webmaster posted on March 21, 2011 10:12
REFLECTION FOR SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
Scripture Readings: Genesis 12:1-4; John 3:1-17; Psalm 121
We purchase our tickets well in advance. We select our seats, arrange for the rental car and book rooms at the hotel. As we plan our daily excursions all the information is entered into our smart phone. When the time comes to pack our bags, we remember to include the GPS (there will be no surprises for us on unfamiliar roads). With our disciplined itinerary we know where we are going, when we will arrive and what to expect along the way.
Or perhaps we make no preparations. We simply leave—no plans, no arrangements, no expectations. It’s just the open road and endless possibilities of improvised byways.
What journey beckons us?
As we enter the second week of our Lenten journey we are reminded of two very different travelers. Abram is called to new land (Genesis 12) and Nicodemus is called to new birth (John 3). Both are invited to journey.
In our collective memory Abram becomes the model of the faithful follower and Nicodemus the cautious (perhaps resistant?) follower. Abram becomes Abraham, the father of our faith, while Nicodemus moves in the shadows, known best for prompting Jesus’ insightful metaphor, “You must be born again.”
Both Abram and Nicodemus are more complex than our simple memory suggests. Abram’s travels include the faithfulness at Mount Moriah as well as the faithlessness in Egypt. Nicodemus’ questions and hesitancy not only prompts well loved words of exasperation from Jesus, but faithfully brings Nicodemus to Jesus’ graveside even as the twelve have fled in fear.
No journey is simple and straightforward. Not Abram’s, not Nicodemus’, not ours. Nicodemus may seem the model for those of us who want all plans clarified prior to departure, leaving nothing left to chance; while Abram appears to represent those who move ahead with no concerns except to follow the call to the unknown blessing. Yet, Abram, at times, carefully considered his choices and Nicodemus shows up in surprising and unanticipated places.
We, too, are called to journey. We anticipate the blessings, yet wish to minimize the risk. So, at times we plan with meticulous care and at times we leap ahead with abandon. One moment we seem to epitomize faith and the next demonstrate faithlessness.
However, even with its risks, this journey is too important, too exciting, and too blessed to ignore. It calls for the faithfulness that may be found in careful hearing as well as joyful abandon. It will be characterized by disciplined itineraries and improvised byways. The blessing that is promised does not come easily, but is promised nonetheless.
In these early days of our Lenten journey, whether we see ourselves in Abram’s immediacy or Nicodemus’ hesitancy, may our faithfulness be shaped by the psalmist’s prayer and promise. “The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.” (Psalm 121:8)