I wonder how Lent is going.
The church I have been attending was
closed for a snowstorm, then had an anniversary service, and now I am
not there because of March Break. So... I have really forgotten about
Lent this year. It is an honest question for me. I have not spoken to
anyone or heard anything about the observance – and to be fair, I
think it has been getting less and less each year.
I read a book about being a Buddhist in
a non Buddhist country this past week that had a lot of insight that
seemed to apply to us as Christians. It basically talked about how
easy it is to be reminded to meditate when you live in a country
where there is a Buddha on every corner, a prayer flag from every
tree...
But in secular Canada you could go
days, perhaps even weeks without seeing the Buddha anywhere – so
what is going to remind you to meditate?
Sounds familiar... out of sight out of
mind applies to Jesus as well I imagine.
Which is what Lent was about lo those
many long years ago. A period of time, 40 days long, where we were
constantly reminded to pray, to think about Jesus, to make religion
the centre of our lives. Part of it was publicly marking yourself as
Christian, ashes and austerity. Part of it was giving up something
you loved so that every time you wanted it, like chocolate, you were
reminded that God was more important than, gasp, chocolate.
I have noticed this so acutely this
year when I am not working in a church. It is the first time in 20
years. I have never experienced a high holy season in my adult life
as anything but a minister and it is eye opening. The stuff I just
assumed you all thought about – you never do. Nothing is out there
in the real world reminding people it is Lent. In fact, it is quite
the opposite, We are reminded that spring is coming, that it is March
Break, that the Easter Bunny is bringing chocolate, that we need a
new car – anything but that we should think about God.
In Thailand if you look up you will see
a prayer flag. If you are in a store there will be an alter with some
incense and the Buddha. Go into any restaurant in Asia, in fact, and
you will find the waving cat ushering wealth and good fortune through
the door.
Anyone remember the last time they saw
a crucifix in public? How about a picture of the last supper or the
words of a prayer?
I am not talking about evangelism. I
seriously do not care if anyone becomes Christian. I don't think we
need to be forcing any type of faith on anyone. But I have known lots
of people who have spent serious time in Asia – and that is not the
point there at all. In fact, they would rather you did NOT become
Buddhist, and no one is ever going to ask you about it. But THEY are
Buddhist and so they have a statue of Buddha. Or Hindi and thus
Ghanesh is welcoming people at their alter. Or what have you... but
us... we are ashamed.
Or at least, that is my best guest.
Christians seem to actively work at being not Christian, at hiding
who we are, of making sure there are no religious artifacts or
artwork to remind us. And so if you do not go to church...
So seriously. Anyone celebrating Lent?
I mean, an hour after church is over? Anyone remember their faith on
a day to day basis? Or is it out of sight out of mind. And if that is
the case, what can we do about it?
