LENT I

February 21, 2021

“On the Road Again”      

It’s been said that very few people (at least those of a certain generation) can hear the music of “The William Tell Overture” and not think of the introduction to “The Lone Ranger” radio and/or television show.  Now, truthfully, when you saw the title of this article, did you hear just a tiny bit of Willie Nelson singing in your ear?  Those snippets of melodies, certain expressions or references seem to be embedded in our memory banks, whether or not we’ve made a conscious effort to retain them.  It’s just one more interesting and somewhat amusing way our brains function.     

The season of Lent is so often described as a journey, following a path, or seeking guidance so as to go in a certain direction.  These images are both universal and timeless, as humans have always wandered and explored their environments.  At some point in time, a degree or structure came about, as many people would go from one place to another and roadways were formed.  Making use of what others have created is something of a community activity.     

Our “usual” Lenten practice of gathering for a meal and worship has created a family atmosphere at church, raising our spirits as we’ve become weary of winter’s cold and sameness.  But this year we’ll be connecting electronically, as we’ve done through Advent, Christmas, and most of the past year.  Again, there’s a sense of loss, of missing out, of incompleteness.  But here we go, walking along a lonely path on this Lenten journey.       

The Lenten practice of “giving up” something we normally enjoy seems to have been done for us by circumstances we can’t control, so we’re doing without the fellowship of one another around the supper tables and in the sanctuary.  It will take a concerted effort to engage with online worship, to feel as though we are part of our faith community, but this year, it can be our Lenten discipline.       

At some point in my life as a student, I learned the necessary elements of a newspaper story, which were the who, what, when, where, why, and how of an event.  Could we use these as a framework for Lenten worship and personal activities?  Who will range from individuals to families to other groups.  Whatincludes prayer, scripture reading, music, and listening to the sermons and meditations.  When is whenever you access your connection to St. Andrew.  Where is amazingly flexible, but a quiet place where you can listen and reflect would be beneficial.  Why — because God calls his people to worship at all times and in all places, and, we might add, in all circumstances.  How has been made possible by the faithful efforts of members with electronic know-how, plus the ability to learn how.  They have been a blessing to us all.     

So here we are . . . kind of separated, kind of together, but following our Lord on his path of teaching, preaching, healing, and sharing the Father’s love for all.  And when that path turns toward Jerusalem, and we know what lies ahead, we experience again the sacrifice, the pain, and the power of God’s love. 

Following the path,

Your friend in Christ,

Mary Rogers