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The government shall be upon his shoulders
Sunday, February 14, 2016
First Sunday of Lent
Luke 4:1-2
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days.
The early church wanted to follow Jesus into the desert for forty days, so Lent lasts for forty days. But unlike Jesus, the church celebrates Jesus’ resurrection every Sunday, so every Sunday is a feast day, even during Lent. The six Sundays don’t count toward our forty fasting days. Add it up, and you’ll see.
Henri Nouwen writes that, in the desert, the devil offered Jesus relevance, visibility, and power. The devil would have made a great campaign manager. Wisely, Jesus said no to this invitation to join the powers that control the world. Jesus saw this: that there is a 180 degree difference between trusting God and trusting the government. That was true then, and it’s always been true.
The government, at its best, facilitates, enables and helps us cope with everyday life. This is a wonderful thing. But Jesus came “to free humanity from the power of death and open the way to eternal life.” The government of the world can’t do anything like that.
“God’s presence is often a hidden presence. The loud, boisterous noises of the world make us deaf to the soft, gentle and loving voice of God.”  I weigh my options in the morning and the evening: Fox News, NPR, silence, centering prayer … During Lent, during these forty fine fasting days, am I going to shut off the sound sometimes?
I am growing more accustomed to silence. It feels womb-like rather than suffocating, and in its midst I breathe better, relax more deeply, rest. “Be still and know that I am God.” Be still and know. Be still. Be.
In the third century Egyptian monks began living in the deserts beyond their cities and settled into silence. Of course they were imitating Jesus. And of course they were tempted by the devil.
But at least there was silence. We need silence desperately, whether or not we camp out in the desert to find it. Otherwise, the devil’s whispers slip up into our ears, and sound just a little too true.
Until us, O Lord, a child is born. Unto us a son is given. The government shall be upon your shoulders, Lord. And your name shall be called wonderful, counselor, almighty God, everlasting Father. You are our Prince of Peace. We worship you, we give thanks to you, and we call upon your name.
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