“For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.” 1 Corinthians 1:25.
As we approach the Third Sunday in Lent, in a posture of penance and solidarity to Jesus’ Via Crucis. We also prepare for the coming of Easter. In fact, the tension between adopting a posture of penance during lent and preparing to embrace a joyful spirit to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, reflects the complex nature of the Christian life.
In the text from 1 Corinthians, Paul describes how for those who are not Christians, the Christian life is foolishness. Paul reminds his audience that, though the message about the cross is foolishness for non-Christians and goes against human wisdom, they need not to give up in proclaiming Christ Crucified, Christ the power of God, and Christ the wisdom of God.
Lent is an invitation to take a closer look and ask ourselves how Jesus’ Way of the Cross should impact the way we live our lives. Even more, Lent is an invitation to consider the implications in our lives that the message about the cross includes betrayal, rejection, condemnation, pain, suffering and death.
Lent is an invitation to identify the ways we are betraying ourselves and others. Lent is an invitation to identify the ways we are rejecting, and even condemning others. Lent is an opportunity to be in close proximity with those who are in pain and suffering. Lent is an opportunity to die to ourselves by giving up any power, influence, or any form of privilege we hold, for the common good.
Lent is also a reminder that if we are the ones experiencing betrayal, God will never fail. If we are the ones experiencing rejection and condemnation, God accept us just as we are. If we are experiencing pain and suffering, God will heal us. If we are experiencing death by the oppressive powers of this world, God will make a way and give us new life. May this Lent help us embrace the foolishness of the message about the Cross, so that we may become truly wise and stronger in the power of Christ.
Let’s pray Psalm 19 together:
Psalm 19
19:1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
19:2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
19:3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
19:4 yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
19:5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
19:6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple;
19:8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes;
19:9 the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
19:11 Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
19:12 But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
19:13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
If you would like to view past editions of Time with Ismael, follow this link: https://heritagedistrictnc.org/category/from-the-ds/