"Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart" (Heb. 12:3).

            In the prayer book which I use, this verse from Hebrews was part of one of the readings for Ash Wednesday.  It struck me as a fitting summary of what goes on during the season of Lent.  Particularly the mid-week worship services tend to focus on what happened to Jesus leading up to his crucifixion and death.  This year, that reflection takes the form of an ongoing trial which begins on Ash Wednesday and finishes on Good Friday. 

            Some people might feel that this sort of reflection is morbid, or perhaps even unnecessary.  Yet, I have always found that the most powerful revelation of the love that Jesus has for us has happened at these mid-week services.  The joy and the relief of the resurrection which we celebrate at Easter is only fully experienced when we have also experienced the pain and the sorrow that went before it. 

            Ultimately, Lent is all about cleansing and renewal and growth - things which are always needed as we seek to follow the way of Christ.  It is kind of like the pruning that enables new and better growth to take place.

            Over the years, many traditions have developed surrounding Lent - some of which may be helpful and others of which may not be so helpful.  The traditional discipline of Lent includes self-examination and repentance, fasting and prayer, sacrificial giving and works of love.  These are meant to deepen our relationship with God and to strengthen and renew us in our faith.  Unfortunately, for many this has turned into simply "giving up something" for Lent.  Yet, it is entirely possible to give up something and not deepen your relationship with God at all.

            Consider the following suggestions which may help in your observance of Lent:

• Give up something (e.g. buying a coffee or a lunch out) and give the money you would have spent on yourself to help others instead
• Fast (or limit your eating) in such a way that you will feel hunger, and when you feel that hunger, consider Jesus and his sacrificial love
• Make extra donations to help those in need.  Some possibilities include CLWR, New Life Ministries, the Lutheran Urban Ministry, the food bank, aid for seminary students, or the Global Hunger and Development Appeal (GHDA).
• Give away some clothing or other items to others who need it.
• Set aside more time than usual for prayer, worship and devotional reading.  One person I know gave up some of his "TV time" in order to pray and to read.
• Give up something that is truly a sacrifice for you, and every time you feel its absence, consider Jesus and what he gave up for you.

The discipline of Lent does not need to be the same for every person.  However, it does need to lead us to consider Jesus, and to deepen our relationship with him, and to cleanse and renew our hearts and our spirits.

            A blessed Lent to you!

                        In Christ,

                        Pastor Lynne H. Moore