Lent – Be Prepared
Parables and passages depicting the end times. And some parables that depict the end times.
I’m not sure what I was expecting the passages of reading for Lent to be, but I wasn’t expecting this sort of consistent pattern. While these are all well-known portions of the Gospels, I’ve found myself wondering how this all fits and makes meaning in the context of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
A few quick Google searches gave me some suggestions. Lent reading passages are chosen to ensure people are delving into the Bible during the season. Broadly, there is importance placed on these readings being appropriate or harmonious to the Lent season. They are also chosen, sometimes, to be ‘evergreen’ passages—ones that have a bearing on everyday life for people to always find meaning in.
Noticing that these passages are all gospel excerpts and focus on the life of Jesus—and the time, primarily, during his Earthly ministry leading up to his death—I find myself stepping into Jesus’ sandals to make meaning of a broader context.
As we make our way through these readings, I see the aptness of the evergreen perspective. The truths taught in these parables certainly seem to hold some practical and hard perspectives that can just as aptly translate into our own daily lives.
But then, what of the end times portions? The obvious answer could be that since Jesus hasn’t yet returned, they are still applicable—certainly a fair perspective. I also wonder, though, if Jesus’ own end time was on his mind. In two ways: that he needed to impart as much information to his disciples and, by proxy, us; and that his own time on Earth was drawing to a close in the form of death, followed by his ascendance 40 days after the resurrection.
Jesus knew the plan and the timeline. He had work to do. But the end is also a heavy theme, especially in this week’s passages. Preparing properly for the Lord’s return, as only some of the virgins did for the bridegroom in one parable. The highlighted importance and seriousness of keeping watch, having the materials one needs for when the end times come. The somberness in conveying that some people will not be ready and, as a result, not be included in the Lord’s return.
I think, on its face and at the very least, Lent is meant to be a time of preparation. As we prepare for Jesus’ death and resurrection, perhaps this brings to mind thoughts of the importance of how we ready ourselves, even to mark this annual occasion—let alone the end of the world. While we know now the “when” to Jesus’ life, the disciples surely did not at the time. Perhaps the time to ask questions has passed in Ordinary time, while the time to strictly prepare is now.
While we might not know the ultimate timeline which Jesus certainly is in control of, the reminders are clear. Do the things one needs to do to be ready. Whether that’s to put our minds in the proper place to give due respect to Christ’s sacrifice, or to weather our own mortality in preparation for a much more widespread finale, we are given tips—like in a Boy Scout manual. Here’s what I’ve taken out of a few of these passages:
Wait and keep watch – we may not know when but there will be clues.
Act appropriately – be in control and focused on the ultimate goal. This is not a time for regrets, but a time for accountability and honour.
Be ready to flee – at a moment's notice and without baggage holding you back.
Pray for safe, unhindered travels – the journey will be difficult enough in itself without weather or other barriers putting up obstacles.
Don’t be fooled – be on guard against the lies of the world and the illusions of truth.
“Heaven and Earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” Matt. 24:35.
An evergreen manual for literal survival while also serving as a timeless outline for best practices.
How are you honestly preparing for this season?
Written by:
Libby Gray
