Bright Sadness

Alexander Schmemann, an Eastern Orthodox Christian theologian, has described Lent as a "bright sadness." I think I understand what he means.

I am still getting settled into my new study here at the church following our renovations. One item on my "to do" list is cleaning the windows.

This morning the sun has been exceptionally bright, which has a twofold effect on me. On the one hand, it cheers me, especially since I've had quite a bit of cabin fever as of late and cannot wait for spring to come in full force. The sun brightens my study and my life. On the other hand, it shows even more clearly how dirty my windows are and how much I need to clean to them, to tend to them.

To me, that is Lent in a nutshell. The Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, brightens our lives--indeed, He brightens the entire world--with his glorious Resurrection. Yet it is this same light that shines from his face that also exposes our dirty windows, our sin, our brokenness, our mess.