Lent 5

Rembrandt, 1511, Fresco
Sistine Chapel, Vatican

The Fifth Sunday of Lent, 2009

Jeremiah 31:33 - But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.



John 12:24 - [Jesus said] Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.


Cliches often occur because they express important truths- and then get over used. Photos like the crocus and snow to the left fit that category. We use them every year- or even every time we can- to portray the idea of death turning into life. Many of us go hiking around this time of year to find pictures like that- or to poke around for the signs that winter is coming to an end. Once again, life is winning.

As I thought about Lent today, the Crucifixion and Easter in two weeks, then thought about Jesus in the Gospel my mind naturally went to this idea. Lent, Easter, rebirth. Spring.

Over, under, and through it all this week was the death of the 23-year old son of a colleague and friend. I wrote my initial thoughts on Wednesday when I first heard about it. I have now lived with the thoughts and prayers of that most of my waking hours. Many of my Facebook friends are also of the same denomination as I am and have been posting thoughts and comments. We became a virtual community in our shared pain.

But that is for other times. What has been so powerful has been the continuing awareness of the truth of today's lessons. First is the knowledge that within God's people is the covenant. It is not external- if it truly ever was. It is written in the heart and soul of those he has claimed as his own. You and me. All those who God loves.

Therefore:

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

But then it moves to the Gospel and the source of that promise for me. There, today, I find the very taproot of hope for me as a Christian. There is the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. I don't know how it happens. I am painfully aware of the lack of a final answer. i am surrounded my the mystery of that activity of God that I will not, in this life, be able to explain to my own satisfaction, let alone yours. All I know is that it is real. I have been there, experienced that and know it is truth- the truth that has set me free.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

The words of this timeless and never failing hymn came out of a life of deep pain. The death of a son, the Chicago Fire which ruined him financially and then the death of his four daughters when the ship they were on sank. The song was his response.

As I think of Robert and the family and friends who now grieves his sudden loss I think of these words. When I think back to my nephew taken from us at 26 I cannot but ponder these words. When I think of the many close and wonderful friends who have gone before me, these words lead me deeply into the presence of God. When I think of the very real and inescapable fact that all life ends this way- all I can do is fall on my knees, bow before my maker and know that no matter what, it will be well with my soul.

I know my Lord lives and reigns and in all things, now and forever. Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.