Spirit

simplicity // 2

Spirit

‘Jesus, full of the Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness...’ Luke 4.1

First things first. The point, this Lent, is not to be burdened with another set of notes or exercises, but to be unburdened; to withdraw, somehow, and to some degree, from the stultifying complexity of business-as-usual, and to seek simplicity, and true perspective. To glimpse life through fresh eyes.

It can be hard, however, deciding rationally how to go about this; and surely we could do with help along the way.

Perhaps that’s why we’re told twice, in the opening sentence of Luke’s account of the temptation of Jesus, about Spirit: “Jesus, full of the Spirit... was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.” He was willing to be guided into the empty space of an unknown place. I wonder, how willing are you to be guided, similarly?

By Spirit, lest we forget, we’re not talking about our own personal genie. You cannot bottle the Spirit. The Celts knew as much, and likened it to the wild goose, untamed, unsettling, unexpected...

Surely, we all have a mental idea of what we can expect from Lent, and from life, even. But to gain real perspective, sometimes we must reach beyond the limits of our conscious expectations, and those of others (which so often limit us) - to sense both the calling of our soul (a voice we often mute) and the leading of the Spirit. And if we’re willing to go there, we will find ourselves drawn positively into the heartland of wilderness this Lent - instead of merely playing at a little self-discipline at the edges.

Some of you in this Lent community have already expressed surprise, on day 1, by what you’ve heard or experienced - as you’ve taken the painfully simple, but courageous, step towards unplugging, pausing for breath, making space...

That’s the Spirit.

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action point

Find somewhere to stand or sit outside, today, and stay still for several minutes (the longer the better). Try to gaze without moving your eyes, and take in the view. If your mind won’t stop chattering, focus on your breathing, and pay attention to that. Relax. And use your senses to search for the Spirit. Where can you see the Spirit, or hear the Spirit, or feel the Spirit, or smell the Spirit, or taste the Spirit, around you? How do you sense that it is the Spirit? After a few minutes, try to sense the Spirit within you. You might try asking, “Where are we going?”

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rsvp

“Start with a hard one, why don’t you? ‘Stop’? What’s that about? I found this ridiculously hard to do – but eventually managed. I ended up with damp eyes asking for Jesus’ forgiveness – I have crowded him out with my busy-ness. If this is day 1, it could be a very interesting journey.” Tim

“Perfect song for today - 'Ready to Start' by Arcade Fire: ‘Now I'm Ready to Start/My mind is open wide/Now I'm Ready to start/Not sure you'll open the door/To step out into the dark/Now I'm ready!" George

“This is my first Lent without my dear husband and I am hungering for God to speak to me and direct me during these days. I am approaching my 80th birthday, so was encouraged by the words about thinking of a new end, rather than a new beginning. I am on a rocky road, but so pleased to be travelling with all you dear friends.” Helen

“Having retired from a pressured business life I usually make a list most evenings of tasks I would aim to do the next day. I am now adding another standard one: ‘Pause and do nothing for five minutes.’” James

“I have realised that Lent is not a call to do more, but to stop and appreciate what is already done, or what is already here. So, the new ending for me is to be present for my family, and to engage again with my friends. I also hope to become a little more fit, so I can get out and enjoy the world!” Paul

“My ending would be to have developed the skill and desire to bow out of the bustle of life to really hear God's voice. I have run a marathon before and remember clearly the excitement of standing at the starting line... The great thing about this race is that it never ends. It is just a few miles of our journey with God that will help us know better his will for our lives.” Kate

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May you be surprised, today.

Go well!

Brian