First Friday of Lent Refection from Renée 2.19.21
Let’s journey through Lent together. For Jesus is our peace.
We journey together toward the cross. For the cross is for you, for me, for your neighbors, for our city, for our nation, for our world. The cross is for those you know by name; and for those who are strangers to you. The cross is for those in whom you delight and for those with whom you struggle.
Ephesians 2 says boldly:
The cross of Christ Jesus breaks down our barriers of hostility and enmity; the cross of Christ Jesus builds bridges for healing and new relationships where was none or only divide. The cross of Christ Jesus.
We are people that are quite aware of the reality of divide in ourselves, in our families, in our society. We know our tendency toward “othering” another human being. This season of Lent let us journey together toward that which brings us together. The cross of Christ Jesus. At the foot of the cross where we humbly bow to our Prince of Peace, there is no “othering.” There is only a new humanity in need of grace.
We are people who are overwhelmed by the sorrow and suffering of our world. We journey toward the One who “bears in his heart all wounds” (Edith Sitwell). The writer of Hebrews affirms in 2:18: “Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.”
The Old English word for Lent (lencten) literally means “lengthen” and is translated to mean “spring” because spring is the lengthening of days as the sun’s light lingers in the sky.
During this season of Lent, we invite you to lengthen your vision toward the cross of Christ Jesus and to take time to meditate upon and give thanks for the centrality of the cross. We are centering our Sunday messages upon Ephesians 2 while also reading other passages that bring our attention to the saving grace of Jesus.
You may want to read Ephesians 1-3 and spend time in various translations.
Walking Partners
As we journey together we also encourage you to reach out to a “walking” partner. Jesus never sent people out alone. Who is someone you can connect with for a few minutes each week to share thoughts from your walk? You may want to physically meet up for a walk or simply talk on the phone. Can’t think of a partner? Email jamesb@unionchurchseattle.org and he will make a connection.
Connections
We also will provide multiple times to connect throughout the week that you will find on our webpage:
Monday Midday Prayer | 12:15 pm
Wednesday Morning Prayer | 8 am
Wednesday Guided Reflections | 7 pm | March 3,10, 17, 24
Friday Movie Nights
Neighborhood Meals in Parks
If you have an idea for how to connect, let James B know.
Let us journey together in Lent, for Jesus is our peace.
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride.--Isaac Watts
Ephesians 2:14-18
For Christ Jesus is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body[c] through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father.