The Two Way Street To Easter

Lent can be thought of as two-way street when it comes to preparing to celebrate the joyous season of Easter. During this solemn time of the church we're called to journey with others in remembering Jesus' suffering and sacrifice while also being midnful to ensure that we are preparing our own hearts for the passion of Christ. On one hand, being in solidarity with the suffering of others comes with a sense of ease during Lent because of all the ways we come together.  On the other hand, when dealing with our own suffering, it’s not so easy to face.   I believe that personal suffering bears similarity with personal forgiveness.  When we wrong someone, we make amends with the other and with God, but we may not be able to forgive ourselves. 

Jesus responded to suffering through dialogue.  When he met the blind man near Jericho, there was a dialogue that ensued.  Jesus asked the man what he wants and Bartimaeus indicates that he wants to see (Mark 10: 46-52).  Through a personal dialogue, Jesus comes to restore the man’s sight. 

Jesus wants to dialogue with us about our personal suffering just as he did with Bartimaeus.  Lent, as a  two-way street, provides us with the opportunity to enter into the suffering of others, but we also need to dialogue with Jesus about our own suffering.  This dialogue will link us more intimately with Christ’s passion and ready us to experience the glory of God on Easter.