As we are now in the season of Lent, some homework for this Lenten season:
Make special time for prayer this Lent. Pray for those around you in need of healing. Pray for those in our community in need of shelter. Pray for peace in this world, in our community, in our families, in our own hearts. Jesus will listen, and respond to our faith.
Make an effort to fast this Lent. Fast from too much food, that is easier. Fast from gossip, that is harder. Fast from being judgmental, that is challenging. Fast from all those things that hold you back from bringing the peace you are praying for.
Give to those in need. Contribute to our Ash Wednesday collection for Beth El. Give to the John Rigley Food Pantry. Give of your time to someone in need. Give of your ear to someone who needs you to listen. Give what you can from whatever you have.
Remember the parable of the Pearl of great price? The man sold all he had to purchase the pearl. Jesus gave all he had, all he was, so that we can be saved. We are the Pearls of great price. Believe you are worth the sacrifice of of Jesus, he does.
May this Lent find you more in prayer, and may your prayer bring you closer to Jesus. May this Lent find you fasting from all that holds you back, and may your fasting lead you to become a better per- son. May this Lent find you being more generous, so we can all model how generous God is with us.