Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday. It marks the beginning of the Lenten season. For those who observe Lent, it is a time of reflection and examining our sinful selves. This is a special time for turning hearts and minds to the suffering our dear Lord endured for us and recognizing His gift of grace.

Romans 3:23-24 tells us, “……since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, they are justified by His grace as a gift through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus”. This is your redemption and my redemption….Christ bought us back ! By his sacrificial death, Jesus paid the price.

We do not observe Lent thinking we can earn our salvation. No! Instead, it is a time of opening our hearts to what God has already done for us while remembering the suffering Jesus endured for us. It is a time for repenting of our sins with a grateful heart. “For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life”. John 3:16

The Son of God Who takes away the sins of the world is our constant companion. How humbling is that!? What a joy! It has been a blessing to have Jesus walk by our side through this year of turmoil . He is always there, leading us, guiding us and walking with us through the big worldly problems or smaller problems in our daily lives. Jesus’s death broke through the darkness, lighting the way for us.

Jan Knicely, Associate in Ministry, emeritus

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church