Lent, the journey to the cross, a time of prayer, fasting, almsgiving. We go as it were in the desert with Jesus.
The Eastern Christian Orthodox describe Lent as a season of “bright sadness”. Pause, hold that thought for a moment, say it out loud – “bright sadness”. We are resting, waiting for 40 days, to acknowledge both the brightness and the sadness of life.
Truly sadness surrounds us, in our communities, in our world, in our relationships. And yet, there is the brightness that comes to us through the hope that is ours because of Easter - bright sadness.
Lent makes space for us to hold any sadness before God and cast them upon him.
“Our Lord, we belong to you.
We tell you what worries us,
and you won’t let us fall.”
Psalm 55:22 (CEV)
Lent also makes space for us to rejoice as God reminds us of moments of brightness and blessings, large or small.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
In his great mercy he has given us new birth
into a living hope through
the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."
1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)
I pray:
Jesus, thank You for overcoming Satan’s lies, first in the wilderness and then on the cross. I remember the price You paid as I repent of my sin and receive Your forgiveness now. – Amen.
God says to me:
“I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear, I will help you.” Isa. 41:13 (NIVUK)
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