Pastor’s Pen

As we approach the season of Lent, we are reminded of the importance of wondering—both personally and communally—what faith means to us. I am not big into giving things up for Lent. For some, it is a healthy experience to discover what is most important in their lives. For me, I tend to want to do something more during this season, and it comes in many different forms. Taking intentional time to wonder and ponder is a helpful tool in doing that.

During the year of Matthew in the lectionary, we get some help in this venture. We are given some of the great stories of faith in scripture, from the temptations of Jesus to Nicodemus’ questions. We also encounter the woman at the well and the blind man who receives his sight, but even more importantly, receives community with Jesus. These stories help us look more closely at what we think and believe about Jesus and what that actually might mean for our lives. They may even motivate us to find encouragement to live out our faith in new ways during this season.

As we learn from the Sermon on the Mount, you are the salt of the earth, you are the light of the world, so go and be salt and light. Our faith is an active faith, so that we may point to the One who has brought the kingdom among us.

Blessings on your Lenten pondering!

Pastor Tim