Growing Deeper in Faith through Lent
March is a month of transition – it begins in late winter, and it ends with the start of spring. “In like a lion, out like a lamb”, or so the saying goes. Of course, the weather here in Minnesota doesn’t always reflect the calendar, but the arrival of March brings the hope of springtime and the renewal of life.
The season of Lent has begun. The word “Lent” comes from the Old English word for spring: “Lencten” – literally, the “lengthening” of daylight that accompanies the change of season. I like this more positive understanding of Lent. For too long, it has been seen as a season of self-flagellation and austerity. The popular devotional practices associated with Lent, such as giving up a favorite food or pleasure, have tended to reinforce this concept. Lenten discipline certainly has its place, of course; yet there is much more to this season than our individual acts of self-denial.
Lent is the spring season of the Church’s year – a time to renew our relationship with God, and to become more intentional about living out our Christian faith.
There are many ways that we can do this. Our worship services on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings provide opportunities to grow deeper in faith as we meet our Lord in Word and Sacrament, in worship, prayer, and fellowship. Our Lenten DVD series The Walk: Essential Practices of the Christian Life, explores the way Jesus taught and practiced his spirituality as a model for our own journey of faith. In addition to these activities, many of our members observe Lent at home, with Bible reading, prayer, and devoting themselves to positive acts of Christian kindness. There isn’t any single “correct” way to keep Lent; I would encourage you to find practices that help you to find renewal, healing, and growth in Christ. By keeping a holy Lent, we prepare ourselves to enter into the mystery of Jesus’ love for us, the mystery of the Cross, and the joy of the Resurrection at Easter.
I encourage you all to participate fully in this season of springtime and new life at St. Alban’s.
See you in Church!
Rev. John Peters, rector