Lent … resting with Jesus

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light
(Matthew 11:28-30) 

This week Ash Wednesday launches the six weeks of Lent. On the face of it, Lent seems an austere and uninviting season, a natural fit with February’s drabness. Traditionally it’s a time to “give things up.” From a Christian point of view, it’s the time when we prepare to remember Jesus’ death and resurrection at Easter. At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness fasting and wrestling with the temptation not to go God’s way to the cross. During Lent, we’re invited to spend time in the spiritual desert with Jesus.
 
Maybe you’re planning to fast from something this Lent - coffee, chocolate, alcohol, single use plastic, Instagram? Or perhaps you’ve been prompted to take something on as a spiritual discipline to deepen your life with Jesus - praying for the persecuted church, reading a chapter of the Bible a day, following the daily practice of spiritual examen, using the Lectio 365 app, giving away a book or an item of clothing …
 
The point of Lenten disciplines, of letting go of some things, clearing away the clutter, is to focus more simply on Jesus and to find rest and deeper, fuller life with him. Have you ever thought that rest can be a spiritual discipline? In our busy and breathless lives, choosing to pause from work and daily activities, making space and time to rest in Jesus’ presence, can be the most challenging choice of all. But Jesus invites us to come to him if we’re feeling tired and weighed down. He invites us to give him our burdens and distractions, to walk lightly at his pace, to follow his rhythm for our lives. And he gives us deep rest and refreshment.
 
May this Lent be a season of resting with Jesus, walking his way, following his rhythm, and preparing for his new life.

Image by Wolfgang Eckert from Pixabay