My taste in music is sometimes a bit eclectic, which partly explains why I once heard Clarence Carter at a concert in Gaffney. At one point in the concert, Clarence said to us, “I’ve been married seven times. Something was wrong with those women.” Clarence spoke with obvious irony, but he gets at an important point. It’s a whole lot easier to find fault in the people around us than it is to find fault with ourselves.
I write these words on Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Lent may be one of those words we hear bandied around at church. We may hear people talk of giving something up for Lent. But, you may be asking yourself, what does it all really mean?
Lent is the 40-day season of penitence (excluding Sundays) from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. After His baptism, Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness. Jesus spent His time in fasting and prayer as a preparation for His earthly ministry. This time prepared Jesus for the work of ministry, but it also prepared Him for His ultimate death. Jesus knew there were hard days ahead. In preparation Jesus didn’t read books on leadership or scour the internet for tips on holy living, instead, He prepared through a 40-day season of solitude and introspection, founded on a regimen of prayer and fasting.
Our theme for Lent this year is FOCUS. These 40 days offer us the opportunity to focus on our relationship with God instead of all the things that distract us from growing as disciples of Jesus. During Lent, we remember Jesus’ self-giving love for us. As a way of remembering, many people give something up or take something on. Giving something up or taking something on for Lent offers a reminder of Jesus’ saving work. For example, giving up chocolate for Lent does not make you a better person, but when you feel the urge for chocolate it can serve as a reminder of all Jesus did for you.
This Lent we’ll have several opportunities at Central to observe the season and realign your focus on God:
· Mid-Week Services – Each Wednesday in Lent we will have a special service at 12:30, with lunch served both before and after. Inspiring guests will lead us through music and preaching.
· Thursday Services – We have a weekly service of prayer and Holy Communion every Thursday, but Lent may provide an opportunity to add this service to your spiritual practice.
· Daily Scripture Readings – If you haven’t already, go to centralmethodist.net and sign up for this prayer and Bible reading guide. It comes right to your email box and social media platforms.
There are a lot of opportunities to connect with God this Lent and I hope you’ll take advantage of them.
Yours in Christ,
Thomas W. Smith