Lent is traditionally a season of introspection and repentance, a quieter time where we are called to examine our conscience and to identify what in our lives draws us away from God. The conventional penitential approach to Lent can lead to thoughts of unworthiness, remorse and sinfulness. Given the current environment that is rife with uncertainty, fear, anxiety, and grief, we need worship services that are life-giving and offer hope and strength for the journey. Today we need God, Love, and Our Source of Life more than ever. As such, we are setting aside the traditional Lenten liturgy to avoid the risk of adding to the despair, hopelessness and trauma around us. Our invitation for this Lenten season is to return to the LORD with open hearts, to seek God’s face, to root ourselves in our faith, to re-kindle our hope, to rediscover joy and awe, to embody love and to be renewed as we rest in God’s embrace. Our prayer is that Lent will be a season of respite, renewal and restoration for weary souls.
This approach to Lent draws on the ancient meaning of the Hebrew (teshuvah) and Greek (metanoia) words that have been translated into the English word, repentance. Teshuvah literally means return, as if turning back to something we’ve strayed or looked away from. The Hebrew Scriptures understand teshuvah as turning back or a return to God. It represents coming home with the understanding that all existence is rooted in and seeks to return to God where we find our wholeness. Teshuvah represents a return that involves changing our ways and opening our hearts to God. This understanding is consistent with the Greek word, metanoia found in the New Testament. In the Greco-Roman world, "metanoia" was understood as a change of mind or perspective. However, in the Jewish and early Christian context, it took on a deeper spiritual significance. It refers to a transformative change of heart, that compels one to from darkness to light, from death to life, in other words, to return to God.
We are encouraged to adopt Lenten practices to help us return to God. These practices do not need to be about sacrifice, penance, or remorse rather they can be life-giving practices that help us find our way back to God. You are encouraged to adopt practices that satisfy your deep soul yearnings for joy, peace, meaning and rest. Make time for stillness and self-care whatever that may be for you; Bask in joy and wonder each day if even for a moment. Connect with someone – it can be as simple as making eye contact; Go to the places where you feel the presence of the Holy and spend time there; Engage in small simple acts of love and kindness; Choose Life; Choose Hope; Choose Love.
Each week of Lent during our 10:00 am service, we will celebrate one of the graces that we receive when we return to God with open hearts.
· March 9th – Returning to God, Coming Home
· March 16th – Returning to Joy
· March 23th – Returning to Hope
· March 30st – Returning to Rest
· April 6th – Returning to Love
In addition, our liturgy will incorporate music chosen to provide strength for the journey. For those who wish to observe a more traditional Lent, we encourage you to attend the 8:00 am prayer book service.
“O God of peace, who has taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in trust shall be our strength: by the power of your Spirit lift draw us into your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
|