Before the dust settles

Being asked to reflect and write about Lent will result in a very different Lenten experience for me this year. As Providence Associate Director Sister Diane Mason reminds us frequently, we must “dig deep.” My Providence Associate companion extraordinaire, Sister Peggy Nau, said to me often: “Listen!”

So I waited 30 days before sitting down and writing this – purposely — not because of procrastination. And now I wonder … is 30 days enough listening time to prepare? Or do I need the whole season of Lent to “listen”?

Ashes to ashes and dust to dust

My first thought was of our Ash Wednesday service and the outward sign of our belief. Genesis 2:7 – “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground.” Genesis – 3:19 – “For dust you are and to dust you shall return.” When I got past the “dust” business (which didn’t take long), I began thinking that Ash Wednesday and Lent is the time that will begin my preparation for “after the dust.” Stories outside of the “dust” came to mind — all with the theme of calling, fear of being called, forgiveness, and acceptance.

The Prodigal Son

In Luke 15, the saddened and longing father prepared a feast for his wayward son. He said, “He was lost and now is found.” How long did that father hold onto his love and hope of finally seeing the wayward son return! Here is Jesus’ parable of unconditional love. Of waiting, and forgiveness, and the Prodigal Son’s fear of returning to his father and his home. Indeed, he didn’t even want his father to see him! How long has our Creator been waiting for our return? To reach out, to accept the original unconditional love?

Hosea and Hagar

This story from the Book of Hosea is about the depth of God’s forgiveness and the power of undying love. Again, the theme of calling and forgiveness is told as Hosea and Hagar are separated. And once more the Creator is calling for us to return after our long periods of absence.

Let this cup pass from me

In Matthew 26:39, even Jesus is thinking about not fully giving into God’s calling him home. “If it is possible, let this cup pass from me.” How humanness shows during the struggle! How often do I put God off – asking God to wait just a little while longer – until I’m ready to give myself, in my own time and on my own terms. And how often do I ask to be allowed to give less because I really can’t (don’t have time) to give more!

I will use this time of Lent to think about being with the Creator now. Before my dust settles. I will imagine from the Creator’s point of view: the longing, the waiting, the patience. I will try to keep fear at bay and try to answer that call while still on this earth.

As Sister Dawn Tomaszewski says, “We do get ‘To God through Music.’” I know I do. Throughout my reflection, this song about longing, coming home and rest was on ‘replay’ and has become my Lenten theme song.

Hosea Lyrics (Weston Priory) –
Come back to me with all your heart. Don’t let fear keep us apart.
Trees do bend, though straight and tall; so must we to others’ call.
Long have I waited for your coming home to me and living deeply our new life.
The wilderness will lead you to your heart where I will speak.
Integrity and justice with tenderness you shall know.
Long have I waited for your coming home to me and living deeply our new life.
You shall sleep secure with peace.
Faithfulness will be your joy.
Long have I waited for your coming home to me and living deeply our new life.
Come back to me with all your heart. Don’t let fear keep us apart.
Trees do bend, though straight and tall; so must we to others’ call.
Long have I waited for your coming home to me and living deeply our new life.