Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Lent 2010, the real Day 13

Strive to live in peace with everybody and pursue that consecration and holiness without which no one will [ever] see the Lord. Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God's grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it-- That no one may become guilty of sexual vice, or become a profane (godless and sacrilegious) person as Esau did, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. Hebrews 12:14-16
These verses encourage us to hold on to that which is really good in the midst of all the traumas and the messy situations that creep into our lives and ruin our plans for greatness.

Yesterday as I drove through snow to say good-by to a friend dying of cancer, I became aware yet again of the need to concentrate on the important things in life: looking out for loved ones, avoiding bitterness, and seeking God's grace. These are the lessons of Lent that prepare us for life and, more importantly, for death. Ask not "for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for thee."

Personal note: I got mixed up last week on my numbering of the days of Lent. This really is Day 13. I'll correct the previous titles later and try to pay better attention to details in the meantime. ;-)

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