By: The Rt. Rev Derek Jones
Recently having the opportunity to visit a large chapel on a military facility, I learned a unique lesson about habits and expectations. There was a great distance between the Altar and the first pew of the congregation and the acoustics in the building were not the best. A microphone had been placed on the Altar to amplify my voice. As a matter of caution, as the Passing of the Peace was coming to a close, I ‘tapped’ on the microphone to make sure it was working. Not hearing any reflected sound coming from the speakers, I tapped again a little harder. Still hearing nothing, I bent over and said, “I think there’s something wrong with the microphone” to which the people responded, “… and also with you!”
Is it possible that we have become so expectant of God’s forgiveness in our post-conversion life that we now habitually respond to God’s call for repentance with nothing more than lofty words and pious repetition? It is in this season of Lent that we are to reflect on our sins both individually and corporately as a church. But, we must also ask ourselves, are we really hearing what the Holy Spirit is saying to us in this season (and throughout the year) or are we simply habitually responding with words and actions ingrained in us? Is it nothing more than what we believe we are expected to say and do?
This is the first Sunday of five before the passion and resurrection. Jesus will be spending the next 40 days in the wilderness and the first place he will go upon his return will be a place of worship. This is an uncomfortable time and it is meant to be this way. But, in the end, God brings us into His very presence to worship Him; as we repent and allow the Kingdom of God to live in and through us.
Likewise, during this Lenten season as we encounter the stories and lives of those men and women who are dealing with their abortion, or have opportunity to share and influence those who are considering an abortion, let us be sure that our response to them is not simply habitual or patterned from some unrealistic expectation. May we be especially reminded during this season that we are to be under the leadership of the Holy Spirit in these encounters. None are by chance and none have caught God unaware.