Readings:
Genesis 15: 1-12, 17-18;
Psalm 27;
Philippians 3:17 – 4:1;
Luke 13: 31-35

Collect:
Almighty God, by the prayer and discipline of Lent
may we enter into the mystery of Christ’s sufferings,
and by following in his Way come to share in his glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Reflection

As we watch with increasing horror at what is happening in Ukraine it is hard for us not to get anxious as we think about how and where this all ends.  Today’s psalm gives us some hope.  It was written in deeply troubled times when armies were encamped around the people, and war was rising.  The people were fearful, and the psalmist wrote these words to bring hope in order to break the stranglehold of fear.  The psalmist begins by giving this image of light in a dark world and ends with the conviction that we ‘shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living’ if we ‘wait for the Lord 

It is in times of great struggle and darkness that we find out what we are made of, what motivates us and what are our core values.  When things are going well it is very easy for us to put on a face, a public facade that hides what our true beliefs and values are.  It is only when normality and our comfortableness is challenged that our true selves are revealed.  

Much over the last two weeks has been written about Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this comedic actor, known for playing the part of president, being elected as the real president of Ukraine.  Many people underestimated him and his conviction, when war started, he turned down the offer of escaping from Ukraine, saving his own life and chose to stay and lead the people who had put their faith in him.  In the early days of the war, he was seen out and about posting messages to rally the people, encouraging them to stand up for what they believe in – for freedom and justice.  Daily, he speaks to the people of Ukraine, Russia and the world.  His true character has been revealed and has shocked some of his distractors.

On the other hand, others have written about Vladimir Putin and how over the years he has changed and now his true nature is also being revealed.  Someone, who was courted by the West and seen as someone we could do business with, has managed to manipulate the people of Russia making them fear for their own safety to justify his ‘liberation’ of Ukraine.  

For me what it goes to show is that you can only put up a front for so long.  At some point your true nature, your core values are revealed.  

In today’s Gospel we see the Pharisees trying to distract Jesus from his mission and ministry, warning him that if he carries on, he will die.  But Jesus just carries on with what he is doing and won’t be distracted from his mission and his ultimate destination of Jerusalem.  Jesus’ priority, his core value, is to carry out God’s purpose.  He has an appointment with destiny in Jerusalem, and he will go there, no matter what.  

In Psalm 139 we are reminded that God knows us intimately, we cannot hide anything and that God even knows what is in our hearts.  As I reflect on these readings and a desire to be true to by faith and belief in God, to be open to God’s calling and prompting, I am aware that what is in my core, what is in my heart is what will sustain me through times of struggle.  During this time of Lent it is important for me to strengthen my core.

There are times when our faith can be rocked, or even shattered.  Times when it is hard for us to face the world.  It’s at these times, when we are at our lowest ebb, that we can take comfort in the words of the Psalm – God is our light and salvation.  It is at these times, when we are rocked to our core – through God our core stays firm and will help us through and we will see the goodness of the Lord.

Let us use this time of Lent to strengthen our core so that we can face the challenges that come our way.

Teach me, Lord God, to live out my faith;
to show courage when things are tough,
to show love to those in need,
and to be forgiving even when I am hurt.
Help me to follow Jesus.  Amen.
©Roots for Churches Ltd 2022

Mike Morris