Pastor’s Corner

Scripture Matthew 6:1-6; 16-21

Lent is a special time of prayer and reflection. This past Wednesday,--Ash Wednesday—was the first day of the season of Lent. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Holy Saturday.

The six SUNDAYS in Lent are not counted among the forty days. So, 46 days from now we will be celebrating Easter. Yes, we have arrived at the season of Lent, that period of the church year in which many people think that we are supposed to feel miserable.

• After all, just prior to Ash Wednesday we run into Fat Tuesday — Mardi Gras in French — a time of joy and revelry….which stands in stark contrast to the observance that begins the next day — Ash Wednesday.
• On Ash Wednesday, The fun stops…..at least that is the popular understanding.

In the seventh century, the church set the period of Lent at forty days (excluding Sundays) in order to remind people of the duration of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness when He was tempted by Satan for the 40 days, after which He began His Ministry.

Lent is a special time of prayer and reflection. In the early Church people would fast—would not eat as much as normal. Thus, as a way of preserving Lent, in the 21st Century as a time of self-sacrifice, the church leaders have encouraged people to give up something they enjoy eating or doing during Lent.

Someone asked Rev. Craig Gates, an Episcopal Pastor of Jackson, Mississippi what to give up for lent. He said, well:

GIVE UP grumbling!

Instead, "In everything give thanks."

Constructive criticism is OK, but "moaning, groaning, and complaining" are not Christian disciplines.

GIVE UP 10 to 15 minutes in bed!

Instead, use that time in prayer, Bible study and personal devotion.

GIVE UP looking at other people's worst points.

Instead concentrate on their best points.

We all have faults. It is a lot easier to have people overlook our shortcomings when we overlook theirs first.

GIVE UP speaking unkindly.

Instead, let your speech be generous and understanding.

It costs so little to say something kind and uplifting. Why not check that sharp tongue at the door?

GIVE UP your hatred of anyone or anything!

Instead, learn the discipline of love. "Love covers a multitude of sins."

GIVE UP your worries and anxieties!

Instead, trust God with them.

Anxiety is spending emotional energy on something we can do nothing about: like tomorrow! Live today and let God's grace be sufficient.

GIVE UP TV one evening a week!

Instead, visit some lonely or sick person.

There are those who are isolated by illness or age. Why isolate yourself in front of the "tube?" Give someone a precious gift: your time!

GIVE UP judging by appearances and by the standard of the world!

Instead, learn to give up yourself to God.

There is only one who has the right to judge, Jesus Christ.

All during this season leading up to Easter, let us prepare our hearts. This is a time of reflection, a time of confession, a time to give up those things and those actions which separate us from our brothers and sisters in Christ, And those things which separate us from God.

This is a time for us to confess before God and each other that we are a needy people—a people needing forgiveness.

We confess that we have failed, and forgotten God. And yet we have heard that God has remembered us! Praise be to our Lord! Amen.

May the Lord bless you!
John