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Sibling in Christ,
What does it mean to begin again with God?
Each year, Lent arrives as an invitation rather than an obligation—an invitation to slow down, to return, and to remember who we are and whose we are. After the joy and brightness of Christmas and Epiphany, the Church turns toward a quieter and more honest season. Lent draws us into reflection, repentance, and renewal as we face both our human weakness and God’s persistent mercy.
The Sundays of Lent carry ancient names taken from the opening words of the day’s worship. The First Sunday, Invocavit, comes from Psalm 91: “When they call to me, I will answer.” It sets the tone for everything that follows. We begin Lent not by proving our strength, but by calling upon God in our need.
The Gospel for this day tells of Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness. Before he begins his public ministry, he confronts temptation, hunger, and testing. His struggle reminds us that faith is not lived apart from difficulty but within it. Lent invites us to walk honestly through our own wilderness places—trusting that Christ walks there first and walks there with us.
Throughout Lent, Christians have traditionally embraced three simple practices: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These are not spiritual achievements meant to impress God or others. Instead, they help reorient our hearts. Prayer reconnects us with God. Fasting creates space by loosening our attachment to what consumes us. Almsgiving turns our attention outward toward neighbors in need. Together, these practices shape lives marked by trust, compassion, and generosity.
The remaining Sundays guide us deeper into this journey. On Reminiscere, we learn persistence in prayer, trusting God’s mercy even when faith feels fragile. Oculi calls for clarity and decision—reminding us that discipleship ultimately means choosing Christ repeatedly. Laetare offers a moment of joy amid repentance, assuring us that grace sustains the journey. Judica leads us into Passiontide, where the shadow of the cross grows near. Finally, Palmarum opens Holy Week, as Jesus enters Jerusalem not in triumphal power but in self-giving love.
Christians have marked this season for centuries through worship, acts of mercy, confession, and shared prayer. Many still gather for midweek services, give generously to those in need, or adopt personal spiritual practices at home. However Lent takes shape in your life, its purpose remains the same: to draw us closer to Christ.
In truth, the goal of Lent is not self-improvement. It is relationship. As we pray, fast, and give, we discover again that everything begins with God’s love already given to us in Jesus. We do not journey alone. We walk together—as a church, as households of faith, and as people learning once more to trust God’s promise of renewal.
May this holy season become for you a time of returning, healing, and hope as we journey toward Easter together.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Will
P.S. What practice—or small change—might help you intentionally walk closer with Christ this Lent?
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