by Dr. Judy Stack
Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
We are a culture obsessed with appearances. With “optics” as they say in some circles. It’s not just physical appearance, but “how will this look to other people?” Folks in Jesus’ day were also very concerned about this. Public honor was the highest goal.
But Lent invites us to humble ourselves. To get less invested in looking good to others. To stop trying to put up an appearance that we’ve got our acts together and our lives are neat and shiny. To be humble enough to bring our weakness and hurts into the open for healing. To do the right thing even when it doesn’t look respectable or win us honor. To embrace those small deaths of our image so life can grow.
Wild Geranium – Geranium maculatum and Columbine – Aquilegia canadensis
These photographs, shared each day during Lent, capture the beauty of plants native to the Upper Midwest. As we spend time in Lenten reflection, these images of new life can remind us daily of our calling to be caretakers of God’s Creation.
Photo by Jo Anna Hebberger
