A late start for Lent - Rector's Rambling for March 2, 2014

This year we will be getting a late start on Lent.  By the first Sunday in March last year we were already three weeks into Lent!

But we aren’t even in Lent yet.  We begin our season of fasting and penance this Wednesday, better known as Ash Wednesday.  We will have two celebrations of the Holy Communion with the imposition of ashes, at 12:15 and 6:00 PM.  Additionally, ashes will be available at Evening Prayer at 4:00 PM that day.

If you haven’t by now, I hope that you will take the opportunity to look through the brochures, “The Observance of an Holy Lent” and “Opportunities for Worship, Education, and Fellowship – Lent and Holy Week 2014”.  Both brochures are chock full of information to get you ready for this season, and to help you to make plans for the next seven weeks.

Lent is one of my favorite seasons, primarily because I need it.  I need it not only because I need to be aware of my sins and failings and to deepen my repentance of them, but also because it is a season that is full of hope.

We don’t “do Lent” in order to make ourselves feel bad, but we do it as a type of Spring Training.  This renewed discipline helps us to get into spiritual condition, and prepares us for the coming joy of the celebration of the Resurrection (which is far better than baseball Opening Day).

Yes, we are to be aware of our sins and to repent of them all year long.  Lent is a time of particular training and discipline in preparation for Easter, and this training equips us for living the rest of the church year.

This Church season is at a time when the long cold darkness of winter is waning and the light and warmth of spring approaches.  Let us be prepared and trained as we are strengthened to live the new life of Grace that has been freely given us.