Embracing Lent: A Journey of Reflection and Renewal

The Call to Examine Our Lives

It does not seem like two minutes since we celebrated Christmas. Now, we turn our attention to the great journey of Lent, leading us toward the profound events of Holy Week—the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. As Lent begins, the Lord calls us to examine our lives before Him. This is a time to receive His forgiveness and grace, allowing us to move forward renewed and committed to living differently.

The Readings for Ash Wednesday

Let’s reflect on the readings set for Ash Wednesday, particularly John 8:1-11:

“Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7)

In this passage, we encounter a powerful moment that challenges our understanding of judgment and grace.

A Lesson in Compassion

A certain churchwarden, who was not fond of the vicar, was shocked to discover that a wedding was planned during Lent. To add fuel to the fire, flowers were permitted in the church for the occasion. Without seeking to understand the poignant circumstances surrounding the wedding, the warden created a scene the following Sunday. Embarrassment and anger ensued, taking weeks to resolve. Surely, our Lenten observances, precious as they are, should not lead to such discord?

Jesus teaches in the Temple, surrounded by crowds who follow Him everywhere. Is His popularity part of the reason for what unfolds next? His opponents claimed they were defending the faith, but how truthful were they in their motives?

The Test of Jesus

Some scribes and Pharisees bring forth a woman caught in the act of adultery. There is no doubt she broke the law, but the real question is: what should be done about it? The aim of these men is not to seek Jesus' wisdom; they are testing Him, hoping to find grounds for accusation.

What is the test? According to Leviticus (20:10) and Deuteronomy (22:21-24), adulterers should be stoned to death. Yet, the religious leaders were well aware of Jesus' emphasis on compassion toward sinners and outcasts. Here lies the trap: if Jesus upholds the Law of Moses, He contradicts His own teachings and lifestyle. Conversely, if He contradicts the Law, He risks being seen as leading people away from divine truth.

Jesus' Response

In a moment of calm, Jesus doodles silently in the sand. Perhaps He is reflecting on the meaning and purpose of the Law and religious rules. The churchwarden wanted to uphold the rules, believing a major confrontation was necessary. The scribes and Pharisees wielded Moses’ Law as a weapon against Jesus. Yet, for Jesus, salvation remains the primary concern and the true purpose of the Law: “God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved” (John 3:17).

Without disowning Moses’ Law, Jesus turns the tables. He states, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” This response, both godly and politically astute, pierces the hearts of the accusers. One by one, they depart. The story shifts from a woman caught in adultery to men ensnared in hypocrisy. Jesus, too, declares He will not condemn her, but He adds the command to sin no more. God's grace is not merely about forgiving past sins; it is a call, rooted in divine love, for men and women to embrace a new and pure life.

The Importance of Compassion Over Law

This story raises important questions about law and religious observance. The churchwarden could not see beyond the maintenance of Lenten traditions. The scribes and Pharisees showed no concern for the woman whose life was in turmoil; they viewed her as a worthless adulteress, a mere pawn in their schemes. In both instances, enthusiasm for the letter of the law overshadowed respect for individuals and their well-being.

Now, let us look at Jesus. Yes, He respects the Law of Moses and frequently quotes it. However, He is far more concerned that all people—precious in God's eyes—are afforded grace and salvation.

A Call to Reflect and Renew

As we observe Lent, let us remember that our practices should not serve as tools for self-aggrandizement or manipulation. While our traditions may be worth guarding passionately, public disputes are unlikely to further that cause. Instead, we should approach Lent with serious joy, anticipating a closer relationship with God. While introspection is valuable during this season, should we not also extend our gaze outward, seeking the salvation of others?

Finally, we must remember that regardless of how meticulously we observe Lent, we all find ourselves in the position of the woman in the story—in need of Christ's grace. As we hear God's forgiveness declared today, do we take it for granted? Or do we recognize it, as the woman did, as the word of life and a reprieve from a death sentence?

Let us embrace this Lenten season as an opportunity for deeper faith and spiritual understanding, guiding us through life's challenges with grace and compassion.

Rev Canon Stuart Ansell