Dear Friends,
“Lent is less about what we give up than what we become.” – The Rev. David Teschner
Walking in the desert is not an easy task. As we know, it is steeped with danger that can zap the soul of its very will to live. The Spirit led Jesus into the desert for forty days and nights to face temptations and to persevere. In all his human vulnerability, Jesus was no different to the temptations than the rest of us. The season of Lent is representative of this time of trial and a time for us, in our suffering, to discover our dependence on God and the gift of grace to sustain us. We focus on the transformation that can take place during our journey in the wilderness that draws us closer to God.
You will notice during the season of Lent that our worship area has changed. We see the penitential color of purple in the linens. We will not have fresh flowers on the retable, but rather dried flowers, sticks and other items that represent the desert. (Thank you, Halsey Dillard for providing these wonderful arrangements.) The baptismal font will be void of water, just as the desert. We will long during this time for what sustains us, knowing that it is God who provides.
Many of us will give up things during Lent that we enjoy or add disciplines that help us grow in our love and knowledge of God. What we become at the end or our time in the wilderness is far more important than what we give up. Suffering can lead us to a place far greater in Christ. As we observe a holy Lent, by self examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting and self-denial; and by reading and meditation on God’s holy Word (pg. 265, BCP) may we rejoice in what we will become. God’s grace will be our guide through the perils of the desert and beyond.
Blessings,
Gini+