Dear Friends
As the season of Lent approaches, we are, once again, invited into a sacred journey—a path where the hunger of the soul meets the abundance of God’s grace. Life, in many ways, is a feast, yet how often do we find ourselves filling our plates with things that do not satisfy? This year's Methodist theme, "Soul Food," calls us to reflect on the nourishment our spirits really crave and the sustenance that only Christ can provide.
Lent is more than a time of sacrifice; it is an opportunity for transformation. Imagine yourself wandering through a vast desert, as Jesus did, each step feeling heavier than the last. The thirst is unrelenting, and the mirages of the world—wealth, status, comfort—promise some relief, yet they never actually deliver. Then, like an oasis in the wilderness, Christ holds out His hand, offering water that quenches eternally. The 40 days of Lent serve as a reminder to turn away from all worldly mirages and drink deeply from the well of God’s love. Through fasting, prayer, and service, we empty ourselves of all temporary things, in order to be filled with the eternal. Let’s look at those individually:
Prayer
Prayer is much more than just words offered to God. Prayer is the very rhythm of our spirits aligning with God’s heart. Prayer is the quiet, whispered conversation in the morning light and also the desperate cry in the dark of night. Prayer is the bread that sustains us through our joys and also through our desperations. This Lent, may we embrace prayer, not simply as something we feel we are meant to do, but as invitation, a moment to sit at God’s table and be nourished by the presence of the Divine.
“Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11)
Feasting
Imagine a banquet prepared with great love and care—a table overflowing with the yummiest of food. This is what scripture offers: a feast for the soul, full of wisdom, hope, and the very essence of God’s voice. Yet, how often do we turn instead to the fast food of fleeting distractions? May we commit this Lent, to savour the richness of God’s word, allowing it to shape and strengthen us.
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
Serving
A meal is best enjoyed in community, and faith is no different. The abundance of Christ’s love is not meant to be hoarded but shared. Imagine a banquet where every seat is filled, where no one is left hungry or forgotten. This is God’s vision for each and every one of us, to serve one another, to feed the hungry, to extend the nourishment we have received to those in need.
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.” (Matthew 25:35)
A Fasting and Feasting Challenge:
Rather than simply giving up a favourite treat, as we often do during Lent, maybe think of Lent as an opportunity to shift focus:
Fast from negativity – Feast on gratitude
Fast from busyness – Feast on stillness
Fast from selfishness – Feast on generosity
Fast from worry – Feast on trust in God
Each of us has a rich story, a testimony of how God has fed our weary souls. How has God provided for you in your moments of hunger? What has sustained you through trials? Who could you share your story with? It could well be the encouragement someone else needs.
As we walk the Lenten journey this year, may we remember, that true nourishment does not come from the fleeting offerings of the world, but from the abundant grace of God. May we feast on God’s presence, be filled with God’s Word, and share God’s love freely. Because, in Christ, our souls are fed, our thirst is quenched, and our spirits are renewed.
Go well
Karen
As the season of Lent approaches, we are, once again, invited into a sacred journey—a path where the hunger of the soul meets the abundance of God’s grace. Life, in many ways, is a feast, yet how often do we find ourselves filling our plates with things that do not satisfy? This year's Methodist theme, "Soul Food," calls us to reflect on the nourishment our spirits really crave and the sustenance that only Christ can provide.
Lent is more than a time of sacrifice; it is an opportunity for transformation. Imagine yourself wandering through a vast desert, as Jesus did, each step feeling heavier than the last. The thirst is unrelenting, and the mirages of the world—wealth, status, comfort—promise some relief, yet they never actually deliver. Then, like an oasis in the wilderness, Christ holds out His hand, offering water that quenches eternally. The 40 days of Lent serve as a reminder to turn away from all worldly mirages and drink deeply from the well of God’s love. Through fasting, prayer, and service, we empty ourselves of all temporary things, in order to be filled with the eternal. Let’s look at those individually:
Prayer
Prayer is much more than just words offered to God. Prayer is the very rhythm of our spirits aligning with God’s heart. Prayer is the quiet, whispered conversation in the morning light and also the desperate cry in the dark of night. Prayer is the bread that sustains us through our joys and also through our desperations. This Lent, may we embrace prayer, not simply as something we feel we are meant to do, but as invitation, a moment to sit at God’s table and be nourished by the presence of the Divine.
“Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11)
Feasting
Imagine a banquet prepared with great love and care—a table overflowing with the yummiest of food. This is what scripture offers: a feast for the soul, full of wisdom, hope, and the very essence of God’s voice. Yet, how often do we turn instead to the fast food of fleeting distractions? May we commit this Lent, to savour the richness of God’s word, allowing it to shape and strengthen us.
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
Serving
A meal is best enjoyed in community, and faith is no different. The abundance of Christ’s love is not meant to be hoarded but shared. Imagine a banquet where every seat is filled, where no one is left hungry or forgotten. This is God’s vision for each and every one of us, to serve one another, to feed the hungry, to extend the nourishment we have received to those in need.
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.” (Matthew 25:35)
A Fasting and Feasting Challenge:
Rather than simply giving up a favourite treat, as we often do during Lent, maybe think of Lent as an opportunity to shift focus:
Fast from negativity – Feast on gratitude
Fast from busyness – Feast on stillness
Fast from selfishness – Feast on generosity
Fast from worry – Feast on trust in God
Each of us has a rich story, a testimony of how God has fed our weary souls. How has God provided for you in your moments of hunger? What has sustained you through trials? Who could you share your story with? It could well be the encouragement someone else needs.
As we walk the Lenten journey this year, may we remember, that true nourishment does not come from the fleeting offerings of the world, but from the abundant grace of God. May we feast on God’s presence, be filled with God’s Word, and share God’s love freely. Because, in Christ, our souls are fed, our thirst is quenched, and our spirits are renewed.
Go well
Karen
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