The Book of Common Prayer bids us to keep a holy Lent by “self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word.” Christians around the world will gather on this holy day to begin a journey. The journey will take us first into the wilderness, we will move toward Jerusalem, and we will hear again the story of Jesus instituting the Holy Eucharist on the night before he is crucified; we will move to Calvary and to the tomb, and then on Easter Sunday we will celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord. It’s an amazing journey that many of us know well.
The Season of Lent gives us an opportunity to be transformed by this journey once again. Whether you are giving up chocolates or taking on some new spiritual discipline, Lent allows us the time to focus our eyes on Christ in some new (and maybe challenging) way. How are you seeking to be transformed this year?
Don’t worry if you don’t succeed in giving up something or in taking on something. Success isn’t important. Seeking to be changed by those disciplines is what truly matters. And if you forget or give in, start again. The Good News for us is that we believe in a God who gives second chances.
May God be with you and transform you in some new way as you begin your Lenten journey this year.
Faithfully,
Andy Olivo,
Assistant Rector
Appointed readings for today: Joel 2:1-12, 12-17, Psalm 103, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21