A Reflection for Lent, GBHEM Lenten series

March 24, 2025 | By Ashley Jenkins

23 Jesus went through the wheat fields on the Sabbath. As the disciples made their way, they were picking the heads of wheat. 24 The Pharisees said to Jesus, “Look! Why are they breaking the Sabbath law?”

25 He said to them, “Haven’t you ever read what David did when he was in need, when he and those with him were hungry? 26 During the time when Abiathar was high priest, David went into God’s house and ate the bread of the presence, which only the priests were allowed to eat. He also gave bread to those who were with him.” 27 Then he said, ‘The Sabbath was created for humans; humans weren’t created for the Sabbath. 28 This is why the Human One  is Lord even over the Sabbath.’”

Mark 2:23-28 (CEB) 

“Life be life-ing” is a catchphrase circulating around my campus. Here at LaGrange College, faculty, staff and students can be found eating together in the dining hall every day for lunch. Today, as I chatted with students in the dining hall, I asked them how their day was going. Over and over again, I heard the phrase, “life be life-ing.” The first time I heard it, I had to ask a student what it meant. He responded, “I’m stressed out.” It can also mean life is joyful and hard.

Students have a variety of things to be stressed out about, including tests, papers, final exams, jobs, internships, roommates and so much more. We all have much to be stressed out about on a daily basis. Life is hard. Life is messy. Life is always changing. Yet, life is beautiful and joyful. Life is a treasure.

Photo by Mike DuBose

Back to my time in the dining hall — one student said to me, “life be life-ing,” but then she shared how she took 10 minutes before her exam to pray. She went on to tell me that she took the stone heart I passed out in chapel and remembered God’s love and grace before her exam. While the exam was hard, she said she went into it with a clearer mind and a calmer heart.

In our Scripture lesson today, we see Jesus and the Pharisees having yet another heated discussion — this time about picking grain on the Sabbath. The Pharisees are following the strictest observance of the law, but Jesus is offering a different approach. Sabbath was created for humanity’s good. It’s not a legal burden but a blessing to slow down, pray, pause and breathe. Just like my student, if we slow down and center ourselves with God, we are able to see God more clearly. We experience renewal. We find greater purpose and clarity. This is easier said than done! I am guilty as charged for pushing through instead of resting in God’s grace.

During this time of Lent, let us slow down. Let us find moments of Sabbath. Remember, God created Sabbath for us. Sabbath can be 10 minutes of prayer before a major meeting. Sabbath can be not checking email after 5 p.m. every night. Sabbath can be going on a prayer walk.

In this Sabbath time, we can find more purpose and understanding of God’s direction in our lives, in our ministries, and on our campuses. In the quiet, we can hear God’s voice reminding us of which direction our mission should go. God is inviting each of us to seek and find greater understanding in him.