A Reflection for the Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Today’s passage from Isaiah seems to present a contradiction. We know we are in Lent, a period of waiting and repentance, but Isaiah looks forward to a time of rejoicing: “Lo, I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the things of the past shall not be remembered or come to mind.” Isn’t Lent all about remembering the past–especially Christ’s suffering for us–and repenting of our sins? It’s strange to hear Isaiah’s words about a time of rejoicing, especially now, in this Lenten season when every day the news seems to get worse and worse. It feels like skipping to the end of something we’ve only just begun. We haven’t earned the rejoicing yet. Paul writes to the Ephesians, “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.” Where can we find light in darkness this Lent?

But the end of the reading may give us a new perspective. “They shall live in the houses they build, and eat the fruit of the vineyards they plant.” Isaiah has been describing the new heavens and earth God will make in more detail, using ideas repeated throughout scripture: the promise of long life, a Jerusalem no longer in mourning. This verse adds one more idea to the picture: Peace and rejoicing mean we are able to see and enjoy the results of our efforts. So maybe Isaiah isn’t telling us to stop waiting and working toward repentance. Instead, he’s giving us a glimpse of what we’ll reach at the end of the process. He’s reminding us what Lent and Lenten practices are for: we’re on a spiritual journey, building a closer relationship with God. We’re putting in the effort now, building our house and planting our vineyard, as we try to embrace God’s infinite love for us and live for Christ. In the new heavens and new earth, this won’t be a meaningless journey or a forgotten period of mourning. It will be the foundation for our rejoicing.