The Lenten season is almost here. March 5th marks the beginning of our 2025 Lenten journey. The path to Easter begins on Ash Wednesday with the Imposition of ashes. The ash marks on the forehead or hand represent our repentance for sin. They are a reminder of our own humanity, and the importance of God in our lives. Author N.T. Wright explains the importance of our journey to Easter:
“Lent is a time for discipline, for confession, for honesty, not because God is mean or fault-finding or finger-pointing but because he wants us to know the joy of being cleaned out, ready for all the good things he now has in store.”
Over the course of five weeks, believers are encouraged to focus on faith through prayer, penance, fasting, giving, and reflection. The purpose of this time not only prepares us for Easter but also allows us to grow in faith, deepen our relationship with God, and serve others. There are many ways to express your Lenten discipline. You may consider doing one of these as a celebration of your life with God:
Fast or give up something such as a favorite sweet or limit screen time. You may consider having a ‘meatless meal’ once a week.
Follow a Lenten devotion each morning or join a weekly Lenten study group.
Attend special services during Lent and Holy Week at the church.
Schedule time for prayer and meditation throughout the week.
Donate or volunteer for a charity.
Make health choices such as walking 10000 steps each day.
As in past years, our church will provide a daily devotional and a weekly Lenten study. A digital copy of The Sanctuary for Lent 2025 by Justin LaRosa has been sent out as an email attachment and physical copies will be available at the church on Sunday mornings. We are partnering with West End Baptist for a Lenten Lunch and Learn on Wednesdays starting March 5th following a brief Ash Wednesday service. Our weekly study will focus on the Psalms. The copies of the book Pause: Sending Lent with the Psalms by Elizabeth F. Caldwell are available at the church and can also be purchased as a digital download through Amazon. We are also doing joint Ash Wednesday services on March 5th at noon and at 7pm in the sanctuary with WEB. Ashes can also be received during my office hours between 9:30am and noon.
There are many ways to experience Lent. You may want to consider ways that best speak to your specific journey. If you are interested in devotions to read on your own, you can check out suggested material through the pcusastore.com. I have also provided a PDF copy by email of the PCUSA giving calendar which is part of the One Great Hour of Sharing curriculum and provides daily prayer opportunities and calls to action.
Remember, this time is a gift to grow in faith and love with God and also connect through service with others. Pope Francis says that Lent comes providentially to reawaken us and shake us from our lethargy. Each year we begin our Lenten Journey with the following message from Isaiah 58:6-7
Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice,
to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?
May we hear his words and use this opportunity to remember our fragile humanity and to act with humility and mercy.