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Olinda-Ruthven 9:30am and Trinity at 11 am
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February 2024 From the Minister – Rev. Olav Kitchen
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ;
On Valentines' Day, February 14th we being our Lenten Journey following Jesus to the
Cross and the Empty Tomb. The suffering, the death and the Resurrection of Jesus
is the core of our faith.
The six weeks which lead up to Easter/the Sunday of the Resurrection is called Lent.
It began about the 4th Century of the Common Era (A.D for us old folk).
This was a time when converts/children/youth/adults prepared for Baptism/Confirmation on Easter.
It was 40 days, since Moses, Elijah, and Jesus all went through a time of testing, struggle,
fasting, in the wilderness.
[Hey, wait a second, there are 46 days from Ash Wednesday to Easter- what gives??? -----
You don’t count Sundays, since Sundays are ‘little Easters’]
Lent is not required — we don’t get heavenly brownie points for observing Lent.
Lent is an opportunity to enrich our personal relationship with Jesus. It is a serious time,
that should not be a burden– it is a time to spend with Jesus.
Jesus invites us:
Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you,
and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy,
and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11. 28 -30 RSV
Today people who observe Lent may give up a kind of food, an activity,
or a bad habit. Some commit themselves to more prayer time or more personal Bible Study time. These can be considered a ‘yoke’ to help us focus on our relationship with Jesus. A ‘yoke’ and spending time learning from Jesus,
will help us celebrate the Resurrection. The Resurrection is the major feast/celebration
for the followers of Jesus.
May God richly bless us as take the yoke and journey with Jesus during this Lenten Time.
Olav