”Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation.”  

Psalm 51:12

A few weeks ago I was surfing through channels and came upon an old movie that I had always enjoyed, so I watched it.  As a big fan of the movie, I could have watched the DVD or I could have streamed it with a couple of clicks.  So why did I watch it, commercials and all?  Perhaps you too have noticed this, watching something on TV that could be watched at anytime you chose.  I think we know when watching the broadcast many others in many places are watching with us.  We are part of something.  The classic lines, the famous scenes are being shared with many at the same time. 

Lent offers this kind of experience.  Each of us responds to the Lenten season with very personal meditation, reflection, and response to God’s ultimate expression of love.  But like the broadcast, we also respond to Lent knowing we are part of the community of God’s people on earth all observing Lent.  Lent is our individual and community experience of reflecting on Jesus made man, His life among us, and His death on the cross.  It is this blending of personal and group experience that makes this a powerful season in the church.  Joining you and me, at this time,  are sisters and brothers around the world, pondering, studying, praying in response in the realization that Jesus’ death is a necessary part of our eternal life with God.  How reaffirming!

And then, comes the true celebration.  The prayer of the Psalmist and our Lenten prayer is answered - “Restore to me the Joy of Your Salvation”.   The cross is empty, the tomb is empty!  What joy!  Joy does not even seem a strong enough emotion.  Around the world, the solemn season ends, and the Joy of Joys begins!

Father, throughout this Lenten season, believers around the world are reflecting on and responding to the reality of Jesus’ death and the depth of Your love.  May this be an encouragement for me to study and ponder Jesus’ journey to the cross.  And with those believers, may I then be filled with the wonder and the joy of Easter.