Reflections by Rev. Joanne Anquist

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.  Lent is 40 days, not including Sundays (it’s never Lent on Sundays!) for you to reflect on where you are at and what needs “tweaking” in your spiritual life.  For many, Lent means giving something up.  There are folks who will not drink any alcohol during this time – it’s a way to prove that they are in control of their drinking, not the other way around.  Others choose not to eat chocolate for that time (I did that one year – never again!).  The way I see it, the secret to giving something up is that it is something that is in danger of controlling you, or something that you love a bit too much!  It seems counterintuitive but sometimes sacrifice brings abundant life.

I prefer using Lent as a time to add something to my life – something that I “should” be doing, but I am either too lazy or think I’m too busy! I have lots to choose from that’s for sure!  I’m going to try to move more during Lent – get out to walk, ride a bike, hit the treadmill – any of those things.  I realize that I am far too sedentary, and if serving God means caring for myself, then I have to be mindful of this body and its needs.  

Others of you may need to read more, or engage in mindful eating, or spend quality time with family, or join a social service organization - whatever you can add to your life to enrich it and bring it closer to the wholehearted living God designed for humanity the better.  

But Lent isn’t just a time of giving up or adding to: It’s mostly a time of reflection on how your life is going. To help you along on this journey, we have a set of Lenten cards which have some questions for you to consider and a prayer for each day.  This will help you focus your attention to what really matters as we walk this path together.  They will be available after the service this Sunday, or in the office during the week.

Whatever you choose to do, be kind and gentle to yourselves!  It may a time of sacrifice, but it is not a time without joy.  Going deeper with God is a spiritual journey that lasts a lifetime.  

We as a congregation are also on a Lenten journey to explore who we are as a community of faith.  Unfortunately, we find ourselves in a time of uncertainty, especially since the “tariff war” has begun.  Changing alliances and political polarization have created uncertainty around relationships and allegiances.  In our own province, at the same time that we’re encouraged to buy Canadian and stand up for our country, there is a group of folks who are going to Washington to talk about how we could become a state!  How do we as a Christian community navigate these waters?  How do we as people find harmony in all the dissonance? 

Our worship time during Lent will focus on the theme Everything In Between.  We’ll discuss these polarities that ask us to choose either/or.  We’ll reflect on familiar stories from Luke to frame a conversation about the social, political and religious divides of the 1st Century and how he bridged relationships that were estranged.  Throughout the season we’ll discuss binaries like: Stranger & Neighbour; Faith & Works; Shouting & Silence; Power & Humility; Grief and Hope – and many others.  Through this, we will find God in the in between, resisting the black and white and celebrating the areas of gray where most of us live! As the curators of this series describe it: 

This theme may resonate with anyone who is in discernment or trying to find their way through an undefined space. It will speak to anyone who feels as if they are living in a divided world. It is for those who seek a spiritual life that engages with complexity instead of avoiding it. This Lent, we're trusting that God shows up in shades of gray, rainbow hues, and everywhere in between.

In your personal life, in our communal life, in our political and social lives, Lent is a time for intentional reflection.  We are reminded that we come from dust and to dust we will return, as we journey towards Resurrection and new life. May you have a blessed Lent.

Prayer from Sarah Speed of Everything In Between:

God of all beginnings, as I enter into this new season, give me the wisdom and the courage to begin again.  If there are things you need me to learn in these next six weeks, make them clear.  If there are things you need me to do in these next six weeks, give me the courage.  If there is truth I need to uncover, show me how.  Let your intentions guide my actions.  Amen.