March 2011 Newsletter Article

Lent begins on March 9, and that is exciting because that means spring is closer.  The old English word “Lent” means spring, but as we know it is not only a celebration of longer and warming days, it is a preparation for the great miracle of Easter.  How we prepare is the question.  The answer for many is to demonstrate the discipline of giving up something (a type of fasting).   For some what they give up is something they love, and for others it is something they would like to get rid of forever.  The latter certainly seems a positive use of discipline, and the former proves the ability to be disciplined, which is also positive.  Yet I cannot help but wonder why someone should prove their discipline with restricting themselves from something they love, unless each time they add also the discipline of prayer.  If every time the desire comes to mind and thus we turn to prayer and remember Jesus’ miraculous sacrifice for us, this practice of discipline will focus one towards the cross and the empty tomb.

I do believe the tradition the discipline of fasting is very useful and positive.  I also recommend the addition of a spiritual discipline, hopefully one that will take hold after Lent.  It may be daily devotionals, Sunday school, reading the Bible, or prayer.  Adding these disciplines prepares us for Easter and helps us with witnessing the Gospel throughout the year. 

During Lent we have traditionally as Christians been taught to be penitent, and I believe that is important.  We must realize that we as individuals and we as society have sinned.  We call out like the Psalmist :

Have mercy on me, O God,
   according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
   blot out my transgressions. 
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
   and cleanse me from my sin. (Psalm 51:1-2)

and we are always remembering what Jesus has done for us, remembering that we are Easter People.

Blessings,

Pastor JC