Lent

So this Wednesday (Ash Wednesday) marks the beginning of the Christian season of Lent. Lent is the season that prepares us for Easter. It's a time of reflection, repentance, and denying oneself; a season to identify with the sufferings of Christ. This will by my second season of Lent practicing it. I know that last year, experiencing the darkness and somberness of Lent made the joy of Easter even sweeter.

Part of the practice of Lent is the daily Scripture readings. I'd encourage everyone to take part in the daily Scripture readings. It seems so powerful to know that Christians all over the world will be reading the same Scriptures with the same themes at the same time. That's why I love the Christian Year. Sometimes I just get lost in the "world's time:" school semesters, deadlines for papers, fiscal years, etc... The Christian Year takes us out of that and truly unites the Body of Christ; it really connects us with the larger global Church, past and present.

Jill at church is going to print out the readings for people to take home with them tonight. I'm going to make a general announcement explaining Lent and inviting people to take part. I'm excited to see who's willing to journey through Lent together. Up 'til now, I've been pretty much the only person I know personally who's practiced it. It'd be great to have others alongside me journeying through Lent. Me and Sarah are going to try to attend an Ash Wednesday service this week. Last year, I wasn't able to due to school. So I'm pretty excited about it. God bless everyone this Lent season.