Ash Wednesday

Today marks the beginning of our 40 day journey towards Easter. Eastern Orthodox Christians call Lent a season of "Bright Sadness". It is a annual journey through the darkness of the night of the soul to the brightness of the dawn of Easter.

It is a season for reflection, for meditation and growth in our relationship to Christ as his disciples. We refresh a consciousness of our own human condition and our need for salvation from sin and death. At the same time we are once again nurtured in our first love relationship to Christ where we marvel at his love and grace. Like the Jews who refresh their faith and trust in God through their celebration of Pesach, we also are reminded of the eternal hope that we have in our life in Christ through our celebration of the Easter season. It is however,, not merely a historical event that we celebrate. It is rather a recognition and a reminder of our daily need for the grace of God. We journey in the darkness, but we can see the light of a new dawn on the horizon which is the light of the kingdom of God. We journey as disciples of our Lord and master, and progress step by step in the radiance of the glory of his resurrection life. Let us covenant with one another in this season of bright sadness, in commiting ourselves to taking steps towards a greater depth in our love of Christ and for one another.

Traditionally, Lent has been a time of prayer, fasting and self-denial. These are disciplines that have fostered a greater focus on our relationship to Jesus. They have also contributed to a greater depth of spiritual maturity and power. I would venture to suggest that these are positive practices, but I would also encourage a greater focus on demonstrating our love in action in practical tangible ways. Find ways to extend yourself to others in the days to come. Phone someone and give them a word of encouragement. Meet to pray together and for one another. Be of practical assitance to someone. Practice "random acts of kindness". It will be exciting to exchange stories about our experiences in this journey towards the light.

Here are the scripture passages for today. Read each of them reflectively, asking the Holy spirit to speak to you through them. Use a note book to record your thoughts and impressions. Pray, using scripture as a foundation for your praise and confession.

May the Lord bless you in your pilgrimage!

Pastor Linda

Psalms 32 and 130
Jonah 3
Hebrews 12:1-14
Luke 18:9-14
Psalm 32 NIV

Of David. A maskil.
1 Blessed is he
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.

2 Blessed is the man
whose sin the LORD does not count against him
and in whose spirit is no deceit.

3 When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.

4 For day and night
your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
Selah

5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, "I will confess
my transgressions to the LORD "—
and you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
Selah

6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you
while you may be found;
surely when the mighty waters rise,
they will not reach him.

7 You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Selah

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.

9 Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.

10 Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the LORD's unfailing love
surrounds the man who trusts in him.

11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!