LENT III

March 20, 2022

“Are We There Yet?”      

Our immediate family has always lived a distance from our extended family, so whenever we went to visit grandparents, attend a wedding, a reunion, or other event, we packed up and took to the roads. As the time in the car became longer, possibly a little boring, the cry arose from the back seat: “Are we there yet?” or “How much longer?”  And there’s really no satisfactory answer — you can’t say, “Yes, we’re there” as it’s evident we’re still rolling down the highway.  And the duration of the trip is often affected by the very person asking the question, who may need several urgent stops.     We so often travel with just one purpose — arriving at our destination.  We have just enough  time to visit someone, attend an event, fish or camp or enjoy a short getaway, but then we need to return.  We can’t find time to wander off on a side road to a scenic overlook so as to take in a beautiful view.  We have to get home and go to work, to school, get to an appointment, or keep a commitment.     

The Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 10:5-14, tells us of the journey on which Jesus sent his disciples.  He instructs them to proclaim the good news, to cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers and cast out demons.  Rather than being part of the group of twelve who had been walking the dusty roads along with Jesus, they are now being sent off in pairs, away from the security of their group.  Their instructions are to proclaim the good news, cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons.  Furthermore, they are told to travel with no money, no extra clothing, no equipment, and to depend on the hospitality of those who listen to them.  It sounds as though Jesus was making a challenging assignment considerably more difficult, putting the disciples in a position somewhere between beggars and freeloaders.       

But then Jesus explains: “You received without payment; give without payment.” (v. 8b)  Christ has led them to the understanding and belief in him as truly God’s own Son, the Messiah, and as no payment was required of them, they were to share the message freely.  The disciples had a clearly defined mission, and Jesus wanted them to have the confidence that they would be received and supported because of the message they brought.     

Referring to the Lenten season as a spiritual journey resonates with many of us, as we have an understanding of travel, progressing toward a destination.  Of course, there will be times when we wonder, “Are we there yet?”  Or more likely, “Will we ever get there?”  The journey doesn’t come to an end when Easter arrives; rather, we are given a fresh start.  Having received the amazing gift of God’s love and forgiveness in the person of the risen Christ, we are assured that we are accompanied on all our journeys by our Lord, who guides and strengthens us as we share this good news with all people. 

Getting ready to hit the road,

Your friend in Christ,   

Mary Rogers