The Rector's Ramblings...

Now that we have entered into the Season of Lent, I am sure that most of us have started living into our Lenten Discipline.  For many of us, that means giving up something that has meaning for us.  Some give up alcohol, others give up special foods or desserts.  Still others give up things that we might not consider.  While coaching high school football years ago, I am sure that I had at least one player who thought about giving up homework for Lent.  While this may have seemed a noble sacrifice on his part, it really did not fit the criteria for why one gives up something for Lent, which is to deepen our relationship with our Lord.

If you are still thinking about what to do for Lent in 2009, let me make a suggestion as to how you might take your relationship with Jesus to a deeper level.  You can make a commitment to do two things during Lent.  First, Read the Bible daily.  Let God's Word proclaimed in Scripture touch your heart as you reflect upon it.  For example read Genesis, Exodus, and John during the next few weeks.  The first two books put you in touch with the early history of the Israelites starting with creation and going through God's saving action in the lives of the people as they are led by Moses from their bondage in Egypt.  As you read these books, you will truly come to experience the fact that, "Our God is an Awesome God."

The third book, The Gospel According to John, is my favorite book of the Bible.  In it we move from the majestic words of the prologue to the signs or miracles of Jesus and from there to his betrayal, death, and resurrection and finally to the magnificent three-fold reconciliation of Peter.  All of us, as Episcopalians, need to spend time allowing the words of this gospel account to transform our lives.

Second, commit to finding time to truly give of yourself to another person.  Not only give of yourself, but also work on helping to enable that person to be the person God wants them to be.  It might be your spouse, your children, a friend or even a stranger.  Just open your heart and the Holy Spirit will help to point the way for you.  While this may sound a little intimidating for some, it need not be.  Bill Hybels has written a book with a catchy title, Just Walk Across the Room, in which he speaks of personal evangelism.  The title sums it up.  You just have to be willing to take the first step.  In doing this you will come to realize that God will provide all you need from that moment on in any situation in which you find yourself.

Whether you give up something or take on something, it is my prayer that this Season of Lent will be a special time for each of you.  As it is each year, it is my great joy to be able to walk this great pilgrimage of faith with you.