The Auroras Of Lent

Lent traditionally connects to confession.  And well it should.   But though we're to confess sin, we cannot cleanse sin.  Only God, through His grace, can cleanse sin.

This past week, in my message, I reflected that Judas never understood that.  And so when Judas  discovered that his betrayal of Jesus had failed; that it had not motivated the followers of Jesus -- and ultimately Jesus himself -- to engage in political revolution, but had led to Jesus’ apparent demise, Judas was consumed by guilt, by “…  remorse…” Matthew tells us (Matthew 27:3) and Judas “…went away and hanged himself…”  (Matthew 27:5). 

But it was all so unnecessary!  Why Judas could’ve been consumed by grace, not guilt!  Why even Judas could’ve been forgiven!  No matter the depth of sin or betrayal – God’s love and grace is deeper, yet!!

We often forget there are two betrayal stories in Holy Week.  Yes, Judas’ betrayal of Jesus.  But also Peter’s betrayal of Jesus.  The difference?  Only Peter eventually understands Jesus.  Only Peter eventually understands that the true Jesus Revolution is not a political revolution, but a spiritual revolution, of peace, mercy and grace – in spite of betrayal and sin.  

And so Holy Week truly is a week that rocks the world, sending forth a revolutionary light; the light of peace, mercy and grace – startling a world gripped in routine and sin.

Recently, a startling thing happened:  the sun went into ‘overdrive,’ producing a whole bevy of what are called solar storms.  Why as a result, flares, particle radiation, and blobs of plasma, pounded the earth, interrupting radio communication, scrambling GPS signals, and forcing airlines to reroute northern flights.  As Joe Kunches of the Space Weather Prediction Center noted, it was the sun’s version of Super Tuesday – just bombarding the earth with all kinds of amazing light.  Some of the most amazing occurred in New York, Illinois, and Oregon – as, get this -- dancing auroras – animated bands of hopeful light – literally skipped across the sky!!

Dancing auroras, animated bands of hopeful light, dance across the Lenten sky.  For what builds as we approach Holy Week, is not just the guilt and darkness of betrayal -- but the startling light and grace of God.

For all can be forgiven, if all is given to Jesus, and His other way of living.   If we bow to Jesus, rather than betraying Jesus.