On the Eve of Lent, I feel a certain excitement. The church helps me to re-examine my Rule of Life. I have the chance to give something up, take something on and give something away. I feel more able to do this knowing that I will be in fellowship of Christians around the world through this journey. Knowing that there are others walking this path, gives me courage to work with the Holy Spirit to open myself up to His examination. I feel less like hiding from what He brings to light about who I am. When I was a child, Lent and Holy Week were fearful times, I knew what was going to happen. Jesus was going to die a horrible death. We were going to hear "those Scriptures" in Church. It was like being forced to watch a horror film. Easter joy never seemed to make up for it. Now, I feel grief and a deep sense of being loved during Lent and Holy Week. I grieve for what Jesus suffers for my sin. Yet, God gives me a chance to be saved from death through Jesus' sacrifice. Plus, he gives me a chance to be saved from trying to live a life poisoned by attempts to make life work in my own flesh by cooperating with the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. Lent is an exciting time because it is a chance for me to say "Yes" to all that life in Christ has to offer me. I get to appreciate that Christ paid the price for the life I live in Him by giving His life. I look forward to accepting the invitation of the Church to observe a "holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word." (1979 BCP, p.265)
Thank you, holy lady, for this opportunity to take part with you in LENT. Yeah, we got a lot of self emptying to do. People in India can suffer from self and proceed without telling their neighbors what they are doing. Lent seeks some self giving up on our part. What to eat for example. Ash Wednesday's service was delightful, in Noida, chandelier lights and ash on forehead plus holy communion. Praise God for forty more days like that!
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