Dr. Bart Smith made a fascinating statement in his Ash Wednesday service last week. He said that the Monastic monks used to say that "Lent is the springtime of the soul. It is Easter in disguise."March 2, 2007
Dr. Bart Smith made a fascinating statement in his Ash Wednesday service last week. He said that the Monastic monks used to say that "Lent is the springtime of the soul. It is Easter in disguise."
What a beautiful way of putting it! And I have to say that it opens up potent new ways of thinking about Lent. Rather than just thinking of Lent as a dark time of denial and sacrifice, this understanding leads us to think of a time when things take root, sprout, grow, and blossom! It is true that, before a plant can sprout and grow, it must first experience the darkness of being buried. It is during this "burial" time that God nourishes it in remarkable and mysterious ways.
I wonder what would happen if you and I were to focus the rest of our 40 days on those things that we would like to plant and grow? For instance, how would Lent be different if one were focused on growing the gift of patience? Or nurturing the experience of peace? Or expanding the capacity to love unselfishly?
I can tell you that his statement has changed my prayer and meditation life for this season. Rather than focusing entirely on denial and sacrifice, I am learning how to think of my soul as an inner garden. I am, in fact, trying to tend it in such a way that God's greatest gifts might grow and blossom. Viewing Lent in this way has helped me to understand in powerful ways that this season is, truly, Easter in disguise.
