Dear friends.
As I sit writing this letter, I am trying to think how I can link it into what will be happening in March when you read it. I think it must have been a very similar picture for Jesus’ disciples as they themselves struggled not only with the loss of a friend and teacher but with the sudden realization that they were “it”, they were “the church of the future”. We are fortunate in that we have history to help us out, but they were writing and living “the history” so to speak. Where we have the Bible and all manner of commentaries and books about the life and ministry of Jesus, they only had their oral tradition. How do you build on that? What can you fall back on? Where would we have been today if they had just walked away?
I have at this moment just finished the Chronicles of Narnia, (for about the sixth time) and still find great delight as the various children find their way to belief and faith in Jesus. The many obstacles that they encounter along the way, the often-difficult decisions theymust make and the many dangerous conflicts they battle through. And after all this, Aslan, just seems to say don’t worry, all this is not important, just follow me and I will lead you to safety, I will bring you calm in the midst of chaos, I will lead you to the cool refreshing waters and the green pastures in which you can lie.
As you read this you will have begun your Lenten journey and perhaps started a Lent course of some sort. Do we, use this journey time to share with Jesus, his trials and temptations in the desert, if so, in sharing with Jesus how does this enhance our growing in faith. Should we be like the children in Narnia listening carefully to Aslan’s instructions, regardless of the perils and seemingly impossible tasks he presents us with or are we as the children, not blindly following his instructions, but letting him lead us along. There are times when the children doubt their abilities to succeed, but they are encouraged to move forward by the promise Aslan has put before them. Indeed, I think that the example of Reepicheep, the warrior mouse, is a wonderful example to us all, he believes that if he keeps moving towards the East, to the mysterious land at the end of the world, he will discover the true land of Aslan, the land of eternal life where he will be with Aslan forever. As we read in the last book in the series, The Final Battle, all the children, some who are now old aged, come to that wonderful place. A place where the sun seems bigger, the sky is bluer, and the grass is endless and greener. The first person they meet is Reepicheep, who is over the moon to meet them and cannot wait to tell them all about his journey to Aslan’s land. And there they meet their Aslan, their friend and comforter, their hearts desire.
The chronicles are the story of Jesus as seen by the author, C.S. Lewis, and written in a way that young people can read and take on board the story of Jesus’ life. It is also a good way for adults to read, not just once but several times to rediscover, not only the joy of childhood discovery but to reinforce their own journey of faith. So, if you have no desire to delve into a recommended Lent book pick up a copy of the Chronicles of Narnia and have a light read of daring do and sea voyages to the ends of the earth but be prepared to be challenged.
All God’s blessings. Chris.