Pause

Long after the sun sets, its light remains in the reflection of the moon and the living things nourished by its warmth.

Close your eyes for just a moment. In this present darkness, be reminded that you are never alone. Feel God's presence already with you, calling you forward.

When you are ready, open your eyes and heart, and take these first steps in the journey to the cross.

Listen

So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 5:20-21

Think

She stands on the edge of the diving board in tears. Equal parts fear and courage, she keeps looking backward, forming an escape plan down the ladder. But my voice, the familiar voice of her father, calls her forward: “Jump in, I’ll catch you.” The choice is always hers, but she closes her 5 year old eyes and jumps….

We know where Lent leads, and this can make it a particularly dark journey. It might be easier to shut our eyes and pretend to ignore it — to sidestep Jesus’ great loving sacrifice, instead of walking with him the road to the cross.

As ambassadors of Christ, God entrusts the message of reconciliation to us. To share in God’s story also means reconciling yourself to God and making God’s heart your heart. There’s only one way, and that way may feel dark at times, but God’s everlasting arms will lift you, too.

Jump in.

Daniel Ingram

Pray

Holy God, thank you for the promise of resurrection. Make my whole life a reflection of your love. Amen.

Go

Great God of heaven, my victory won,

May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

Irish song (8th cenury); tr. Mary E. Byrne