Four Lents ago, death came near, and it changed everything.
Just as the imposition of ashes reminded us at the start of the month, from dust we came and to dust we shall return.
While we all know this truth, we live in a culture obsessed with denying the realities of finitude and death. And so when we bump up against our limits, when our health fails, or we face a terminal diagnosis, there is much soul work to do.
Navigating the jag of the journey where death has come near or companioning those suffering with incurable illness offers the opportunity for a reckoning. Like with the many ways we have been taught to separate our souls from our bodies. Or how despite our theology, it continues to surprise us when we discover that there are things in life that are worse than death.
Our lives continually provide opportunities for us to do spiritual work. Change, growth and transformation all require courage. And most often we wait until the discomfort of our current circumstances is unbearable before we are willing to risk a different way of being.
The invitation of Lent is to consider: How is it with my soul?
Where are the places of pain, of longing, of discomfort and dis-ease?
Where do I sense connection with God?
Where am I longing to experience more union with God?
Living courageously does not mean that we don’t have fear nor that we deny the potential pitfalls, challenges or griefs. But a life of faith means we act in spite of our trepidation. We continue onward with confidence in our ability to be resilient believing in the good that transformation, repentance and growth can bring. We choose to trust and value the gift of the Spirit’s work in our lives, which can do abundantly more than we could ever ask or imagine.
A Blessing for Living with Courage
May I remember that beauty and goodness surrounds me.
And when I yearn to know the right path
root me in divine love
May I remember that you are with me.
And when I long for rest, still waters and green pastures,
strengthen in my inner being
May I remember that I am most at home with you.
And when I travel through the darkest valley,
dwell in my heart through faith.
May it be so.
If this reflection has been meaningful to you, please consider sharing it with others.
And if you would like to schedule a soul care conversation to discuss what is stirring for you or to begin a rhythm of spiritual direction, you can find a schedule match here.
Check out last year’s Lenten posts for more reflections, prompts and blessings:
Invitation to the Wilderness (Lent 2023)
Still Wandering: Enduring the Dry Places (Lent 2023)
Thank you, Sherah-Leigh! May it be so!