We are almost to the end of our 40 days of Lent. A time where we were invited “in the name of the Lord, to observe a holy Lent by self-examination, penitence, prayer, fasting and almsgiving, and by reading and meditating on the word of God.” (BAS pg. 282)
This is a special time that was set aside for us to do these things, but it does not have to end. Continuing into the Easter season and the rest of the year to focus on prayer, reading and meditating on the Word of God only strengthens our spiritual lives and our relationship with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The Rev. Steve Greene says it well in his article:
"Soon we can belt out, 'Jesus Christ is risen today!' And begin the fifty days of the Eastertide. God’s self-revelation in the Easter event comes to us as a call to spread the Good News of redemption, liberation and of our commissioning to mission and service. We recall the women who first found the Empty Tomb and their zeal to inform the Disciples that Christ is risen indeed!
Ancient tradition teaches that the Resurrection of Jesus marks a new beginning, a chance to rejoice in God’s renewal of creation. The late Orthodox theologian Alexander Schmemann handed on this teaching, 'God did not create the world for this separation, dying, ruin and corruption…The Resurrection is the re-creation of the world in its original beauty and totality.'
The resurrection is for all time!! In His death and rising to life again, Jesus gave Himself as a sign of the new and eternal covenant that God is always with us. In giving of Himself, He opened to us a way of freedom and peace. We profess these things in our Eucharistic prayers each week and in our hearts at every moment.
As children of the resurrection, as children of the resurrected God, Jesus not only conquered death, but He also ushered in Life! Not only spiritual life, but full and abundant life, physical and spiritual. He now reigns as the Lord of Life. The Lord who gives new life to His creation-beginning with us!
Let us continue with our daily prayers, reading and meditating on God’s word and open ourselves to the freedom, peace and love offered to us, through God by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit."
Lent and Easter blessings to you and your families!
From the Executive of Anglican Fellowship of Prayer: Rev. Steve Greene − St. Luke’s, Cambridge; St. Thomas The Apostle, Cambridge, and Rev. Kimberly Myer − The Parish of St. Stephen’s and Church of the Redeemer, Oldcastle.