Easy!

Let’s go for “easy.” There are things in life wherein I purposefully search for an easier way to accomplish the task. I suppose I should start thinking that way in relationship to the Church.

CINCINNATI (AP) — An Ohio church is offering a drive-thru Ash Wednesday blessing for parishioners pressed for time or reluctant to come inside the church for the Lenten observance. (Dan Sewell, Associated Press)

I am reminded of the Hymn by Isaac Watts entitled, “Am I A Soldier of the Cross?”

Am I a soldier of the cross, a follower of the Lamb? And shall I fear to own His cause, or blush to speak His  name? Must I be carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease; while others fought to win the prize and sailed through bloody seas? Are there no foes for me to face? Must I not stem the flood? Is this vile world a friend to grace to help me on to God?

Isaac Watts, in the last verse of that great Hymn answered his own questions –

Sure I must fight if I would reign; increase my courage, Lord. I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain, supported by your Word.

I can only imagine (with apologies to Mercy Me) if Christ had been “pressed for time,” or “reluctant to come.”

God, forgive us.