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Bishop Leo Michael, Bloom, flowers, Growth, Holly Michael, Holy Catholic Church Anglican Rite, Lengthen, Lent, Spring, Spritual Growth, St. James Anglican Church, Strengthen
The word Lent stems from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning “lengthening of days.” www.Biblegateway.com says:
Lent is the span of time in the church calendar that starts with Ash Wednesday and ends with Easter Sunday. Ash Wednesday commemorates the beginning of Jesus’ 40-day fasting and temptation in the desert, and Easter Sunday commemorates Jesus’ resurrection from the grave after his crucifixion.
Lent, then, is generally observed as a time for Christians to reflect, repent, and pray as a way of preparing their hearts for Easter. It is commonly observed by many Christian denominations–Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and others–although not every Christian church or denomination does so.
Even though it’s cold and snow still covers the ground (at least here in Kansas City), the lengthening of days is happening. Daylight savings time begins this Sunday. Days should get warmer and longer, even though winter seems like it will never go away.
Even if we can’t see it now, there are stirrings in nature, small buds appearing, seeds preparing to burst into beautiful flowers.
Like Spring, Lent should be a time of stirring, growth, a time to lengthen ourselves, to stretch ourselves to be better, more Christ-like.
To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24
During our Ash Wednesday service, Bishop Leo Michael, our pastor at St. James Anglican Church (who’s also my husband) said we shouldn’t boast about what we are going to give up for Lent because then we already get our reward. He advised to do these things in secret.
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:6
So, I’m not saying anything about my small sacrifices, but I will announce that I’m welcoming the season of Lent in order to strive toward becoming a better me.
Like seeds and tiny buds are stirring and growing, I hope, by Easter, to be strengthened, lengthened, and bloomed into someone a little more Christ like.
“That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:10
Have a blessed Lent Season!