Hi Friends,
Peace be with you!
When my husband and I were in premarital counseling twelve years ago, we had a conversation on expectations. I recall saying, with certainty and gusto, that Ian should not expect hot breakfasts, save for special occasions.
Twelve years later, I laugh at myself almost daily as I recall my proclamation while I scramble eggs or stir oatmeal for my family. I am especially humbled by my statement on Sundays, when I make cinnamon rolls.
Our gold standard is sourdough cinnamon rolls. They are a small labor and a delight in every way. If you are into sourdough and cinnamon rolls, I recommend this recipe from Farmhouse on Boone. When I don’t have the time or capacity to bake, Annie’s Organic Cinnamon Rolls (the multi pack from Costco for the best value) are also a treat.
As we journey through Lent, we focus our minds and hearts on the love of the crucified Christ. Love nailed to the cross for us. Love literally poured out for us. To redeem us from our sins, to give us a way into new life. We meditate on how we can be this love for others—a love marked by self-gift and sacrifice.
Yes and amen.
And also—I had a friend share this week that she feels “stuck in the crucifixion.” We have all most likely felt this way at one point or another.
Friends, the crucifixion is not the end—the end is the Resurrection. Even during Lent, the context is the telos of the Resurrection. Even during Lent, the Church gives us a break on Sundays from our fasts to remember the joy of the Resurrection. And so, we make cinnamon rolls out of bubbly joy and thanksgiving for those we love. That is the point of something like a cinnamon roll—delight, savoring goodness, resurrection love.
In the midst of Lent, in the midst of individual and communal suffering, we must remember the hope of the Resurrection. Lent is not a self-help program we white-knuckle through. (I had to remind myself of this as I said, “Lent is not working!” to myself earlier this week during a moment of impatience with my children.)
Lent is opportunity for refining through our sacrifices, so God can draw us close and transform us by his love and mercy. This is the spiritual life—the Cross and the Resurrection.
So, friends, I hope you can enjoy a cinnamon roll or another sign of resurrection love today. The Lord is near.
Christ’s Peace,
Caitlan