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Right on cue, the Lenten roses are blooming

March 9, 2024

Hosea 6:1-6 | Luke 18:9-14 | Psalm 51:15-20 

Even without non-stop snow and deep freezes, this winter has felt particularly dreary. Maybe it was the seemingly endless gray weather in January, or the steady drip of sad news for the St. Luke’s family against the backdrop of so much turmoil in our nation and the world. Whatever the reason, to me it seems the perfect metaphor for Lent.

Plants go dormant and animals hibernate, migrate or shelter in the winter. But that resting stage prefaces the spring to come in all its glory. These forty winter days are ours to reflect and prepare for what is to come. We should use this quiet time to acknowledge our sins and commit to change. That’s never an easy task but we can do it with God’s help, as Hosea points out. Luke then reminds us not to be too self-satisfied once that hard work is done. We are human, far from perfect and likely to sin again.   

Lent comes from an Old English word that has to do with lengthening days. Looking around we can see the earth is starting to stir. Spring is coming, buds are swelling, and the chipmunks are out again. The long winter’s sleep is nearly over, and hopefully we are also prepared for what is to come. Hosea speaks to that as well, and it is a good lesson. God challenges us but also gives us the tool to overcome the challenges. “…His appearing is as sure as the dawn; he will come to us like the showers, like the spring rains that water the earth.” Let go and have faith, God is with us.

Mallory Walsh