Lenten lesson: Love eventually finds a way
For Christians around the globe, this week is the culmination of a six-week journey called Lent.
It commenced on Ash Wednesday with the quiet imposition of ashes in the shape of a cross on the foreheads of Christ-followers. It concludes in church this Sunday with the joyful singing of triumphant hymns and a verbalized affirmation of "Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed."
But this Lenten season is bracketed in a rather unusual way. This year, Ash Wednesday fell on Valentine's Day, while Easter Sunday falls on April Fools' Day. It is the first time in my lifetime that has been the case. The last time those two cultural holidays coincided with these two holy days was 1945.
While some find the coincidence unfortunate, I find it incredibly significant.
After all, the essence of Valentine's Day is love. It calls for tangible expressions of affection between those engaged in a loving relationship.
In our culture, those tokens have historically included Hallmark cards, candy, fancy dinners and flowers. These symbols remind the recipient of the depth of the lover's devotion.
The Lenten season recalls another relationship defined by love. It calls to mind the Creator's love for His creation. It recalls the depth God went to communicate His unconditional love to humans.
Because Christians believe that Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God, they understand his suffering and death to be a tangible expression of self-giving love. What had not been perfectly achieved in the ancient ritual of animal sacrifices was accomplished by one who claimed to be the Lamb of God. The unjust death of an unblemished life was the hallmark of love.
Likewise, the six weeks of Lent provide Jesus-followers an opportunity to express their love in return. It is a journey of self-examination, repentance and reflection.
Often the gifts of love offered by Christians consist of self-denial, fasting and concentrated prayer. The depth of one's devotion is validated through an observance that has a price tag. That all tends to make sense to me.
But what about celebrating Easter Sunday on April Fools' Day? Are you kidding me? How can the holiest day on the Christian calendar be seriously observed when sugar bowls are being secretly filled with salt?
As one who has studied theology and read Scripture for half a century, I'm not put off by Resurrection Sunday falling on a day defined by practical jokes. Would it surprise you to hear me claim that Easter is the ultimate practical joke?
The truth for which it stands caught the original disciples of Jesus off guard. They were blindsided with the unexpected.
A less-than-good Friday found their leader executed in brutal first century Roman fashion. Crucifixion was Caesar's version of capital punishment. And an innocent man who claimed to be God was the victim. No, Good Friday was not good at all for Jesus.
But then came Sunday. A verifiable death (confirmed two days before) became a source of mystery. An unquestioned corpse was observed doing questionable things. Jesus was seen walking, talking and eating.
Just when his friends had begun to make peace with the fact that their rabbi was dead and gone, Jesus sabotages their presuppositions. How do they cancel a funeral? How do they explain the unexplainable? In the midst of their crying, Jesus appears to have the last laugh. It's as if he shouts "April Fools!
I love how this year's Lenten journey progresses. A Valentine's Day Ash Wednesday to an April Fools' Easter. What begins in the heart of a loving God concludes in an empty grave. It's an itinerary that moves from love to life.
It's a reminder that what is birthed in love can't be buried. Even when dreams are dashed and hopes seemed hijacked, love eventually finds a way to win the day. Love knows how to fool first impressions. Love invites us to not give up prematurely.
• The Rev. Greg Asimakoupoulos is a former Naperville resident who writes about faith and family.