As this newsletter comes to you Lent is coming to a close. For those who have taken the opportunity to reflect on your spiritual journey this season, you have no doubt been struck by the suffering that is part of our life in Christ (not a particularly popular perspective for some outside or even inside the faith). Even if you have not participated in Lenten Sunday worship, Wednesday evening prayer services, or personal private devotions you still may not have escaped the suffering in the world or perhaps in your own lives. Who could? It may be taking a little more time in our somewhat isolated part of the world but things of the national and global economy are beginning to show their ugly heads even in Polk County. Jobs are being lost or cut back. Savings for the future are diminishing rapidly. Costs of health care are skyrocketing, just to name a few. In the vocabulary of the world, we are looking for a bailout. In the language of the church we are looking for redemption.
I was reading an editorial by Jim Wallis recently in Sojourners magazine. I took special notice of this statement; "If we learn nothing from this crisis, then all the pain and suffering it is causing will be in vain. But if we can learn new habits of the heart, perhaps that suffering can be redemptive."
Suffering and redemption are the themes of the church season. None of us wants to suffer, but all of us want redemption. We want to escape the weariness of this world. But it doesn't come easy. It involves change. We all want some parts of our circumstances to change but that is difficult too. Things within our grasp and desire to change come with difficulty because old habits do not die easily.
So what are the lessons to be learned or habits that need changing? Wallis suggests three things, and although he is reflecting on national and global issues, they can easily be adjusted to personal matters. The first is "relationships matter." It is important for us to cultivate relationships not only with family members but also with others. I think this is especially important in the life of the church. Benefits to being a member of a congregation are knowing, supporting and receiving support from other members.
Second, "'Social sins' also matter." When we live in excess and spend money we do not have, when we ignore our neighbor's troubles and needs, misfortune is not too far behind.
Third, perhaps most important, "our own good is tied up in the common good." When our only concern is only our own issues, when individuality overshadows community, we quickly become an island. In the church, and as individuals, isolating ourselves leads to spiritual death.
During this Easter season, as we celebrate the Resurrection, broadening our understanding from individual redemption to recovery of the community makes sense. Community is what Jesus' ministry was all about. We cannot go wrong doing the same.
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-- Pastor Mike, 4/21/2009
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