“I imagine Lent for you and for me as a great departure from the greedy, anxious anti-neighborliness of our economy, a great departure from our exclusionary politics that fears the other, a great departure from self-indulgent consumerism that devours creation. And then an arrival in a new neighborhood, because it is a gift to be simple, it is a gift to be free; it is a gift to come down where we ought to be.”

| Walter Brueggeman, A Way Other Than Our Own: Devotions for Lent

We have entered the season of Lent and the holy rhythm of Christ.  Not to be confused with footprints in the sand, his trek has left an impression on our souls.  We enter the dusty roads of sacred lands and repeat stories that have been passed down from one generation to the next.  Earth between our toes, his steps become our own.  Our paths forever crossed at Calvary.

Though his revolution was not televised, the Word made flesh has been seen in us.  We catch glimpses of his kingdom with every step we take.  His kingdom is coming.  He is closer to us than we can believe.  God is with us and within us.  Jesus did not leave us empty- handed but the Spirit of Christ blows a fresh wind and clears the path year after year.

We know where it will lead him.  Still, he puts one foot in front of the other.  Our sins, his sacrifice, the cycle is complete and completely broken.  We will no longer walk in circles.  No, in the valley and on the mountaintop, in good times and in bad, in temptations and in triumph, we follow the lead of Jesus.  He didn’t back down or bow out but graciously, faithfully and fearlessly takes the lead again and again.