Dear FPCLA,
Today is Ash Wednesday and the first day of Lent. In traditional Christianity, Ash Wednesday is a reminder that we are all the same as we are made from the earth and to earth we will return one day. It is also the first day of Lent. Lent is not in the Christian scriptures, but a spiritual practice that traditional Christianity took up as a remembrance of the 40 days that Jesus fasted in the wilderness. Lent is also the observation of Jesus and his journey to be killed on the Roman cross.
Traditionally, most people fast or give up something important to us to help us to be spiritually aware of ourselves and the community/world around us. Some people give up the pleasure of desserts or coffee or even add things like volunteering.
During this time of Lent, Pastor Eula and I will send out emails during the weekdays giving our personal insights and thoughts to this spiritual journey. I hope you will use these emails as a stepping stone for your Lenten journey.
I’ve never had an Ash Wednesday on my birthday. Yes today is my birthday and thank you for all your well wishes and love. Truthfully, sometimes I get the birthday blues, and this year I was feeling it. Yet, I was reminded about love and support this past Sunday as we gathered after worship for meals and drinks. I felt loved by being a part of the FPCLA family. Seeing Skyler back made me weep with joy and thanksgiving. I wonder in the same way if Jesus was loved and supported when he went through hard times. I hope and pray that we love and support our own FPCLA as well as our neighbor and the stranger.
Meditation questions: Who are you loved and supported by when you go through hard times? Are you loving and supportive of others?
Blessings,
Pastor Sam
