My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3
“Lent offers a beautiful opportunity to discover the mystery of Christ within us. It is a gentle but also demanding time. It is a time of solitude but also community, it is a time of listening to the voice within, but also a time of paying attention to other people’s needs. It is a time to continuously make the passage to new inner life as well as to life with those around us.”
Henri Nouwen (1932-1996) in “Reflections on the First Sunday of Lent” email on 14 February 2016 from the Henri Nouwen Society.
The paradox or mystery of the Christian faith is that true riches are found not in money but in Christ. We take hold of them only when we let go of all else. To put it another way, all treasures of understanding are not found in books filled with human wisdom but in the Word who became flesh and dwelled among us.
What does this have to do with generosity? Remembering that generosity is a fruit of the Spirit’s work in our lives (cf. Galatians 5:22-23), Lent is a time when we unlearn our worldly patterns of thinking and living so that we have the right mind and heart to serve as conduits of God’s love and blessings.
Today marks the end of the first week of Lent. Time flies. I hope you are realizing that fasting is not depriving yourself from something but learning to feast on something better; that giving to the poor does not drain you but rather enriches you; and that praying is not asking God for things you want but aligning your heart with His because His desires for you far surpass your own.
I am in Oklahoma City this morning speaking to a group of pastors and ministry leaders. Pray with me that the Holy Spirit will give me words to help them see life and ministry through the lens of the mystery of Christ. Father in Heaven, help all of us discover and know the mystery of Christ within us.