2016 Belmont University Lenten GuideSample

Lent is an uncomfortable season. It’s a time when we are asked to identify with the suffering of Jesus. We want so badly to fast-forward this season to its inevitable end—Jesus’ resurrection. But the season doesn’t allow for this—just like the rest of life. Instead, we are forced to acknowledge the reality that life is not yet as it should be. Life is, at least at times, difficult. We struggle. We sin. We want to be good and do good—but (more often than we’d like to admit) we find it hard to accomplish this. And when we look around at the rest of the world we wonder with all of the world’s pain and anguish what good our good might accomplish anyway. But just when it feels like all hope might be lost—it happens. Like the earliest signs of daylight after a long, cold night—we are awakened to the fact that the story is not yet over. No, the world is not yet as it should be. But the narrative is still being written. Creation (and the Creator) are still in the process of making all things new. Our lives are living proof. Today we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection! We declare that death, darkness, pain and depravity will not have the last say—in our lives or this world. Christ is alive—and He lives in us! As we step out into the warmth and glow of a new day may we be reminded that the risen Jesus calls us forward into the unfolding story of this world. He wants to use our imperfect lives to bring about a better way—and a better world. As men and women who strive to live in light of these truths, may we be quick to encourage and pray for one another, may we serve with the heart and mind of Jesus, and may we see the world around us with the same eyes and tenderness as that of our loving King. OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY MINISTRIES