The Lenten Journey

A few years ago Karol and I were fortunate to be in Italy visiting two of the villages in Cinque Terre.  These villages are only accessible by train, ferry, or a mountain path.  What we didn’t realize is that the couple we were traveling with had big plans.  We would ferry to one village, but then climb up a mountain and back down to get to the next village—a two hour strenuous hike!  As it turns out, the dreaded hike was beautiful and amazing and I remember much more about the journey than the actual destination itself!

The season of Lent is also about the journey just as much as the destination (Easter Sunday). There are also important signposts along the way. 

The journey starts with Ash Wednesday.  At our Ash Wednesday service we are reminded of life’s fragility and brevity.  We remember the brokenness of humanity and our own failings.  We begin to reflect upon Christ’s purpose and sacrifice. 

Our next stop is Palm Sunday, where we commemorate the triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  I used the word “commemorate” rather than “celebrate”, because our knowledge of the week to come tempers the joy of his entry.  In fact, many churches call this Sunday “Passion Sunday”.  Nevertheless, it is always wonderful to wave our palms and sing our favorite Palm Sunday hymns!

The next stop is on Maundy Thursday when we remember the last supper, the betrayal, Christ’s prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, and his arrest and trial.  At Bethel, we use the format of a Tenebrae service where each reading and song leads us into darkness.  We re-form our contemporary choir, The Agape Singers, for this powerful service.  Along with Christmas Eve, this might just be the most meaningful service of the year. 

The following day, Good Friday, we remember Christ’s suffering and crucifixion.  Pastor Glenn leads us through the Stations of the Cross as we reflect with humble hearts what was done on our behalf.

Finally, of course, we have the unconfined joy of Easter morning.  The tomb is empty!  He is risen!  Our Bethel Choir, Bethel Bells and a brass ensemble will be leading us in the glorious celebration.

Do you notice something about the 5 signposts I just mentioned? 

Only two of them are on a Sunday morning.  And those two—Palm Sunday and Easter—tend to be the most celebratory. Those two alone lead us on a very incomplete journey. Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday are vital valleys to walk through if we expect to truly understand the mountaintop that is Easter morning. 

I would challenge us all to take the complete Lenten journey his year.  I’ll conclude with the lyrics of an anthem I’ve just become acquainted with by Ruth Elaine Schram called “The Lenten Path”:

The Lenten path may take me

Somewhere I do not want to go

Right to the foot of Calvary

Away from the comforts that I know

But I must follow the steps of Jesus

And journey to the cross

Remembering the pain,

The hunger, the loss…