Our Lent introduction ended with questions about what helps when experiencing thresholds in faith and life…

What metaphor or question may we inhabit? What way or request may we follow?

Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Luke 13:1-3

The case for a deep re-think

Disaster, ill-fortune, malice. Elsewhere Jesus will talk about justice, compassion and impartiality when facing this trio, but in this instance he may be observing, in a blunt and imploring fashion, something else. Among whatever reflections there are over this piece of Galilean news or any more contemporary ones that come to mind, one must be this: hold your life as it is, seriously and as a gift. Do what you need to do to live it now and with consideration and intention. Think again, deeply, carefully and radically if you have to.

The poetry of Mary Oliver often with subtlety and grace cuts to the chase. In The Summer Day Oliver ponders on prayer, kneels in the grass, and reflects on her ‘idle and blessed’ strolling through fields and asks, Tell me, what else should I have done?

And then echoing Luke 13 she adds…

Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?