As we enter this Fourth Sunday in Lent in our book study of Max Vincent’s “Because of This I Rejoice,” we explore the important Christian value of hospitality. I believe Vincent presents the importance of hospitality in the Christian life very well, and explains Paul’s understanding of how hospitality is woven into nearly every aspect of our Christian lives. Similar to the Christian virtue of “humility,” hospitality seems not to be something that is sought after for its own sake, but something that is encountered by living life in a particularly Christ-centered way. I also appreciate Vincent’s discussion regarding the potential anxiety experienced by some folks at the very thought of doing all the “things that must be done” to be considered “people of hospitality.” He eases our minds by describing “the discipline of joyful hospitality.”

As we enter this Third Sunday in Lent in our book study of Max Vincent’s “Because of This I Rejoice,” we build on our previous reflections of prayer and Christian witness with a virtue often difficult to define: humility. I struggled with even the first task of discovering an image to place with this journal post of humility. How does one describe a human virtue that seems better defined as the “absence of self-centered characteristics” rather than a particular set of behaviors that help us say, “yup, there it is…that’s humility.” The photo I finally selected was a simple hand, making ripples in calm waters…hoping to expresses the “humble” satisfaction of making a small difference (the metaphor of the circular wave) that continues to grow in size and scope, with the outer rings of change never knowing where the wave began or who was its creator. I believe satisfaction with small tasks that build up the community of God, done with honest and authentic joyfulness in Christ, is probably the closest definition to humility one can find. Vincent describes this in his introduction when he writes, “humility comes through doing even the simplest task to honor God. Doing anything to honor God gives the task dignity and purpose.” Vincent writes of the example of Brother Lawrence, thought by many to be a model of humility, and describes Lawrence’s understanding of life in Christ: “his refrain became that he tried to carry out each task, no matter how great or small, as if done in the presence of God. This awareness of God’s presence marked his life with humility.” Brother Lawrence’s life is certainly a great example for us, but how can we enter into a similar “prayerful space” in the midst of our busy lives, in the middle of traffic, or cleaning up dinner dishes after a long day at work? I believe Vincent provides some thoughtful ideas of how we might find this “prayer space,” and it begins with living our lives as people connected to God and each other, in Christ.

As we enter this Second Sunday in Lent in our book study of Max Vincent’s “Because of This I Rejoice,” we move from prayerful person to witness of the Gospel. I imagine for many of us, if we are being honest, the idea of being a “Witness for Christ” strikes a bit of fear in our hearts. Vincent says as much as he begins the chapter, explaining the challenges of the duties, title, and perceptions of being an “evangelist.” Language is an important aspect of our lives…words not only have meanings, they carry around baggage (some intended, some not intended), and we must be careful to understand both the intended and unintended meanings of the words we use…and there are few words that have more baggage than the word “evangelist.” So, how can we be evangelists of the Good News of Christ without sending everyone around us running for the exits? Good question…