Lent – Day 20
Lent 2010: A Season for Listening
3/11/10 – Day 20
Listening to The Teachings of Jesus: Part 9
“See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. 20Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
- Luke 10:19-20
Welcome to the halfway point of our journey! By now you should be well established in your Lenten disciplines and starting to feel more in control of your life, perhaps more so than you have in a long time. Others may have had some trouble and experienced some false starts and stumbles. Either way rejoice, for it is in the effort that we gain great reward! Even set backs provide valuable lessons. The things we do in Lent are not important in themselves, but a valuable in that they help us become closer to God!
Today we take time for prayers and self-examination. Where have you done well over these past twenty days? Where have you become most aware of God’s abiding presence? It could be in these areas that you could shift more of your focus to in the coming days. Likewise, where have you struggled and fallen short? Where have you seemed to come up empty? You may wish to explore why these areas have not been as fruitful. It could be that these are areas where you need more help or commitment, or it could be that this is an area that does not work well for you. Remember, Lent is not about punishing ourselves, but drawing nearer to God! Spend some time assessing you progress and asking God where you should focus over the next 19 days. All of us need to start moving out of introverted responses into more communal and extroverted celebrations of God’s presence and blessings as we begin to accelerate toward Good Friday. You are not alone. God is with you and we are also your companions along the way. The best is surely yet to come! – Rev. John Mattox
Let us pray,
Loving Lord,
It is part of our sinful nature
to seek power and glory.
Forgive us for the times
we have done this.
Help us to remember our task
and rejoice in your glory alone.
Amen.
-Rev. Katie Mattox
