About Lent: You and Your Congregation

     Now that Lent has arrived, you might be considering how you will respond to this season's special focus on examining and deepening your Christian life. The idea of "giving something up for Lent" is so well-known that it is cliche. While I'm sure that this practice is helpful and appropriate for some people, I do have my doubts about this mindset. Simply abstaining from chocolate or whatever doesn't have much to do with spiritual growth unless it is part of a larger context of applied spirituality, and I'm not convinced that this is usually the case. Of course, people have found many other ways to observe Lent meaningfully, often "taking something on" rather than giving something up. Such practices might include a more specific and disciplined approach to daily personal prayer or adopting a program of spiritual reading (the Bible, a spiritual classic, daily meditations, etc.). Along these lines, there are as many ways to observe Lent as there are people!
        The Book of Common Prayer is quite specific about Lenten devotions (p. 265). We are called to "the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy word." Note that this means doing ALL of these things, not just one or two! The Church's call is clear enough, but I have found that many people don't really know what to do about "self-examination." Just what does this mean? What am I looking for? How will I know what is important to "examine?" Am I supposed to fix something? If these or other such questions ring true for you with regard to Lenten self-examination, Gene and I hope that you will come to talk with one of us about it.
        After all of this in your personal approach to Lent, there is something else. What about the communal aspects of Lent? Since in our Anglican tradition the Christian faith is inherently communal (never merely individual), it is self-commending that there would be some corporate mindfulness in our Lenten spirituality. I am not referring here to the practices of our liturgical worship together, but rather to commitments on your part that are about the benefit of the congregation. Unfortunately, in my experience people almost always forget this angle. But consider how very important such a mindfulness could prove to be! Hang on now as I take this opportunity to challenge you to a Lenten commitment in two things that will make a big difference for All Saints' and, therefore, your own Christian life and the lives of those will be seekers here. Be warned!; I will definitely go from preaching to meddling, but there is a reason I'm called "Father!"
       Get our youth to Sunday School, Jr. EYC, and EYC! Parents and Godparents, this is uniquely your role, and it is your public vow to God. The lack of personal responsibility in this is perhaps the most serious shortcoming at All Saints' (and this is not for want of committed leadership or resources!). We have too many of you waiting on the sidelines for things to improve before you consider getting involved. The only thing this situation accomplishes is to prevent or cripple the improvements which are possible and which we all want and need. We are all bound to one another in this, and you are cheating not only yourselves and your children but also your fellow parishioners who, in fact, count on you! See the Baptismal promise made on BCP p.303, and the vows of your Baptismal Covenant pp.304-305. Spiritual formation through Christian education has been a focus of Lent ever since the ancient Church, and it is more important than ever in our day and time.
        Another hallmark of Lent is forgiveness and reconciliation. If you have an offense or issue with a fellow parishioner, make use of this Lent to find ways to heal the relationship. Both Gene and I will be more than happy to help. Remember, what's going on is not just about you and the other; it affects all of us here in several different ways. Personal reconciliation is often emphasized in the New Testament with regard to the Church's life. Not only is reconciliation one of the cornerstones of the Christian life, it is also one of the most  empowering dynamics of your spirituality.

Faithfully,
Shannon⁺