LENT I

February 18, 2024

“Going on a Journey?” 

Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.  He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic . . . .”  They departed and went through the villages, bringing the good news and curing diseases everywhere.   (Luke 9:1-3, 6)      

The season of Lent began a few days ago, as Christians around the world observed Ash Wednesday.  This holy time begins with words, music, and the humbling act of having the sign of the cross marked on our foreheads with ashes.  We hear the words, “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” and are reminded of our human frailty and mortality.     

This time in the church year is frequently referred to as a “Lenten Journey,” although generally travel isn’t involved, other than going from home to church and back again.  But the mind and the spirit can travel down some interesting, inspiring roads as we follow Jesus and his disciples on the way to Jerusalem and the events that changed the world.       

I don’t think I’ve ever referred to my own travel plans as a journey — I just say we’re going away, or perhaps going to visit someone — it’s just not a term most of us generally use.  A journey sounds so purposeful, like an event in itself, rather than just getting from Point A to Point B.  The dictionary says that journey is a synonym for pilgrimage, which is travel specifically to a shrine or sacred place.      

So let’s consider this journey as intentionally traveling to sacred places, and the opportunity it provides us to grow and learn about this faith we profess.  Jesus’ instructions to his disciples in the Gospel of Luke sound unusual, especially to those of us who tend to overpack (just a little!) every time we go anywhere.  But as I read it, it occurred to me that wherever we go, whatever we do, we have all we need: the boundless love of our heavenly Father; the promise of eternal life in Christ; and the joy of sharing the good news with all people.  We come to Jesus with empty hearts and hands and we are filled to overflowing.       

Every step takes us closer to the common, ordinary places which have become sacred through Christ making them so — the streets of Jerusalem where palm branches were waved as people cheered and praised Jesus; the plain room where a new covenant was established with bread and wine; the garden where he prayed and was arrested; the public square where he was judged and sentenced; the ugly hill where he was crucified; the simple tomb where the broken body was laid; and that same tomb, empty except for the message of the angel.       

This journey is not a casual stroll or a refreshing walk, it’s unique to each of us, as we thoughtfully consider what it means to follow Jesus.  And let us always remember that we don’t travel alone; our Lord is always beside us, loving, supporting, and guiding us along the way. 

Ready to get going on the journey,

Your friend in Christ,   

Mary Rogers