Lenten Season 2022

In the Gospel according to Mark, the first chapter, 13th verse it states “And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.” We can look further into the chapters of Matthew and Luke where details of the temptation Jesus went through are spelled out.

Lent this year begins on Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022. As I read the scripture in Mark and tried to relate it to my own life, I definitely could relate to Satan tempting me at various times in my life. Metaphorically I thought about the portion of scripture reference of wild beasts and it caused me to reflect upon Black History Month, which is near and dear to my heart. I thought about all of my ancestors and the trials they encountered which caused more opportunities for me than were afforded them. I thought that viewing some of the documentaries I’ve been watching regarding what Otis Moss went through while attempting to exercise his right to simply cast his vote for the candidate of his choice. When he was denied, I’m thinking it had to be the Spirit of the Lord that caused him to not be vindictive, but to just go home and accept how he was treated when unable to do so. Rosa Parks came to mind as well. Although she was sick and tired the day she decided to take the closest seat on that bus. She accepted being incarcerated and was peaceful about it. I feel strongly in my spirit that she was praying while going through that awful ordeal. Then there was the preacher man, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King who definitely believed in non violent behavior although the way he was treated was quite the opposite of non violent.

That brings me to today. Some Christians choose to give up something during Lent, more commonly a luxury item or something as simple as a cup of coffee, if that’s something they find difficulty in starting their day without. Some decide to pray more. Some choose to fast one day a week. Some communities hold additional services weekly during this season. This is a season for all of us to refocus our faith, study the Bible more and work on establishing or increasing an intimacy with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Remember, we are reflecting upon His rising from that tomb on Easter Sunday, approximately 40 days after His crucifixion. That sentence is enough to get your shout on right now!

Because of all that the world has gone through over the past almost one year, why not do more that give up something this year? Why not think of Jesus and how He took up that Cross. Why not think about what we as Christians can give up and take up! Jesus opened Himself up to such a painful death that whatever we decide to take up surely won’t begin to measure up to what He did. How about changing one or two of our habits during Lent that may be a change well needed to become permanent in our lives? Why not share something with someone this season? You be creative and decide what that could be. How about pledging to call someone who is shut-in and just ask to pray for them on the phone? Make it someone you don’t normally talk to. Better yet, how about reaching out to a relative you haven’t spoken to in awhile? How about choosing to witness or tell someone about Jesus and all He’s done for you, when you speak with them? How about dropping off a love gift on someone’s porch and then call and let them know it’s there? This can be done by social distancing and staying within the CDC guidelines? You be the judge of what you can give up and take up. Pray about it. Maybe you could get rid of clutter by throwing away 40 things in 40 days….or better yet, donate 40 items in 40 days. Think about how neat that corner in your closet or garage looks now (smile).

I think you get the picture. As stated previously, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebration of Easter. Why not think outside the box this year and really sacrifice? I’m going to try to do something creative myself this year. Won’t you join me? Whatever you do to celebrate Jesus is always a win-win.

God Bless you!