,
agree to differ with others who have informed, but different opinions.
You will never reach God-like certainty about much, if anything at
all, whether in religion, psychology, physics, or any other effort
at understanding the many issues and topics in which we become engrossed.
At the most, you and I might be persuaded to interpret and to believe
firmly, regardless of the subject. [See “Blik” and similar
items in the “All Handouts” subsite.] Establish your relationships
with others, not on intellectual agreement, but based on the unity
of spirit provided by a mutually caring fellowship. Author Madeleine
L'Engle commented in an interview: "We love to argue about buttons.
The Mennonites and the Amish split over buttons. One group thought
buttons were useful and, therefore, permissible and the other group
thought they were decorative and not permissible. They split over
buttons. That is what we do. We argue over buttons. We forget that
Christ is Lord. We forget that God made it all and we argue over buttons.
That is pretty silly of us." Yes, silly, and self-defeating.
I would add that some of us are rainbow colored buttons. Though a
biblical color, lots of folks find it abominable and insist on buttons
of so-called "orthodox" colors. Silly. And, often hateful.
Third, and here’s
a first for me to say from the pulpit, check your
financial priorities.
St. Andrew’s Church – with its various internal and external
ministries – scrapes by financially (with a deficit budget) from
month to month with a very uncertain future. Too many fundraisers
have been necessary just to survive, and that is a dangerous burden
leading to burnout and the delusion that all is well. Yet, we are
a unique congregation
in so many ways of the heart and mind. During our precarious, unsure
existence, we still reach out beyond our doors. For example, next
week,
we shall
for the first time ask for (but not insist on) a ten dollar donation
at the Integrity supper. Whatever is collected will be turned over
to “Our
Little Roses Ministries” [www.ourlittleroses.org/]. Even if you
cannot attend the supper and hear Dr. Diana Frade, please consider
sending a Lenten check this coming week to St. Andrew’s (noted for “Our
Little Roses”). Additionally, consider financially and in other
ways supporting St. Andrew’s even more than you have been doing.
There! I’ve said it. Although I preach about stewardship without
hesitation, I HATE bringing up particular money issues during worship.
I have never done it before during my four decades (plus) as an
ordained minister. [Parenthetically, my family are members here,
pledge, and anything
we do is as volunteers; gladly, as “retired priest-in-residence,” I
receive no compensation for what I do as a priest. We both do this,
because we are grateful that St. Andrew’s has been courageous enough
to welcome us as an open, public family – the only Palm Beach County
Episcopal Church that has done so or probably would do so today.]
There
are many other ways by which you might choose to observe Lent. The
three that I am suggesting have to do with our minds and hearts as
well as our priorities, resources, and responsibilities as Christians.
In any case, in the positive spirit of loving God, neighbor, and self,
Lent can be a special time – not for gloom or child-like activities,
but for continuing to grow in God’s love and service, through
Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Gospel According To Mark 1:9-13
The Baptism of Jesus
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized
by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water,
he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove
on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the
Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’
The Temptation of Jesus
And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.
He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was
with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.