Thinking about Lent

          The season of Lent is sometimes a bit of a tug-of-war – particularly for pastors and for those who either help lead mid-week services or provide food for additional Lenten gatherings.  While it is supposed to be a season of renewal as we remember Jesus’ passover from death to life, often it seems to end up as a whole pile of additional burdens on top of what we are already dealing with.

          The “Invitation to Lent,” which is usually read as part of the Ash Wednesday service, talks about renewing our life in Christ and resisting whatever leads us away from love of God and love of neighbour.  It also mentions the “discipline of Lent,” which includes things like prayer, repentance, fasting, and works of love.  All of these things are intended to help us to grow in our life in Christ and our trust in him.

          Particularly this year, however, it strikes me that not everybody needs the same kind of discipline.  For example, if you are already rushing here and there and barely keeping up with the demands on your time from day to day, adding more to your schedule will do little to strengthen you in your faith.  At the same time, if you have been isolated and idle, the last thing you need is more time to be quiet and think.

          What type of a fast you need might depend on what kind of disciplines you already have in your life.  If you have been indulging in way too much food and drink and putting all sorts of unhealthy things into your body, then maybe it would be a good idea to put some limits on yourself during Lent.  However, if you are already extremely regimented in what you allow yourself from day to day, giving up something else may not be what you need in order to be able to show love for God and neighbour.  Keep in mind that the whole purpose of the practice of fasting is to be able to focus on prayer rather than on food and drink.

          I like the idea that Lent is all about making space for God.  Sometimes that happens through fasting.  Sometimes that happens through extra time spent in worship and prayer.  Sometimes that happens by simply pausing to breathe deeply rather than rushing off to something else.  What are the things that lead you away from love of God and neighbour? – Those are the things that are good to give up during Lent.

          This year, as we enter another “Covid Lent,” some services will be in person and some will be online only.  Daily, online Lenten devotions are available – the link will be shared on our church Facebook page and on our website.  Holden Evening Prayer will be available online most Wednesday evenings (except Ash Wednesday).  Bible Conversations will continue Wednesdays at noon on the weeks when there is no “in person” Wednesday service.

          The readings for Holden Evening Prayer will come from John 14-17, all of which is known as Jesus’ “farewell discourse.”  In fact, all of John 13-18 takes place in one evening – the day that we now refer to as Maundy Thursday.  Since we will focus on some of the other parts of the story on the Sundays, Wednesdays are a good time for the chapters that are “in between.”

          Whatever disciplines you choose to undertake this Lent, may you find your life in Christ renewed, as well as your love for God and for others.

          In Christ,

          Pastor Lynne Hutchison