Wednesday4/5Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, If you are anything like me, you frequently find yourself with new things. Sometimes we get new things for no particularly good reason. What we have already is perfectly adequate for our needs, and yet we decide that we should have more, or another, or a better one. Sometimes, however, we recognize that a new item is needed because the old one, that which is to be replaced, is thoroughly beyond its useful life, no longer capable of serving the use for which its true purpose is needed. For whatever reason, the existing item has run its course and if it is not replaced, the role which it is meant to serve will be left unfulfilled. When we discover this imminent void, we try our best to ensure that we find a proper substitute as quickly as possible. In many ways, I think this snapshot into practical reality helps to center me in this Lenten season as I once again traverse this remarkable journey with Christ toward Calvary. For me, Lent provides an ideal time for self-discovery as I once again review and evaluate my “old” self and look forward toward the new, that “true self” which God Himself created. On one hand, I find this process unusually daunting as I reflect on everything that has transpired over the past year. On the other hand, however, I find great comfort and peace in the knowledge that in becoming “new” I can rest in the cradle of Christ’s love and in so doing he will “wipe every tear from my eyes”. I believe that without this re-centering process of personal discovery each Lent I risk not only rushing into change for change’s sake, replacing the old me with something else for no real reason, or, even more problematically, failing to discover that I am nearly running on empty and vitally in need of replenishing my soul with the nourishment found only in the Holy Spirit. There is great comfort in knowing that Christ is here among us mortals. Dwelling with us and in us; making what was old, new again. This Lent, as I seek once more to re-discover my true self, I thank God that I have a companion on that journey. Thanks be to God! - Michael Southwick Today's |