Can you believe the season of Lent is almost upon us? This year the Liturgical Arts Committee is asking parishioners to participate in this season of reflection by sharing written reflections on the themes of Lent.
We are looking for short reflections (between 250-400 words) on the Lenten themes of:
Luke 9: 28-29 (Transformation)
Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white.
Isaiah 55: 6-7 (Return to God)
Seek the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the LORD, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Luke 15: 20-24 (Forgiveness)
So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly, bring out a robe--the best one--and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate.
Philippians 3: 10-12 (Prayer)
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
The interpretations of these themes can be as broad as you would like, and reflections can be taken in many different directions. Maybe you can share your own journey of transformation? Maybe you share a story of forgiveness? Maybe you reflect on what the verses have meant in your life? Maybe you reflect on one of the themes or all four?
All the submitted reflections will be published in a Lenten reflection booklet which will be available to the parish and four will be chosen to be shared during the Sunday morning services in Lent. Please email your reflections directly to Daniel by March 10th.
*By sending in a reflection you are granting permission for the reflection to be shared in a published booklet or to be shared in front of the parish. Please note If you would prefer to remain anonymous or if you would prefer to have your reflection only published in the booklet, indicate this in the email. Daniel will contact you if your reflection is chosen to be shared during a Sunday morning service.