journeys-page

This is the fourth Sunday in Lent. Lent is 40 days (excluding Sundays) from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. I want to lift up some questions and suggestions that Rachel Held Evans has for Lent: “When I wake up on Resurrection Sunday morning, (Easter), how will I be different? What am I preparing for? Is there something in my life – a habit, a grudge, a fear, a prejudice, an addiction, an emotional barrier, a form of excess – that keeps me from loving God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength and loving my neighbor as myself? How might I address that over the next 40 days? Lent is a time to listen to God, but sometimes God speaks through others, particularly the poor, oppressed, marginalized, and suffering. To whom should I be listening this season? A few years ago I gave up sleeping in for Lent and found that fast surprisingly challenging and meaningful. Last year I tried to give away 40 things I don’t need for Lent. Each day, I went through my closet, through my book and DVD collections, etc, and picked something I didn’t need and found someone to give it to. I found it meaningful. The year before that I fasted from using my debit card. It allowed me to become painfully aware of how easily I swipe and waste; and, allowed me to meditate on and act with better stewardship. Or maybe you’d like to commit to memorizing a verse of scripture each day for 40 days.” What commitment are you going to make with God for these 40 days of Lent 2024? What are you going to let go of that keeps you from loving God and your neighbor? What new behavior are you going to offer to God to bring you closer to God and your neighbor? Grace & Peace,