David J. Lull

What was Jesus’ journey toward “Holy Week” like? A traditional answer, perhaps the most popular, is that it was a journey toward the death God intended him to die “for us”: the journey of a “dead man walking,” so to speak. Some Christians find hope in that scenario. However, it does not speak to many in our churches, as well as to many who have left our churches, who cannot make sense of it, or find it offensive. For some, mostly women, this scenario lends support to those who have abused them.

Focal theme:

Focal theme:
Paul’s treatment of Abraham’s story (Romans 4) shows that the basis on which both Jews and all non-Jews will be “justified” and the “righteousness” required of Jews and all non-Jews alike are the same: namely, “the righteousness of faith.” This “righteousness of faith” is trusting belief in God’s faithfulness to do whatever God promises to do. Trusting belief is beautifully expressed in Psalm 121. It is also at the heart of today’s Gospel reading (John 3:1-17).

Focal theme:
The “imposition of ashes” on Ash Wednesday is a reminder of Jesus’ death on a cross, and a sign of mourning and repentance. As the ashes are “imposed” on our foreheads, we are told “you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” This ritual marks the beginning of a special time of introspection and self-denial, and meditation on the promise of resurrection, as God’s response to sin and death. The focus of Lent should be not only on human sin, but also on God’s desire for the creative transformation of our embodied lives and of the whole creation.