Speaking Christian - Lent

Speaking Christian- Lent

Mark 1:12-13

            “Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. As he was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:1-11)

“Soon after this, the Spirit sent him out into the desert and he was in the desert 40 days being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.” (vs.12-13)

It is this time in the wilderness when we as Christians take time to ‘journey’ to be in the wilderness and reflect upon Jesus as the one who was sent to be tempted, as he prepared for his ministry and his ultimate experience in Jerusalem which lead to death.

           We call this 40 days before Easter, Lent, a season when we ‘put aside the sins and failures of the past in the light of who we are yet to become by the grace of God.’ We are to be tested by the Spirit so that our participation in the meaning of the Easter faith will be authentic and a dying and rising with Christ to new life in God. It is also a time of penitence, looking at ourselves our sins and to seek forgiveness. This season has also included a time of prayer, fasting and giving up something for oneself or by including more reading and meditation on the Word of God.

            It is a time of intentional spiritual growth and yet there are few Christians who observe it or observe it only by ‘giving up’ something. It is a holy season of preparation and for many years Lent meant reflective worship. Today we remember Jesus’ experience in the desert and yet we also remember him as he struggled by being human and God’s Son. As we reflect on Christ’s journey to Jerusalem and the cross during this time of preparation just what is it that calls you to reflect, pray and observe this holy season of preparation for new beginnings?

       PRAYER:

God we praise you for Jesus’ time of preparation. Enable us to be open to your word as we seek to grow spiritually in this season. Show us your way of love and understanding as we share our thoughts and seek your forgiveness on this journey with Jesus. Enable us O God to understand this as we are transformed in faith. Amen.

     REFLECTION:

Jesus was sent by the Spirit into the wilderness after he was baptized. Have you ever felt the Spirit sending you to do something specific? What was it? How did you respond? During Lent, what do you think the Spirit is sending you to do to prepare for Holy Week and Easter? What does this mean for you as you grow in your understanding of Jesus?