Pastoral Thoughts
Today I came across an article on eonlin.com entitled "What are you giving up for Lent?"  For the readers who do not know what Lent is, the author starts out by giving a summary:  "...during Lent, people usually give up something they like doing or eating (like junk food or coffee) or pledge to do something to better themselves or the lives of other for 40 days an 40 nights."  Right under the title of the article is a close-up picture of tasty doughnuts, each with its own colorful frosting and sprinkles.

It takes an effort of mind and will to catch and discard the childish perceptions and barren observations that are often presented to us by our broader culture.  Lent is not about skipping Dunkin' Donuts drive-through for a few weeks.  Nor is it a few weeks of any obligation for the sake of the greater good.  Rather, Lent is a time of preparation.  On Good Friday and Easter Sunday, in particular, we remember through community worship the amazing love and glory of our Lord.  Lent is about worshiping god;  it is about taking the time to prepare oneself and one's family for the yearly gathering of the community of God, who gather together to remember our Lord's last days with contrition and then with joy and peace.

Let us take time this Lenten season to read the Gospels with a heart and mind of devotion.  Let us be prayerful and prepare ourselves, so that when Good Friday and Easter Sunday come, we are not caught off guard, but rather are eager to gather with brothers and sisters in the house of the Lord and give him devotion and praise.

Yours,
Pastor Brooks