The Lenten Journey

February 19, 2010

Ash Wednesday has been a highlight of my year the past two years. I have such fond memories of our first Ash Wednesday services last year. This year exceeded all my expectations. There were more people in attendance than I ever imagined would attend. We had numerous guests and friends from a sister congregation in another part of Los Angeles. You can see a short video reflection on our evening service by visiting our website and watching the featured video on the home page.

One thing I love about Ash Wednesday is the way it causes our congregation to talk together about their spiritual lives in ways that might not happen at other times. As Lent draws closer I find myself a part of dozens of conversations about what people are giving up for Lent and what they’re hoping to take on for Lent. These conversations are usually one part playfulness and three parts serious reflection on the obstacles to growth in our lives. We laugh and joke about what we should give up, but then a serious discussion ensues about what things we could really do without for a period of 46 days in order give us a clearer vision of God and God’s will for our lives.

Whether you’re joining us on this Lenten journey or not, I encourage you to think about your spiritual journey these coming weeks, and consider these words from Hebrews 12:1-2:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

What is the sin that clings so closely to you? What are the things that are weighing you down and keeping you from being the human being God wants you to be? But rather than focusing on that sin and those weights, we are invited to look to Jesus, who is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. I’m encouraged by that, because my resolve is so thin and fragile. Perhaps yours is too.

Grace and peace,

Ryan