40 days

        For I recognize my rebellion;
            it haunts me day and night. Psalm 51:3 New Living Translation

Lent begins today – a 40-day season that begins 6½ weeks before Easter. (Mondays → Saturdays; Sundays are considered “Little Easters” and aren’t part of the count.)

Historically, Lent is a time to examine ourselves unflinchingly, admitting the ways we stray from God’s intention for us. Some of us are fairly good at admitting our individual shortcomings. But we’re not really practiced at thinking about our corporate sins (the ones we’re part of collectively) And, this corporate confession is an important aspect of “getting right” with God. It’s something we find many places in the Bible.

As I read scripture, I find spiritual leaders regularly confessing their nation’s sin to God. The people of Israel accepted that they shared in both the blessings and the consequences that came with the decisions their leaders made.

This idea of corporate responsibility is a tough one for us. We’ve been raised to believe that as individuals, we’re responsible for whatever comes our way as a result of our actions, and not responsible for anything else. But is this God’s way?

Doesn’t the state of the world leave room for all people – well-heeled & struggling, religious or not – to admit that things are not good? And that it’s not just someone else’s fault that world economies and natural ecologies are in the state they’re in today? When it comes down to it, aren’t we all in this together, just as much as the Ancient Israelites? When economies collapse or when another freak storm hits, don’t we all suffer? (If you think not, you might consider the increase in grocery prices after a surprise freeze in Texas or Florida.)

Part of the Good News is that each year, Lent invites us to take a hard look at ourselves – both individually and in community – to notice how well we play together (or don’t), how well we take care of the least among us, and to pray. We’re invited to spend these weeks practicing living our lives a bit closer to the way God has envisioned.

So, tonight Kay and I will join many others ‘round the world as we usher in Lent with worship – hymns & prayers, ashes on the forehead or maybe the hand, and remembering…

Remembering that

• Lent is about drawing closer to God;
• We’re expected to lead the lives God calls us to live;
• God is always ready to forgive us; and
• Although God won’t shield us from the consequences of our actions, God accompanies us as we live with them... always.