Return to God

Joel 2: 12-13: Even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.

Wouldn't this verse have much more popular appeal if it read "Return to me with all your heart, and I will make your life perfect, destroy your enemies and give you everything you ever wanted?" If this were true, we'd have a line outside the church on Saturday night for Sunday service, like you've seen for ticket sales for the football play-offs or concerts. The invitation in Joel is one that most people do not jump at the chance to take.

Today, Christians everywhere will accept this invitation. As Lent begins, we focus on our sinfulness and limitations as humans. Many of us will deny ourselves something we enjoy eating or an activity we love doing. Some might commit to spend a bit more time in prayer and mediation. Others might promise to volunteer their time or money for the good of others as a personal sacrifice.

As the ashes are placed on our foreheads, we recall our mortality and focus on things relevant for eternal life instead of life on earth. We recall the sacrifice Jesus made to save our souls, and commit to let go of the things that separate us from God's love and mercy. As Christians we know that though God calls us today to fast, and weep and mourn, He will someday call us home, where there is no pain, nor tears, but only the peace and perfect love we seek here on earth, but will never find.

Dear God, you are gracious and compassionate. Help us as we take up our crosses and try to faithfully follow the way of Jesus our Lord and Savior.

Amen.