Dear Peace Families,
Lent begins next week on Ash Wednesday (February 22).
And as we approach the season that leads up to Easter, I realize that there is a misnomer about Lent—it’s a pervasive one, but not one that is necessarily biblical. In my growing years, however, it’s one that I used to believe too.
It is the belief that Lent is all about sin, suffering, and death. And because of that, we need to engage in practices of self-denial and penitence. In other words, since Jesus suffered, we should suffer too.
The acknowledgement of our mortality is important, and so is the understanding of Christ’s journey to the cross. No questions there. Receiving the ashes and hearing the words, “From dust you were created, and to dust you shall return” are sacred reminders of our baptisms.
But mortality and suffering are much different than shame. And if we turn Lent into a season of shame, then we lose sight of what it’s really about. Shame turns our focus inward, saying who we are is bad—rather than focusing on God, who reminds us that He is always good.
Because of Jesus, Lent is a season of hope and a season of promise. A season that reminds us that death does not have the last word. A season that recognizes our suffering, yes, but also proclaims God’s empathy for us and presence with us.
Jesus may have wandered in solitude for 40 days and nights through the wilderness, but Jesus also gives us the eternal hope that we don’t have to. We will never walk alone.
So this Lenten season, focus on God. Focus on Hope. Focus on the Promise. God loves you and is with you!
Grace and Peace,
Joe
Family Tip of the Week
Engage in a faith practice for Lent with your family, one that is intentional and helps you to grow together in faith and love.