Exercise #2: Turn Around and Go Back
For our second spiritual exercise for this Lenten season, let's look at the story found in the gospel of Luke, a story about 10 persons suffering from the disease of leprosy. When they called out to Jesus for help, he responded with these instructions -- "Go show yourselves to the priests." As they walked out of the village to follow his directions, immediately they were healed.
Nine of the men continued on their way to show the priests. One turned around, came back to Jesus and praised God with a loud voice (since leprosy affects the vocal chords, this would not have been possible before his healing). Jesus is amazed at this person's return and wonders why the others didn't do the same.
What This Means for Us
Have you ever set your eyes on a particular goal and pursued that goal with all of your strength? We usually think of that as a good thing. But sometimes, it is worth re-evaluating the goal in light of new circumstances. How often do we continue on in a certain direction just because that's the way we are headed? Too often, I fear.
This Lenten season, I invite you to reconsider the direction you are heading. Is it time to turn around and go back? Time to prioritize your contact with the healer over the blessing of those with spiritual authority?
Reflection Questions
Think about a two or three goals that you are currently pursuing. Where are these goals taking you? Is that where you really want to go?
What keeps you from turning around and returning to the place where you find the most life?
What is one goal you'd like to let go of so that you can enjoy more fully a life of spiritual freedom?
For our second spiritual exercise for this Lenten season, let's look at the story found in the gospel of Luke, a story about 10 persons suffering from the disease of leprosy. When they called out to Jesus for help, he responded with these instructions -- "Go show yourselves to the priests." As they walked out of the village to follow his directions, immediately they were healed.
Nine of the men continued on their way to show the priests. One turned around, came back to Jesus and praised God with a loud voice (since leprosy affects the vocal chords, this would not have been possible before his healing). Jesus is amazed at this person's return and wonders why the others didn't do the same.
What This Means for Us
Have you ever set your eyes on a particular goal and pursued that goal with all of your strength? We usually think of that as a good thing. But sometimes, it is worth re-evaluating the goal in light of new circumstances. How often do we continue on in a certain direction just because that's the way we are headed? Too often, I fear.
This Lenten season, I invite you to reconsider the direction you are heading. Is it time to turn around and go back? Time to prioritize your contact with the healer over the blessing of those with spiritual authority?
Reflection Questions
Think about a two or three goals that you are currently pursuing. Where are these goals taking you? Is that where you really want to go?
What keeps you from turning around and returning to the place where you find the most life?
What is one goal you'd like to let go of so that you can enjoy more fully a life of spiritual freedom?
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