One of the things I love about the Episcopal Church is the importance we place on the church seasons. Through our celebration and observance of these seasons, we affirm with Qoheleth, writer of the Book of Ecclesiastes, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”

Every season of the church has its particular emphasis and tone. In Epiphany, we reflect on the mystery of the light of Christ coming to all people, with a tone of celebration and wonder. In Lent, we reflect on all that separates us from God and from one another, and the tone of our worship becomes more solemn and reflective.

The Lenten practices (prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and repentance) began in the early Church as a special time of preparation for those who would be baptized at Easter. Eventually, Lent became a practice that was embraced by both those preparing for baptism and those who had already been baptized (in recognition that all need to prepare their hearts and their minds for the Paschal Mystery of Easter). The hope therefore of the observance of Lent is that we can know again and in a deeper way God’s love for us in Christ at Easter.

I invite you then into the observance of a Holy Lent. Whether you decide to take something on (more intentional prayer practice, daily meditation, acts of mercy, acts of reconciliation, journaling) or give something up, I urge you to do so with the intention of deepening your trust in God’s all-abiding love.

Yours in Christ,

Mary