This Lent season, I am embarking on something new. Using the great “theologian” J.R.R. Tolkien’s texts The Lord of the Rings, we will explore the Fellowship’s journey and how our own journey through Lent shows similar themes. There are scripture references as well as parts of Tolkien’s texts that I encourage you to read (the Roman numerals are book numbers found in one of his three main works Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King, followed by chapter numbers). Each day, you’ll find daily reflections and scriptures here. The road goes ever, ever on!
March 31st: The time has come- the Fellowship make their way to the Black Gate to make their final stand for the battle of Middle Earth. Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Pippen, Gandalf, and a few others ride up to the gate and are greeted by the Lieutenant of Sauron. He is a living man, yet very disfigured with a skull face and his eyes burned out. He begins to mock Aragorn and make claims about Mordor and Sauron having dominion over Middle Earth. Gandalf rejects this, and the Lieutenant begins to grow terrified of the wizard and the King. Retreating behind the gate, and the final battle begins. In the face of danger and evil, the Fellowship stand tall. They are prepared for what is at stake. They are ready to fight for what is right: justice, peace, mercy, compassion, love, and grace. (Isaiah 56:1) (The Return of the King V-10).
The Black Gate looms. Massive. Foreboding. Evil radiates from it. Every warrior can see the power they face. The armies of Mordor outnumber them. Fear presses in from every side. And yet, Aragorn stands firm. He looks at the group — the weary, the scared, the devoted — and he does not falter. He inspires them with courage, not false certainty. He acknowledges danger, yet calls them to do what must be done.
This moment mirrors the Lenten journey: walking into a place of overwhelming darkness, not for personal gain, but for the sake of others. The West’s march is not intended to win by brute force. It is a distraction — a visible sacrifice to give Frodo and Sam a chance to complete the mission no one else can. Aragorn embodies leadership that trusts God’s plan rather than the obvious path to safety. Every footstep toward the Black Gate is an act of faith: the enemy is powerful, the outcome uncertain, yet obedience is required.
Where am I facing a challenge that feels overwhelming or impossible?
How can I act faithfully even when outcomes are uncertain?
Who might my obedience or courage give space for, even if I cannot see the full impact?
Prayer
God of courage and faithfulness, When I stand at my own Black Gate, give me strength to step forward. Help me trust You with what I cannot control. Teach me to act boldly, So that Your plan may unfold, even in ways I do not yet see. Amen.