Into the Thick of Lent

A Servant’s Tale

            We are now well into the season of Lent. This season of repentance and preparation, much like Advent before it, colored purple, sets the stage for the amazing grace and love of God in the Word becoming flesh, suffering, dying, rising, ascending, reigning, and one day. . . coming again. Thanks be to God! In the meantime, which is where Advent and Lent are to be found, on the street, in our homes, our places of work and enjoyment, anywhere, disciples of Christ are invited to reflect on our lives, perhaps give up something. There is a sacredness to loneliness/solitude available to us if we would stop trying to fill all the silences in our lives with noise and make ourselves available to hear the still, small voice of God. Perhaps, during Lent, we could take a few moments each day in complete silence and listen for God to speak to us. Shall we?

Lent will give way to Easter, that glorious beginning of new creation as Jesus rises from the dead and NOTHING has ever or will ever be the same. Church, we have the greatest story, the best news of all and this world desperately needs to see disciples of Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit and the love of God out in the communities in which we live displaying the light of God and seasoning with salt everyone we are blessed to encounter, especially those we might look at as enemies. Easter means EVERYTHING is possible when we surrender our lives to God and allow him to fill us with his Spirit fresh and anew every day. Hallelujah!

I am humbled and overjoyed to serve as your minister and pastor.

+James+