Lent Guide 2023নমুনা

Monday - Mistery

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.

Revelations 21:1-2,4

Why suffering? It’s a mystery.

I grew up with the idea that I wouldn’t have to suffer, because Jesus suffered for me. But in my discipleship, I have come to realise that suffering is part of life.

There will be losses and that goes along with great sadness. Sadness is part of being human. I like the Sanskrit word “ta-tata” – the suchness of life. The nature of life is that everything passes. Everything changes. If you look at a 700-year old tree, it will still be changing. Life is short.

Jesus says: “It’s like a cloud.” James, his brother, says: “Look at the grass. It’s just a season, then it’s gone.” John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, the one probably live closes to Jesus, says: “This world is fading away.” It’s a great truth of life and it’s something you not only have to know. It’s something you have to accept.

Your sadness, pain, the purgatory your are in, will pass. It, too, will pass, and you will see the new Jerusalem.

How do you think about loss? How do you deal with it?

Grace:

Lord, I ask for the grace of tears, to mourn my losses.