The 4th Level Of Love

Mortality is a bitch. I can’t tell you the number of funerals I have officiated and as I stood over the dead body of some loved person (a father, mother, sister, brother, CHILD!) commending them into the eternal arms of God, I thought, “Wow, what a huge bummer.”

Don’t get me wrong. I believe in everlasting life… it is just that death is so final and the pain of separation is so real even when you know the reassuring words “In my father’s house are many rooms. And when I go I go to prepare a place for you. So that where I am you may be also.” Still… I cry.

There is benefit, though, great benefit in reflecting upon your mortality. And that, my dear friend, is the purpose of the season of Lent, which begins today, Ash Wednesday.

For Christians the Holy Season of Lent helps us to realize the wonderful gift of life and eternal life that God, through Jesus Christ, has prepared for us. In this process of prayer and fasting, repentance, good works and meditation, we are at our spiritual best. We get it.

So I would like to invite you to experience what could be the most important time of your life, the observance of a Holy Lent. Begin right now, even as you are reading this brief note by reciting the following prayer. Read it through twice; once quietly as you become familiar with it, and then a second time out loud. The physical act of reading out loud stimulates your being greater than reading it silently.

“Dear God, you are the Immortal One. I am mortal, formed of the earth and to the earth I shall return. Yet you have given me the gift of life. As I begin to observe a Holy Lent I pray that you would open my eyes to the beauty of this gift of life. Help me to see it and the world through the eyes of Jesus, who lived and died perfectly accomplishing your will. Help me to live my life more fully, with greater intention, with greater love, and with more union with you. I dedicate these days until Easter to seek you and your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Now, find your self a church where you can receive the imposition of ashes upon your forehead as a tangible reminder of your intention and let us begin our Lenten Journey together.

I would like to invite you to my home tonight at 6:30 for a meal, scripture readings about Lent, prayer, and the imposition of ashes. Please join us as this will help you with your observance of Lent.

I love you- Bryan Martin.

p.s. Say a prayer for our brothers and sisters in Haiti. You haven’t forgetten their trouble have you?