Dear Members and Friends of Trinity,
Welcome to the season of Lent – the season of springtime. As we celebrated Ash Wednesday, on February 17th, we entered the 40 day journey that takes us towards Easter defined as Lent. Lent is a season that offers us the opportunity to think about life in new ways. In the Webster’s dictionary the word “Lent” refers to “springtime” and both have much in common. Lent is a time to think about our life and how it is progressing in terms of being a Christian. As there is no thing as a “perfect” Christian, after all we are all human, Lent offers us 40 days to explore those aspects of our life where God’s forgiveness could offer healing and a new life – if we take the time to pray, asking for new ways to old ways, and then act in those new ways which God calls us to.
In scripture this coming month we will hear the message of repenting which gives us the opportunity to change our ways and not perish. The story of the barren fig tree (Luke 13:1-9) reminds us God is patient with our limitations. Yet new action is needed on our behalf, much like the flowers of springtime which will soon be popping up – if they only grew in the security of their past, with warm roots protected underground – and if they never changed, growing above ground to sprout their beautiful flowers we would never have the opportunity to see the possible beauty that exists. It is the same with each of us and our relation with God – God gives us the opportunity, often over and over again, to live a new Christ centered life – the question remains will we have the courage of a flower to sprout and shine in God’s grace?
In the coming weeks we will share stories of change – of transformation. We will explore the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) – the story of how one son squandered his inheritance and then returned home hoping to be able to at least work as a hired hand in his father’s home. However upon arrival the father threw a huge party welcoming his son back – from the depths of despair transformation occurred creating a new life for all. In the gospel of John 12:1-8 we will learn from the story of Mary anointing Jesus with costly perfume and Judas protesting that the monies could have been given to the poor. Jesus responds: “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” How often do we miss opportunities to be with Christ in our life – likely each and every day if we thought about it – and the 40 days of Lent offers us that time to think about it – not to feel guilty for the loss of past relationships but to put new actions into place, here and now, taking advantage of how Christ is present in our life at this moment and in all the future moments.
Toward the end of the month we move towards the end of this Lenten journey, and we celebrate Palm Sunday – Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (John 12:1-8) – a party day for all. Folks were yelling: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” as they spread their cloaks on the road for Jesus to pass over. That moment was truly magical – yet a reminder how our human nature forgets so quickly when only a few days later the same people who welcomed Jesus into their lives denied him and sent him to his death. Hopefully we do not do the same – inviting Jesus, asking and receiving his forgiveness, and then turning back to old ways only once again in need of forgiveness. Maybe, just maybe this Lenten season can and will be different – that is the hope of this season and the hope of the Christian message. Let us all take these 40 days to contemplate our life and then act – changing it forever with Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. It is so simple and actually something that costs nothing – except changing our life to be filled with God’s grace. The reward? A life well lived and the promise of life eternal which we celebrate on Easter Sunday – but that’s a story for next month.
Peace & Blessings,
Pastor Bill & Pastor Penny
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