My Lenten Sabbath
A Reflection by Karen Brugge
Lent has become a special time for me. I love the call to the desert and taking time to listen for God to “speak tenderly” to my heart (Hosea 2:14). It is a time of intentionality, choosing to fill the season with a retreat, a special practice, and the beautiful liturgies of my Catholic community.
This year, rather than filling the time as I have done in the past, I find myself drawn to giving something up. Not the “no chocolate for forty days” practice of my Catholic grade school days though. Instead I feel called to give up all that stops me from being vulnerable to God: to release my clinging to outcomes; to stop clutching fears that narrow my trust in God who is loving and present in all of the cracks and crevices of my life; and to believe that I am truly loveable, one of God’s beloved, just as I am.
After recently completing an intensive and wonderful two year spiritual direction formation program, time and space in my day opened. I found myself asking, “What shall I do?” My head pressured me to come up with a post-training plan, yet my heart and body resisted. Instead, I found myself called to a Lenten sabbath—a place and space to more deeply release my sense of needing to earn my self-worth and God’s love. For this Lenten sabbath, I seek a place just to be—finite, unfinished, human and “precious in God’s sight” (Isaiah 43:4). It is a way for me to listen for that still voice of the Holy; to let Spirit entwine life-giving breath within my circumstances, relationships, gifts and training; to let Spirit carry me.
Mary Magdalene has been a companion for me along my spiritual journey. I think now of her walk through Lent. She will arrive at the tomb carrying her sorrows and the burial ointments and perfumes needed for death. There, she will meet Jesus. She is known by Him and knows Him. I imagine how in that moment, she drops the jars. What was needed for death now shatters, breaking open as she runs toward Him.
Is there a freedom you seek? Something you would like to release to make room to receive Spirit’s life-giving breath? Notice those invitations as Spirit draws you throughout the season of Lent.
Did this reflection resonate with you?
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