Weekend Wisdom - March 2nd, 2025
The Sunday before Ash Wednesday (Is that like the Night before Christmas?)
There is a temptation as we look at the Lenten season to see only sacrifice, barrenness and abstinence. While these are all appropriate words for HOW we could experience Lent, it doesn’t say much about WHY.
We choose to enter into the practices of Lent – prayer, fasting and almsgiving – to challenge our very busy and very distracted human nature to create space for spiritual transformation. (Interesting that in recent years the rest of the country finally caught on to some of the mental and physical benefits of thoughtful fasting…) God didn’t take on flesh so we have a cool story to tell. No, God took on flesh so that we could know Him and be transformed by His presence, Word and example. Lenten practices are meant to shake us out of the fogginess of our schedules and bills and scrolling and make room for our amazing God to transform our lives into something more meaningful. That meaning is different for each of us. For some it may be peace, for others service, and for some a deeper connection to scripture or worship.
Last weekend’s Gospel reminded us: “…a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap.” Luke 6:38 Where the world only gives enough to get by, God gives to overflowing – love, correction, mercy, justice, healing, compassion. What will you allow God to pack in and give to you this Lent? Where do you need God to burst your seams with his abundance?
Our parish has curated some beautiful opportunities to help you open yourself to the gift that Jesus’ life, death and resurrection is for you and the meaning God has for your life. Please, from a fellow human, disciple, parent, friend, spouse, pick something new to try this Lent and join us. In this jubilee year of pilgrimage and hope, dare God to transform you as you walk toward Jesus’ ultimate gift of transformation – that from sin and death to life.
Amberly Boerschinger, Director of Communications and Technology
