ICY CONDITIONS

 

March 5th is Ash Wednesday, and it marks the beginning of Lent. Lent is probably one of my most favorite seasons of the Christian calendar. Now, that might seem strange, as most of us perceive Lent as somewhat dark and somber. But there are other aspects of Lent that I think offer us some unique opportunities.  According to www.theconversastion.com,

 

The word “Lent” has Germanic roots - "lencten" - referring to the “lengthening” of days, or springtime. But facts about the early origin of the religious observance are not as well known.  By the fourth century, a regular practice of 40-day fasting became common in Christian churches. The practice of fasting from food for spiritual reasons is found in the three largest Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In all three, refraining from eating is connected with a focus on prayer, and - the practice of assisting the poor by giving alms or donating food. In the Gospels, Jesus spends 40 days in the wilderness to fast and pray. This event was one of the factors that inspired the length of Lent, 40 days before the beginning of the three holiest days of the liturgical year: Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. Other activities are also suggested, in keeping with the idea of Lent as a time for spiritual renewal as well as self-discipline. These include making amends with estranged family and friends, reading the Bible or other spiritual writers, and community service. Though some practices may have changed, Lent in the 21st century remains essentially the same as in centuries past: a time of quiet reflection and spiritual discipline.

 

When you think about it, Lent is a simple matter of Subtracting and Adding.

 

We SUBTRACT - or 'give up' - things that are (let's say) excessive. Like junk food, alcohol, tobacco.... even addictions to our phones, the internet, television. ..... I'm sure we can think of more.

 

And then ADD something - like reading our Bibles more frequently, volunteering to help at the food shelf and/or donating personal hygiene items, perhaps attending church services and events more frequently, meditating daily in a quiet place, and most importantly - healing a broken relationship with a loved one. 

 

It's a time of year when we are asked to replace our vices with something healthier for our bodies and our souls. By eliminating those negative distractions, we actually make room (in our hearts, in our minds, in our souls) for more positive things.  And, I think we clear the path and open ourselves to the still small voice of God, who urges us every day to be better, to be more, to be the best we can be.

 

So yes, I like Lent. And honestly, I think we could all benefit from mini-Lents at various times throughout the year. Perhaps that is the intent of our Jubilee Sundays - the Sundays when we refrain from discussing church business and just focus on worship and fellowship, caring for ourselves and others around us, enjoying this gift we have been given from our maker.

 

I wish you all a blessed Lenten Season. Let's make the most of it. Let's take advantage of this invitation to reflect, renew, and revive a connection with ourselves, each other and with God.

Pastor Jessilou