Often our Lenten services at Trinity Lutheran in Yankton, SD were dramas or plays that introduced me to the people that Jesus knew in his last days on earth. As a child, I felt that I was actually meeting them and I felt like I understood what their acceptance or rejection of Jesus was all about. Now, even though I’ve studied and dramatized the characters myself, I feel as though I’m far from understanding their plight. When I was a child, it made perfect sense that rabbits and chicks and butterflies represented Easter! Now, I find myself struggling to explain their role for the season.
I found it easier to wait through the journey of Lent in the chosen-frozen land!
Lent was the coldest and darkest time of the year in South Dakota. Winter coats, boots, hats and mittens were second skin in February and March. The days that were so short seemed to drag as we awaited the tiniest sign that spring may actually arrive. Daffodils and tulips would sometimes push up through the snow and we would celebrate! The discipline of surviving another winter fit Lent as the discipline of worship, study and prayer marked each Wednesday evening. This year, I actually never wore my winter coat and certainly not my parka. I seem to make the difference between ‘winter’ and ‘spring’ by whether I need to wear socks or be barefoot in my shoes! It is difficult to ‘feel’ that old Lenten winter calendar while here in the south.
I found it easier to wait through the journey of Lent.
Lent really isn’t about waiting for spring and it isn’t about being able to truly understand the characters. Lent is a time to pause and recall the teachings of Jesus – the teachings that led him to the cross. Being able to journey through Lent with a community of believers - makes it truly about God’s history and story of Jesus life, death and resurrection. Most of the time, getting there, is half the journey. This Lent we have experienced the parables of Jesus as a way of understanding the way in which Jesus wanted us to walk. I offer many thanks to the Parable Players who so faithfully ‘acted’ out the stories.
May you know the mystery, the symbolism and the child like joy of Holy Week and Easter.
May you know the mystery, the symbolism and the child like joy of Holy Week and Easter.
