The Thirty Third Day of Lent - Life

We learnt that when Native Americans went to war, they
dressed not in protective armour, but in their best clothes,
so that they would be ready to meet the Great Spirit. 
They went to war ready to die. 

 "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain". Philippians 1:21 (ESV)

“All real living is meeting,” so says Martin Buber in 'I and Thou'.  I agree.  Real life is found in our relationships.  Our relationship with our creator, with ourselves and with our sister/brother.  Other relationships are important too; with our world, with nature, with community, nation, universe. 

But true freedom to 'live' comes when we have no fear of death.  Then we are truly free to live.

Another wonderful quote from Buber....

“I do not accept any absolute formulas for living. No preconceived code can see ahead to everything that can happen in a man's life. As we live, we grow and our beliefs change. They must change. So I think we should live with this constant discovery. We should be open to this adventure in heightened awareness of living. We should stake our whole existence on our willingness to explore and experience.”

I think of my wonderful daughter who when challenged by her philosophy teacher at school to raise a hand if they were prepared for what they believe to be challenged by the subject, put up her hand.  "With Jesus I can go anywhere safely" she said.

PRAYER:  We walk out into the world holding tight to you, and can face anything.