Carolyn's Corner

As we enter the month of February, we become conscious of both the earlier rising and the later setting of the sun, changes which bring with them the promise of more light coming into our daily lives. Once again, February will also bring with it the start of the six-week penitential season of Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday and leading up to Holy Week and Easter. “Lent” comes from the ancient Anglo-Saxon word for “spring,” when the hours of daylight begin to lengthen, and so provides a time of renewal for both the earth and all who dwell upon it. Lent is a time for reflection on our values and what really is important in our lives. It is a time when it is helpful to set aside some regular opportunities for prayer and discernment, and to be intentional about looking at the spiritual dimension of our lives.

Because Lent is a penitential time, some might try to avoid thinking about it at all, believing it to be a gloomy, dark time of regret and self-denial. Another way to look at it is as a bright opportunity for a time of spiritual growth, a time when you may make new choices to let the light of Christ shine more deeply into your life; an opportunity to grow more deeply into your faith.

My prayer for all of you is that you have a truly holy Lent. Gather in worship with your fellow seekers on Ash Wednesday to receive the ashes of penitence in preparation for the forty days of this spiritual journey. Walk with one another and Jesus on the way to Jerusalem and the cross. Only then will Easter joy come in all its fullness.

Blessings,

Carolyn