lent is a reminder of brokeness
O Jesus, quicken me. O Jesus, rise in me. O Jesus, drink of me.
Yesterday was the first day of Lent. Today early morning snow started to fall gently covering the bare spots from the earlier snow. Winter is still here; many are staying in place.
The foreheads of many were marked with the sign of the cross in ashes. An act of pennace that is usually coupled with confession by the congregation and individually.
lent is a challenge
Lent is not observed by all Christians. It’s a tradtion that stems from history. Like many of tradtions and observvstions, they are rooted in early practices adopted to encourage believers in their faith. Lent is a call to action. Action? It is a personal challenge to examine our hearts and lives. Personal accountability for our sins. Acknowleging and confessing to God seeking forgiveness and help from the Holy Spirit daily.
Lent is 40 days plus Sundays. This year it is 46 days. Lent brings into focus for me how totally dependant I am on God.
lent is a season of promise
Lent is a season of promise! I was struck by the simplicity of Rossetti’s words but the depth of despair, dullness and lack of any joy is expressed so eloquently with richness that uses words that make those feelings understandable. Expressions of the heart.
This poem writte in 1857 by Christina Rossetti. ‘A Better Resurection’ speaks of despair but still holds out the promise of renewal, of relief.
lent is a reminder of hope
The resurrection of Christ is so many things to us and for us. God’s love and trustworthiness in the promise of forgiveness of sins, renewal and mercy is totally demonstrated through the passion of Christ. The visible acknowledgement of the coming passion of Christ to start Lent is the cross on the forehead in ashes. On my heart is that mark to enter into a particular consideration of myself within the need to continue to partake of salvation and to confess and to not take forgiveness lightly.
The promise of renewal, of relief in our lives is always kept.
O Jesus, quicken me. O Jesus, rise in me. O Jesus, drink of me.
Easter is coming!
Additional reading and inspiration at Word on Fire
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I wasn’t raised in a church that practiced Lent. As I’ve gotten older, I have added some practices that I feel prepare my heart for Easter. This year with all of the sadness and anger on social media, I decided to not engage on Facebook for Lent. I will not like or comment. It has made my time there a bit more enjoyable. I mostly just scroll on through!!
Such beautiful flowers.
Thank you for the reminder of the reason behind Lent. I have been so busy focusing on the other things, I have forgotten to focus on what really matters. This was a much needed reminder
You’re so right. It is easy to ‘forget’. Blessings, Linda