Happy Lent!
“God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” – I Corinthians 1:4-5, 9
It’s that time of year again . . . we’re already past the halfway point of our observance of the season of Lent, and many groups and individuals in our congregation have been busy with preparing and serving Wednesday evening meals, participating in the weeknight worship service, and already preparing for the special events of Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter. These specified times of the church year offer us a variety of opportunities for learning and understanding, finding inspiration, and growing in our relationship with Christ and with one another.
In not-so-ancient times, the season of Lent was designated as a period of quiet reflection, expressing penitence for one’s sins, and for acknowledging how very far we fall short of being the kind of Christians we should be. It was to be a time of serious, if not downright depressing, study, prayer, and worship.
Some changes have gradually come about, and to me they seem to be beneficial and supportive to those of us on our faith journeys (that’s everyone of course). For instance, once a week, we gather around tables for a meal, which has been prepared and served by fellow members. It’s a time of coming together as a family, developing and deepening relationships. Then we share a time of worship, simple and lovely with music and the spoken word, as soothing to our weary spirits as a warm hug and a friendly word. It’s interesting that we’ve moved from an attitude of depriving ourselves of various things during Lent to adding opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.
However, this is not to say we skip cheerfully through Lent toward Holy Week and the days of somber remembrance. As we receive God’s grace and are enriched in him, we are also called into fellowship with Christ, and will be privileged to continue the journey in his presence.
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers