March

Trinity Family, Lent.

We looked up the meaning of the word and found a surprise. It is not from some religious term, it is not some deep theological concept. The word Lent:

The word is traced etymologically to an Old English word lencten (related to “lengthen,” referring to the lengthening of days) that simply referred to the season of spring. It is also related to a Teutonic word with the same meaning. The penitential season in the Church always fell during the springtime in Europe and over the centuries the word “Lent” became synonymous with the liturgical period. Additionally, for the Anglo-Saxon people it was an easier word than the official Latin title. In Latin it is called Quadragesima, which means the “40 days” (or more literally the “40th day” before Easter). This term identifies the season with the 40-day period of preparation before the celebration of Jesus’s Passion, death and resurrection.

But maybe there is more spiritual reality in this term then we might imagine at first glance. As spring is a time for renewal, so Lent is a time for renewal as well. We renew our commitment to walk with our Lord, we renew our commitment to the life that Jesus calls us to, and in so doing we find true life.

Each person’s Lenten journey is unique, because each of us has drawn away from God in our own unique way. Some have been caught up in the desire to acquire and
need to practice ways to let go of some of the things that draw away from God. And so we give up things for Lent. Some have lost sight of their connection to others in the love of God and so we give to others renewing our commitment to the needs of the world. Some have lost hope or let the pain of their life drown out God’s voice and so prayer becomes a way to listen for the voice of God again and share the pain and hopelessness of life. Some have begun to take for granted God’s love and abundance and so worship is a time to embrace the reality anew.

Only you can look within and find the places that need renewal. And we invite you to join us in beginning Lent by taking some time just to listen to your heart. Listen to what has drawn you away from true life in Christ and then enter this Lenten season with the assurance of our Lord in the book of Revelation:

Be earnest, therefore, and repent. Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me. To the one who conquers I will give a place with me on my throne, just as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.’

This Lent may you find new life, a lengthening of days and the joy of fellowship with our Lord and his people..

Pastors Cris and Dave