Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word (BCP Page 265).
Perhaps you are like me around this time of year as I decide what to give up for Lent. I am old enough now that the things I wanted to give up for Lent as a child, such as eating my vegetables, taking a bath or doing homework, no longer intoxicate me as they once did. How do we decide what would be an inconvenience to do without for 5 weeks without inadvertently picking something that would cause anxiety or hardship?
I wonder if I might make a small suggestion. The Sunday readings in our lectionary this year are particularly rich. What I will be doing, and I invite you to do this as well, is to take a few minutes everyday to read aloud the Epistle lesson and the Gospel lesson for the coming Sunday, reflect on each reading for two minutes and then closing by praying the Collect of the Day. If we can do this without bringing a snack, we can satisfy four of the six requirements listed above. I’m kidding with that last sentence (or am I?) – but this simple discipline will reap good benefits.
To make it even easier, I have put together a booklet with the readings and collects which will be in the narthex of the church. In addition, I will be available in the library on Wednesday evenings from 6:15 until 6:45 p.m. for any questions you may have concerning the readings, or to pray with you for whatever reason you bring.
With prayers for a blessed and holy Lent.
