A Time for Reflection

Posted February 3rd, 2009 by admin

In today’s busy world it is a blessing to be reminded of the need for and to actually participate in a time of personal reflection. On Ash Wednesday, February 25th, we are invited by the season of Lent to enter into the desert and do just that.

Lent means “fortieth day” and points us to the time, following the Christ’s baptism, when he went into the wilderness and was tempted by Satan. Satan’s temptations challenged Jesus to reflect on his own relationship to God, the people of God, and his call to service (How he would use his God given gifts.). His refusal to be tempted by Satan during these “forty days” in the wilderness, clarified for him the mission he would carry out when he came out of his wilderness; a mission that would lead to Good Friday and on to Easter.

I know that the world is fast moving and scary right now, but please, allow yourself some time in the desert during Lent. Lent doesn’t care one bit if you give up chocolate or not. Lent would like for you to reflect as the Christ did. What is your relationship to God? Will you trust him? What is your relationship to others? What is God really calling you to do and be?

Walk into this wilderness. Don’t be afraid! God will be with you and angels will nurture and protect you. Clarify your call to service?

Strengthened and nurtured by your wilderness reflections, you will be ready on Maundy Thursday to begin moving out of the wilderness and on toward Easter with a clarity and strength you have not experienced before.

I look forward to hearing about your victories and your reflections.

Steve