As we come to the end of our lenten journey and the end of our book study of Max Vincent’s “Because of This I Rejoice,” I wanted to say a bit about Vincent’s final thoughts regarding Good Friday and reflect on the study of joyful Christian practices throughout Lent. Although “joyfulness” and “lenten disciplines” are not two images that are commonly connected, I think Max Vincent has presented a thoughtful and spirit-led discussion for walking through Lent in this way. I also appreciate his use of Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, as the Apostle Paul has written most often and most powerfully of the importance and centrality of the cross in Christian belief and practice. The joyful letter to the Philippians served as the perfect outline for Vincent’s discussion of the Christian virtues and a life centered in the saving grace of Christ’s cross and resurrection.

As we enter this Sixth Sunday in Lent in our book study of Max Vincent’s “Because of This I Rejoice,” we explore one of the foundations of a healthy Christian life: joyful giving. I appreciate Vincent for beginning his chapter with the honest reality that life can be often difficult and present us with daunting challenges. He thoughtfully explains that we can have a deeply held gratitude for God’s goodness in our lives by realizing that even while facing difficulties, we discover God’s goodness is ever present, allowing us to give thanks for the blessings we enjoy. A joyful thankfulness changes one’s perspective and attitude. Although this may feel a bit too good to be true at first thought, I believe Vincent’s discussion of Paul’s advice to the Philippians has much to be considered. So, how can we welcome this attitude of joyful giving into our lives?

As we enter this Fifth Sunday in Lent in our book study of Max Vincent’s “Because of This I Rejoice,” we explore the often misunderstood practice of religious asceticism. The practice of spiritual asceticism is often associated with extreme practices of denial and medieval forms of penance. As Vincent writes in this chapter, the practice of spiritual asceticism need not be so extreme or bring us to the edge of our ability or desire to be in God’s presence. Vincent begins the chapter by providing a definition that helpfully defines the practices of spiritual asceticism that will bring us to a joyful place with God. The image of the beautiful starry night sky, framed by the rich red desert rocks better describes the spiritual practices Vincent imagines for our Lenten journey.

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.