A Lenten Reflection
This short homily was delivered by Rev. John at the Ash Wednesday Eucharist service
For many, Lent is a depressing time, the church’s ‘sad season.’ I used to feel that way too, but the more I learned and thought about Lent the less sad it is.
Yes, Lent is a time when we reflect on ourselves and our actions. It is a time of acknowledging our sins, being penitent and seeking forgiveness. However, we get all too caught up in focusing on the sins and offences and forget about the forgiveness part. The sadness or depressing aspect of Lent is a chosen mindset. So this Lent, I encourage you to acknowledge and pray on your sins and offences, but to also embrace the forgiveness and the salvation provided by God in sending us Jesus.
Lent is a time of preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. I don’t know about you, but when I prepare for a celebration I’m usually energized with anticipatory excitement and, frankly, it’s okay to be a little excited about embracing the glory of Easter and the joy that comes with our salvation.
Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, is a powerful service of preparation. At this particular service we acknowledge our sins in the litanies and prayers of penitence, we receive the ashes, imposed on our foreheads as a sign of our mortality, and we accept God’s absolution and forgiveness as we partake in Holy Communion.
Ever since I can remember, after all of the Ash Wednesday services I’ve been to and presided over, I don’t feel depressed when the service is over. I feel relieved and liberated. Liberated because I have the opportunity to dig into myself, to really review my last year and ask myself “What mistakes have I made? Who have I hurt? How can I do better? How can I be my best me?” I urge you to do the same. For this is what Lent is really all about. This is what God asks us of this season.
Today, Ash Wednesday, is the kick-off. It’s an uplifting time, a time for spiritual excitement. Let’s prepare, piously and holy, for the next four weeks.
After that, and as the season comes to a close, we have the privilege of embracing the institution of the holy eucharist at the Mandatum on Thursday - where I’ll be washing feet as a sign of the servant leadership, like Christ, I am called to as your priest. Then, on Good Friday, we’ll come together as a Lakefield Community and walk the procession of the cross, after which we join together here for a shared service (we’re hosting this year).
Finally, and ultimately, we will joyously celebrate Holy Easter and the gift that is the resurrection of our Lord, our Saviour.
My friends, Lent is not a depressing time of sorrow. Lent is the exciting season of working to prepare for a big Easter party.
In conclusion, if you’re going to give up anything for Lent, give up the somber and depressing aspects that have traditionally been connected to the season. Welcome the relief and liberating joy that comes with the preparation for a celebration, as we are prepare to receive God’s gift of salvation at Easter.
Amen.