A note from Pastor Travis 2/23/22

This Sunday is the first Sunday in Lent. Every year on this Sunday, we read the passage of Jesus going into the wilderness for 40 days, to fast and pray for God’s direction before he begins his ministry.

It is this period of 40 days in the desert that serves as the model for both the content of Lent and its length. If you go to your calendars and count the number of days between Ash Wednesday and

Easter, you will see that there are actually 46 days between them. (Go ahead and count, I’ll wait…..).

If there are 46 ACTUAL days during Lent, then why do we say that there are 40 days? It is because Sundays don’t count when we are adding up the days of Lent.

Why? Every Sunday in the year is considered a “little Easter.” As such, every Sunday is a feast day of celebration, even in Lent. Therefore, on the Sundays during Lent, we are invited to step away from the disciples and restrictions of Lent to celebrate Christ’s resurrection.

This reprieve serves to remind us of God’s grace, and that even in

difficult times, we are an “Easter People.” Sunday serves as an oasis in life. (Thus, you can go ahead and have that piece of cake or that cup of coffee guilt free on Sundays, celebrating the abundance of God’s grace, even in the midst of the scarcity of Lent).

We invite you to join us this Sunday as we celebrate God’s love!

If you would like to read this Sunday’s scripture passage, Matthew 4:1-11, as part of your preparation for Sunday, you can follow this link:

https://bible.oremus.org/?ql=544008095

Peace and Grace,

Pastor Travis