“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Matthew 18:20

Pastor Ponderings

Holy Season of Lent

Here we are, in a holy Season of Lent. Forty days devoted to growing with God as a disciple; intentionally focusing on developing our relationships with God and one another. A time of preparation for a rich resurrection celebration at Easter. Forty days, a number found in Scripture to be associated with times of intense spiritual preparation and transition. 

Christian Liturgical practice observes a calendar containing several different seasons. Each are what author Rev. Trevor Hudson describes as “time-gifts” that church offers to help us participate more fully in what God has done and is doing in human history. We are most familiar with are Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost – seasons when we focus on Jesus’ birth, Jesus’ resurrection, and Holy Spirit gifted to guide us. These sacred gifts of time give special attention to unique events in our relationship with Christ. 

Lent is one of these “time-gifts” when we have a wonderful opportunity to make space for reflecting on our lives and personal connections, to become more intentional disciples with Jesus on The Way. We are welcomed into a season centered on the transforming characteristics of Jesus’ death and resurrection. This forty day journey leads us into Holy Week,

Three spiritual practices are encouraged during Lent. Coming from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6: generous living and giving, prayer, and fasting. Walking with Jesus during this time-gift of Lent is an occasion to deepen in relationships with Jesus Christ who lives beyond crucifixion. Lent is a season to honor new life growing with Jesus and one another. Almighty God who is alive and active in this world, welcomes all into this “time-gift”. May your journey inspire courageous love. May this season be filled with renewing hope. Blessings for a holy Lent.

  — Pastor Gretchen