Happy Ash Wednesday and a Blessed #Lent2K12 to you and yours! I have to admit, Lent is not my favorite liturgical season. I'm more of an Advent, Christmas, Epiphany brother. Although I do cherish the contemplative nature and the quiet rythmn of Lent. A good friend of mine told me that Advent is Lent's baby cousin. This year, I am excited about Lent and the transformation that a Holy Lent will bring. Lent is a time in which winter is competing with spring for supreme climate dominance, the Valentine's 75% off clearance items are making room for the Easter baskets, and chocolate bunnies. But what is the period between post-Valentine's Day and Easter really about?
Today, across the world, if you pay close attention, you may see a soot like smear on the foreheads of individuals as they are out and about. These people have been given ashes, which is a symbol that they have began their personal journey of Lent and have been reminded that "You are dust, and to dust you shall return." Lent is a time in which we are reminded that just as we were born, we will die. We remind ourselves of Jesus' passion on the cross, death, burial and glorious resurrection. We become the story of his eternal glory. During Lent, we connect with that which we are; and that which we have the potential to be through Christ. We are made in the image of God. As the Reverend Milton Brunson reminded us in his popular gospel song "In God there is no failure."
Take this time of preparation for Easter, ask yourself today. "How will I be different on Resurrection Sunday?" You may not dot every "I" and cross every "T" but making an effort makes all the difference. Joel 2:12 says "Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart." You are at the junction of return. You have been preserved for this moment. God is calling us to a Holy Lent. Let's respond to the call and return to the Almighty and Ever Faithful One.
Peace,
Karsten
