March Madness

The lights are on, the crowd is raucous, and the coach is rubbing their chin as they wonder how to exploit the 2-2-1 Press or Diamond +1 when I was in school. I love March Madness. It is fun and exciting—upsets, domination, and chaos rain during the tournament. 

The crazy thing about March Madness is that the madness takes place during Lent! Lent: the Season of Reflection, Sorrow, and Death. Not so much excitement in that. During the reflection, though, we remember where Lent is heading. At some point, we are walking to the mount, knowing what is to come—sorrow, grief, and death. Lent reminds us that those ugly words are not only a small slice of life, but they are inevitable. 

The beauty in Lent is similar to the NCAA Tournaments’ first and second rounds. These rounds begin this Thursday and end on Sunday. The celebration begins!

During Holy Week, we begin the process of remembering Christ’s coming death with Maundy Thursday. Then, we sincerely reflect on Christ’s death on Good Friday. On Holy Saturday we rest as we await. On Easter Sunday, we pop the champagne and celebrate! Christ has risen! 

Even during Lent, there are joyful moments like crawfish boils, outdoor activities on the Lakefront, helping a neighbor, or watching basketball with friends. There is joy around the corner if we love one another.

Grace and Peace!

Zac