In The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis, hell consists of quarrelsome neighbors moving ever further way from each other. A quarrel is such a simple thing: it is a disagreement that gets out of control. It is when we become so sure in our righteousness that we are indignant that others can think otherwise. It evolves into resentment, the inability to forgive, and often into the need to distance oneself. It is this latter quality that turns hell into a vast place comprised of isolated individuals, who are unable to live in close proximity with each other.

Dear friends, Lent is not for other people. Lent is for all of us. We all exhibit tendencies to "quarrel". We all have persons that we find hard to forgive. We all have grievances that we cannot let go. And from this seed, all manner of sin comes forth.

Take Lent seriously this year. Use it as a season where we invite God to touch our lives. Allow the light and love of God to visit those secret places where our deepest resentments resides. Allow God to invite us to a place of healing. Allow this Lent to be a space where God can work in our lives.

The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and President of General Theological Seminary