FOOTMARKS: March 2010  

“Lenten travellers through a love famine” 

Lent is the season when we reflect on Jesus’ journey from Galilee to Jerusalem. The gospel we follow in the lectionary this year is Luke, and he starkly says, ”and he set his face to go to Jerusalem” (9:51,NRSV). This is no casual sightseeing trip but a journey with a deep spiritual purpose; a long and intense walk that will ultimately cost him his life.  It is the time when we meditate on the journey towards the Cross.
  
The more we are able to reflect on this journey, and walk with Jesus, step by step through the 46 days of Lent, the deeper our own experience of Easter will become. A Lent well travelled will reap deeper meaning and personal growth at Easter.
At Easter we remember and reflect on the dramatic events that took place in the holy city, the crucifixion of Jesus and then his rising again. Unless we are willing to journey with Jesus we lose much of the significance of the arrival. 

As I read the Jesus journey from Galilee to Jerusalem what strikes me most is Jesus’ identification with the suffering of others. Seen in this way the cross brings to a climax his willingness to put himself on the line for those he encounters along life’s way, particularly those who suffer from the love famine in his land.
  
As we journey through the days and weeks of Lent look for signs of the love famine in our own land. Seek ways to reduce the suffering of others through acts of love and compassion. Feel the pain of creation, and give voice to it. Share with God what you see and hear.

There will be much that surrounds us during this time that is designed to entertain and distract us. Resist the temptation to go along with this great tuning out. Stay tuned to the injustice and pain of the world, and in these places find Jesus.

Mark.