Guided Steps in the Lenten Season

Self-Reflection, slowed down and done with a purpose allows us to act with intention during Lent and grow spiritually as Jesus learned during his 40 days 40 days of discovering Truth and Peace in the wilderness.

Rev. Anne Abdy

To the People of God,

I mentioned in my homily this past Sunday that the article, Lent 2025: What Jesus’ 40 Days In The Wilderness Teach Us Today from the website, Bible Study for You, affected me deeply. It gave me a new way of looking at the idea of spiritual deserts. On Sunday I shared three main points that the article makes. They are: (1) Strength Comes Through Dependence on God; (2) Faith Isn’t a Shortcut to Power and (3) Worship Belongs to God Alone which are reflected in how Jesus responds to the three tests that the devil gives Jesus.

The article goes further to provide additional ways in which Christians can observe a holy Lent.

They are:

“Fast with Purpose: Jesus fasted to focus, not to punish himself. If you’re doing Lent 2025, let your “giving up” point you to God. No coffee? Use that craving to pray. Less screen time? Fill it with Scripture. Make it meaningful.

Face Your Temptations: The wilderness exposed Jesus to real struggles—ours does too. What’s your “stone to bread” moment? Identify it, then counter it with a truth from God’s Word. Write it down; repeat it when the urge hits.

Rest in God’s Timing: Jesus didn’t rush his 40 days or force God’s hand. In 2025’s hustle —rushing to buy that house, to win that argument—Lent invites us to slow down. Trust God’s pace. Easter’s coming, but the wilderness prepares us for it.”

There are many ways in which to engage in intentional self-reflection or self-examination this season. Look for an approach that will work for you. Then add this approach into your day. Maybe it’s engaging in saying a prayer of thanksgiving on the top of the hour during your waking hours. Whatever the approach may be, do it with purpose. Look at what God is teaching or leading you to let go, and then rest in God’s timing.

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As a reminder, Stations of the Cross will take place on Wednesdays (3/19, 3/26, 4/2 and 4/9) at 12:00 pm until Holy Week. If the weather is great, participants can walk the St. Francis Way. Praying the Stations will be available in the sanctuary too. I invite you to walk the stations as you feel led. A self-guided booklet is available.

Blessings,

Rev. Anne