A Concord Pastor Comments: Keeping a Holy Lent

The Prodigal Son by Charlie Mackesy, used with permission of the artist

The Prodigal Daughter by Charlie Mackesy, used with permission of the artist

Today is just about the half-way point in Lent.

How's Lent going for you?

Do you remember what you pledged on Ash Wednesday? Have your pledges of prayer, fasting and works of mercy been kept? or is there room for improvement?

Last Sunday's opening prayer included these words:

Father,
you have taught us to overcome our sins
by prayer, fasting and works of mercy.
When we are discouraged by our weakness,
give us confidence in your love...

If you're discouraged, as I am in some ways, then look upon this half-way point in Lent as a new opportunity to begin again.

Think of Lent not as half-over, but as half-yet-to-come!

Think of Lent as a glass half-full, not half-empty.

If you've failed in your Ash Wednesday Lenten pledges, renew your commitment today.

And if you made no pledges on Ash Wednesday to begin with, make some today!

Above are two paintings by Charlie Mackesy. (Mackesy has a number of paintings and sculptures on this theme and I'll post more this week since the story of the Prodigal Son is the gospel for this coming Sunday.) One is titled the Prodigal Son and the other the Prodigal Daughter. You'll note in the background graffiti on each, Mackesy's comment: "This is the story of the prodigal son/daughter. It really should be the running father..."

Each of us is a daughter, a son of the Father who waits to run to meet us when we come to our senses and make our way home.

It's not too late in Lent to turn around, to see the Father who is running to meet us on the way...

Remember: God wants to do something in my life and in yours this Lent...