The teachings of Christ run counter to the values embraced by our world. I offer no revelation in that statement for the follower of Christ, and yet, it seems that instead of allowing Christ to transform our lives, we seem determined to mold Christ into the Savior we want him to be. We think more in ascending terms...(building bigger and better for the kingdom) while Nouwen reminds us that God's love is made "visible in the descending way." From the incarnation, to the cross, to the way in which God uses the church to carry forth Christ's mission, the Christ-path follows the way of humility and service, dependent upon God's guiding hand. That is indeed revolutionary when we look at what is often claimed as victory in the name of the Lord. As individuals and as the church, we find ourselves scanning God's word for proof text to support our own choices, instead of waiting, watching, and listening for the divine. Nouwen notes, "in our impatient culture, it has indeed become extremely difficult to see much salvation in waiting."
The season of Lent calls us to the descending way...to salvation in waiting. It is not salvation of our own making, but rather, surrender to the way of Christ.
JKA
This gradual descent is why I value Lent. I am always "tempted to grasp rapid solutions instead of inquiring about the validity of the questions." I live today, where time and schedules dominate; but Lent is my time to step back, long for what feels like an absent God, and patiently remind myself of the resurrection to come. But going with Christ to the cross, figuratively, raises those questions that have no immediate answer or solution. We must spend time there in that space, in prayer, and in divine intimacy, and sometimes without a showy Spiritual Event.
ReplyDeletePam,
ReplyDeleteThe journey to the cross is a journey of faith that raises many questions. The answers are at times elusive. The searching is a vital part of the journey. You mention time, space, intimacy...these are not the qualitites of the journey many of us are willing to embrace, and yet, they are the qualities that draw us into the presence of God.
Jim