We March into Lent!

In elementary school they taught us that March comes in like a lion but goes out like a lamb. The teachers were trying to tell us something about the change in the weather, I think. But there was not always a very dramatic change in Texas during March; sometimes the years were more like 2012 with our warming February.

But that lion / lamb dichotomy might work for March as the long month of transition from Lent to Easter. During March we can focus on that Lenten Lion, that roaring power of Sin out there in the bush, that devouring power of Sin, that growl around us that threatens our relationships with God and our neighbor, that fearful noise that disquiets our relationships, that makes us fear God and our neighbor, and urges us to listen for enemies. That lion can also be an example of pride that helps us justify our actions that we know are wrong or at least divisive, as if our needs define what is right for ourselves and all those around, as if we are not called to love our neighbor as ourselves. Lions are impressive to be sure. They are the monarchs of the African plain. But they are bloody rulers, beautiful killers – hardly the best model for struggling Christian folks.

But, oh the lamb. The lamb is an interesting animal in the Bible. It can be a member of God’s flock – needing the Lord’s love and care. Yet, Jesus is also proclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God!” God’s little lambs need protection from the roaring and threatening lion. God’s great Lamb, Jesus Christ, steps in, calls the lions by name, then offers his blood for ours. This Lamb of God goes uncomplaining to the cross, but in doing so shifts the world – fearful lambs are saved by the great, gracious Lamb of God! And we, whether leaning toward the model of the powerful lion or unsure like the lambs or a human combination of the two, are called during Lent to hear the voice of the Great Shepherd, himself the Lamb of God who draws us to the foot of the cross, accepts our uncertainty, then gives us an empty tomb and a full life in God’s Love.

Out with the lion. In with the lamb!