Move it On Over (for Lent)

This bit from the last Uplift resonated with a few folks: “We can miss God in our lives if we aren’t paying attention. Or more to the point, if other priorities are getting all of our attention.” Today, as we find ourselves halfway through Lent, it seems like a good time to reconsider our priorities, as well as the power of sacrifice, and if you’ll indulge me, a little Hank Williams. The tune that’s got ahold of me today is Hank’s classic "Move it on Over." In the story, we find the singer banished to the doghouse, most likely for tying one on. He’s nudging his canine buddy to “move it on over” to make a little room for him in his new digs. He sings, “Move over little dog, the big dog’s moving in.” And that, my friends, is my hope over the next few weeks- to make a little space- headspace that is, for Lent.   

Lent is the 40-day period approaching Easter. We’re in it now. “Fat Tuesday,” or Mardi Gras, is the last blast before Lent, which, by tradition, is a time of reflection and sacrifice. Why? Because Jesus spent the 40 days prior to Easter alone in the desert preparing for his sacrifice- praying, discerning, and gathering his strength for the upcoming ordeal. Jesus is without provision during this time, we are told. He has no food or water. Scripture tells us he is tempted but steadfast in his priorities. You may be familiar with the saying, “Man does not live by bread alone.” The origin is Jesus’ experience in the desert, as recorded in Mathew 4.  

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.’ But he answered, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Rather than fill his empty stomach with bread, Jesus chooses to fill his spirit with God. His priorities are clear. As for me, sometimes I move through the days of Lent sensitive to its significance. In previous years, I have read the Passion in the four Gospels- from the betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane and the trial, to the Crucifixion and Resurrection. Absorbing all four Gospel accounts consecutively is a powerful experience. Some years I fast, which is a Catholic practice. Other times I am mentally absent for long stretches; too busy or distracted to appreciate or even contemplate the sacred events that underpin the Christian tradition: the courage of Jesus to follow through to the end, the sacrifice, and the grace and forgiveness that fills us in this very moment.  

On my nightstand is a Lenten devotional that helps me “move it on over” during this special time (yes, the line is still running through my head). A devotional is defined as “of or used in religious worship.”  In this case, it’s a simple 4.5 x 7 white note pad with one scripture reading for each day of Lent, accompanied by one prayer or suggestion. Like a calendar. It was gifted to me by Catholic Charities, as a thank you for a donation, but you can find free Lenten devotionals widely available online. This little gem triggers reflection in my nearly every day, opening the door for the Spirit to work. Today the Scripture is from Mathew. It is: “Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.”  The accompanying prayer/suggestion is: “Strive to imitate the love of God the Father, who is full of compassion and forgiveness, by praying for those who caused you pain or sorrow.”

Well, that works for me. I hope it does for you too. I welcome your thoughts and feedback and appreciate those of you who forward these messages to friends and loved ones when the spirit moves. The song pairing is one of mine, “40 days.”

Until next time, stay safe, be brave and keep walking in the light.

40 Days
40 days in the desert
40 days you’re wandering alone
no one to hold your hand
no one on the phone
40 days of dust and dry bones

40 days no springs are a running
40 days you’re bitter and dry
nothing to ease your thirst
nothing you can try
40 days a hard, cloudless sky

40 days out in the desert
40 days climbing this wall
no saints to keep you steady
no angels to break your fall
40 days of climbing this wall

how do I wish that
I could change these stones to bread
and that these dry arroyos
were running cool streams instead
how do I wish that this hard dirt
was my own bed

40 days out in the desert
“turn around” the Tempter said
but I ain’t looking back
Easter’s up ahead
40 days in the desert He said.