While He Tarries . . .

Lent can teach us to value what it means to be a vapor. Good Friday can teach us to set our sights on the most important scapegoat in the history of the world. And here we are. In a world that's more indifferent to the life of Jesus than we care to realize. In a time where Christians can very easily narrow in on the services their church has planned. In a season where religious schools that require one of the parents to be a christian in order to admit their kid turnaround to give their children the day off from school. In a society where instantaneous results are highly praised in lieu of us being still, waiting, knowing He is God.

There were so many in the days of Jesus who didn't know what He was sent to do, and had planned to let happen to him on that evening. He had just washed feet and taught something so clear and yet cryptic the day before. What was customary for Jews in preparing the Passover meal was seen as the beginning of something new that Jesus would set in motion for his confused followers. In other words, the ever-active God was taking action in certain ways.

They didn't get it then and we still struggle to get it now. I cannot recall ever gathering with a group of 10+ people to eat a meal, sing, and then go for a walk. A walk that would lead to fear and scandal and whataboutisms. Tarrying is something we don't like to do even when we celebrate Lent, or fasting, or Good Friday. And yet, we wait for Jesus to return. To make things right. To wipe every tear from our eyes. To gather up his own. To bring an end to suffering.

May we meditate on the theme of tarrying today for the good of our own soul.