A Motorcycle, a Walk, and the Truth
My Dear People,
C. S. Lewis tells the story of a short trip he took in the sidecar of his brother Warnie's motorcycle. As they rode the short distance to their destination, Lewis reflected on a long, thoughtful conversation he had participated in, along with J.R.R. Tolkien and another friend, as they strolled in a college park in Oxford a few evenings earlier. Lewis remembers what happened on that motorcycle ride:
"When we set out I did not believe that Jesus is the Son of God and when we reached the zoo I did."
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Lewis' experience brings to mind another memorable line; this one from the poet Wallace Stevens:
"Perhaps the truth depends upon a walk around the lake."
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Maybe we can think of Lent as a walk around the lake, or through a park; or maybe even as a motorcycle ride. We need time and space and experiences that allow truth to emerge.
This is true, each Lent; and this true, each day.
Your brother in Christ,
Wallace+
