Lent, a Season of Renewal

This week, as Lent begins with Ash Wednesday tomorrow, I want to ask you what has been for me a challenging question.
 
Before I ask it, I want you to know that I have missed you. I spent most of February in Florida with my newly retired wife renewing our relationship with each other and many dear friends. The combination of hotels and guest room surfing, with no snow or ice, was good for our souls. As we worshipped online with you, seeing your faces, hearing your voices and knowing that we are part of this community, felt good. Thank you for that, for being a welcoming community of faith.
 
Here’s the question:  Is Lent primarily about suffering or renewal?
 
Of course, Jesus suffered. Duh. He suffered for the sins of the world, once for all. But the season of Lent didn’t exist for Jesus, unless you consider this week’s Gospel account of his 40 days in the wilderness as Lent. It wasn’t.
 
Lent was created by the Church for us, and not as a time for us to sacrifice more in order for God to love us more. Christ’s sacrificial death made sacrifice no longer necessary for anyone, ever. Giving up chocolate won’t make God love you any more than God already does! It might be good for you, but it won’t make God love you more.  (P.S. Jesus resisted temptation. Don’t be tempted to think you can!)
 
Lent was created for us to reconnect to the saving story of Jesus and to be renewed by it. The early church used Lent as a catechetical (teaching) time for new believers to prepare for baptism and their new life as disciples, and also a time for the whole community of believers to be renewed by the promises God made to them in their baptisms. It was a time of renewal for everyone.
 
I have learned, often the hard way, that admitting my failures can be renewing. Self-denial in any form is destructive, hence repentance and absolution is a healthy first step in renewal. Ash Wednesday and our weekly worship begin with confession for good spiritual reason. God saves us, we don’t save ourselves. We need loved and saved in ways we too often don’t offer ourselves or others.
 
I’m ready for Lent this year, for the same reason it was good to travel with my dear Ann. Covid, incessant politics, devastating war, even aging all work to dry my spirit. I’m ready to be renewed and replenished by the eternal promises God makes to me in baptism. I hope you are as well. God is ready to do it!
 
I hope you will also join us in person on the following Wednesday evenings in Lent in the Fellowship Hall as we gather. Young and old, member or not, as we practice welcoming community, prayerfully lighting a candle, singing a song, remembering how much God loves us, and letting God renew us from the inside out. Each Wednesday one of our pastors will briefly guide us through one of five renewing baptismal accounts in the New Testament.  I’m praying that our being together will be a gift to each other.
 
Lastly, no matter how dry, distant, frightened, fearful you might be feeling right now, I get it. It can be tough, I won’t minimize it. But also, thankfully, I know that God is a fount of living water. I hope we can journey together this Lent as rehydrates our spirits and souls.
 
Peace be with you. Not as the world gives. As God gives.
  

Pastor Jim Wilson