A Meditation for our Third Week of Lent in 2026

Our time of Lenten reflection continues in a world that has, yet again, tilted upon its axis, shifting around us. Our season of reflection and self-examination is being imposed upon by powers far larger and outside ourselves. In ways that we can anticipate, and many more that we cannot, the choice of the United States and the state of Israel to attack Iran is impacting our world. There is a well-understood concept called the ‘fog of war’ that makes it difficult to see or understand clearly what has happened. It is clear that violent people have chosen, yet again, to use violent acts to impose power on friends and enemies alike. Pray with me for peace on earth and love between enemies. This meditation is not about war, but rather on our Lenten work.

The work of Lent reveals to us that we each live within our own fog of war. Let us celebrate with God all the ways we clearly see ourselves (our character, abilities, past, present, and possibilities). No matter how skillful and insightful we are, there will always be a fog that lingers within our perception of ourselves. Thankfully we are not alone. We have been seen clearly. For Jesus knows us beyond our understanding. Just as Jesus knew the Samaritan woman at the well, He knows you. Just as Jesus knew Peter would deny Him, He knows me. Just as Jesus knew Lazarus would rise, He knows us. The Holy Spirit lives within us and is willing to illuminate us from within.

The world around us is shifting as it spins. Its seductive illusion of stability has, yet again, revealed itself as a lie. Our monastic siblings have been here before. From the mountains of France, we hear the motto of the Carthusian monks, “The Cross stands still while the world turns.” It invites us beyond this moment. The One – who sees all of us, embraces us, and has made a way for us – stands still amidst the turbulence of life and our world. 

Continue to make time to be present with our God and yourself this Lent. Invite the Holy Spirit to again shine the gentle, refining light of God upon parts of yourself you struggle to see clearly. Celebrate the growth you’ve seen in yourself over the years. Grieve the ways you continue to fall short of the person of Jesus. Marvel at the grace that God’s love has waiting for you. In all things, be steadfast.  For Paul tells us in Romans 5 that suffering leads to endurance that leads to character that will lead us to hope. A hope that will not fail, that is not lost in the fog, but shines forth forever as it drives out the darkness.

Find rest in God’s presence with me this week.