A Word from the Pastor Honor the Sabbath

A Word from the Pastor

HONOR THE SABBATH

This calendar year, one week in February, four weeks in March, and one week in April comprise the Lenten Season for Christians. Lent represents the journey to the cross and to Easter. The practice of Lenten observance began as a time of disciplined preparation for Baptism. Catechumens, those preparing to be baptized, took part in a year-long journey of study and prayer that culminated at Easter.

My prayer is that this year, as we make the important journey together towards Easter, we will practice Sabbath time, not leaving if for some other time of convenience. As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “The time for change is now. Tomorrow isn’t soon enough.” Each one of us must look within to find a time to grow in our faith and our love for God and neighbor. Sunday may be that time or you may need to set aside an additional time of Sabbath rest. Whenever the time is, be intentional about what you do during that time. Set time aside each week to listen and reflect on God and God’s word. Open the Bible, let the Word come alive, pray, talk to God, listen to God, write down your thoughts (if you’d like), be still, and rest in God’s arms. Set aside that time just for you and God. Do whatever helps you draw near. It will be different for everyone. As you set aside this time this month, know that you are following God’s command:

If you refrain from trampling the sabbath, from pursuing your own interests on my holy day; if you call the sabbath a delight and the holy day of the LORD honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, serving your own interests, or pursuing your own affairs; then you shall take delight in the LORD, and I will make you ride upon the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of your ancestor Jacob, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Isaiah 58:13-14

…and you will be preparing yourself for Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Thank you for sharing the journey!
Grace and peace,
Lucia