Keep on Keeping on

 

                                                       Photos by Lisa Meakins

 

Many of us have become well versed in contemplation, quiet, reflection and introspection over the last year. While for others we have been going at breakneck speed and won’t be slowing anytime soon. As we reflect on Jesus’ wilderness experience and remember that Jesus became one of us, overcoming the distance between divinity and humanity, we hope to rediscover the humble saviour who walks alongside us whatever the pace, whatever the circumstances, speaking words of love.

 

Our current safety measures of social distancing can be read as a parable of how we have already been increasingly ‘socially distant’ from one another for years,  becoming in many ways disconnected from those around us as we focus on our own individual needs. What lessons can be drawn from our common experience of living at a distance from each other? What have we learned about holiness, communion, freedom and love as we live out the parable of social distancing?

 

Jesus becoming one of us was a phenomenal act of social reconciliation that burst into the normal run of history. Divinity met humanity in a theological, political and cultural kaleidoscope. His life contained sorrow, indignity, oppression, slander, violence and suppression and yet it was also beautiful, daring, loving, inspiring, enriching and vibrant.

 

Jesus, a man of great sorrow and joy, overcame the social distance between us to make us a people of hope, his very a life a parable of divine love.

This Lent let us feel that blessing of Jesus with us and be renewed as it wraps around us and binds us together.

Dear God, we pray for our churches, our workplaces, our schools, and our communities.

We ask for your help in being a light in every place you’ve given us to walk. Give us care and wisdom as we live and work with one another. Help us to look to another’s needs before our own, and to always be ready to serve those around us by the power of your love within us. Even in every dark and broken place, for the times we feel like we’re barely making it through, give us your joy Lord, your grace, and the powerful presence of your peace.