belief
It’s Good Friday. What does that really mean? What do you believe?
I got up early to see the sunrise. There were so many clouds in the sky so the entrance of the new day wasn’t as spectacular as others but it fit the mood I was in. The calendar says it is Holy Week. I’ve been trying to follow daily readings by Kate Bowler for the last 40 days. I find it helpful to have a guide. For so many of us, we barely take time to reflect on what Holy Week means. Today was a perfect day to walk and allow my head to go deep into what I believe. It can be overwhelming and even emotional if you allow yourself to get caught up in the true meaning of Easter.
The sky was a mix of blues and grays. The waves were coming in rapidly. The air was warm. The wind was blowing. My head bounced, as it often does, to people as I walk and pray. I think of things I’ve read recently, trying to anchor myself to my faith during this Lenten season. Of course, every day I fail on some level, but the beauty of faith is my failing is not held against me.
I think of the world and how lost it seems. People are struggling with sadness, worry, anger, and confusion. We seem to be unraveling or at a minimum- unsettled. We’re so drawn into controversy and issues that divide. Some will find comfort in various forms of spirituality but today, as I was watching the sun peak through the clouds, I wondered…why is it so hard to believe in Jesus? Everyone is searching and seeking something, why not Jesus?
I think people forget that He walked on this earth. Historical evidence exists and not just in the bible. He appeared to many before and after his death on the cross. We fail to believe because The Way has been so damaged by misrepresentation. People _ _ _ _! Yet, we seem to be perfectly comfortable putting at least some degree of faith and trust into other forms of spirituality. Maybe the reason other forms of spirituality are acceptable and even comforting is that there is no conflict. If I want to add a ‘smudge’ to my house- to ward off something- so what! But Jesus? Jesus was a disruptor. He disrupts the human condition and we typically don’t like that so we find fault and move to something else that’s less invasive and less controversial. But, if we truly seek his truth and allow the disruption to change us, we will find something far more comforting.
Today, as I think about the cross, the pain, and the suffering of God’s only son, Jesus- I’m reminded of love. The love He has for me and for you. Allow His love to overwhelm your soul. Maybe give Jesus a try? Maybe you’ll find that peace and comfort He can bring to this unsettled world.