St. Paul’s, it has been a whirlwind of a month for us as we transition to our new role. We are so grateful for everyone that has helped to make our transition smoother whether it was through making me great Indian food for lunches, cake for my birthday, painting the parsonage, remodeling our bathroom, or praying for us we are so thankful. We can’t wait to be in our new home on the grounds of St. Paul’s. Please continue to pray for us as we go through the process of selling our home in PA.
We have been discussing in our sermons 7 prayers that I have for St. Paul’s and it is my hope that you would pray them with me; Allegiance, Table, Cruciform, Family, Lament, Slowing Down, and Kids. After we finish working through the 7 prayers we will be into our Lenten season. I’m looking forward to all that God has for us through the Lenten season.
The Lenten season is historically a 40 day fast leading up to Easter is to lead us remember salvation, confess our sin, the good news of Jesus, and prepare to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Lent started with a 40 day food fast from meat or anything that comes from flesh such as dairy products or eggs. Over time because people had to work and lacked energy to complete the work they began allowing meat products such as eggs, dairy, and fish. They also allowed certain days fast free. Ultimately they settled on Friday’s being the day during lent where you practiced the food fast. Because Jesus ate fish, fish is allowed on Friday’s as well as dairy products. The dairy products allowance is very important because without it there would be no pizza Friday’s during Lent! Since the 40 day food fast was done away with tradition became that you give up something else during the 40 day period as a fast.
Although Lent is a tradition not mandated through scripture the practice of fasting is a spiritual discipline Jesus asks us to participate in. As you develop into a disciple of Jesus why not use the Easter season to practice the spiritual discipline of fasting. You could participate in the modern Lent tradition of fasting meat on Friday’s and giving up something during Lent. You could also create your own personal 40 day fast. The purpose of the Lenten fast is to focus on the life Jesus, the confession of our sin, the salvation He brings from the consequence of our sin, and the hope of the resurrection. I would encourage you to participate in Lent and as you do don’t make it a religious ritual but a time of receive our savior’s love and grace.
Mark on your calendar all that we have here at St. Paul’s for the Lenten season found in the Tidings and join us!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Matt Murphy