Link #36

Greetings in the name of Jesus.

This is considered the first day of Lent. For those not familar with this season of the Christian calendar please don’t be alarmed. I grew up in the Church not knowing anything of these ancient tradtions of the Church. Lent is a 40 day period leading up to Good Friday and Easter (the death and resurrection of Jesus). It is in many ways a gift that is given to us to be more intentional in our relationship with Jesus. In fact it is a way for us to more fully enter into the transforming possibilites of Jesus death and resurrection.

During the 40 days of Lent, followers of Jesus are encouraged to engage in three spiritual practices. These practices are mentioned by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Mattthew 6:1-18): giving to the poor, prayer and fasting. The intetion of these practises is to help us make more room in our lives for Jesus, to be released from many unhealthy attachments to this world. We would like to encourage you, over the next 40 days to make more room in your life for Jesus with the anticipation it will prepare you for a very special Easter. It is a tagible opportunity for us to not only know about the resurrection, but participate in it. As we put off those things that push us from God, we put on the things that draw us closer.

Last night we gahered for a Ash Wednesday meditation which gave us opportunity to reflect on the wonder of the resurrection. It reminds us that new life is available - I pray that the entire Bloor Central family may experience resurrection power.

Blessings to all,

Doug