Rending and Tending Our Hearts in the Season of Lent
The Season of Lent reminds us of our frailty and fallenness, of our rebellion against the God who in love created us, fashioning us in his very image. Lent calls us to repentance, to “rend our hearts and not our garments”. But true repentance is not navel-gazing. It does not leave us in the dust. True repentance turns our attention and our affections to Christ - the Christ of God who by his word spoke dust into existence, who became dust, so that he might redeem us from the dust. Lent calls us to rend our hearts, but also to tend our hearts. To direct the affections of our hearts away from that which is passing, pleasures which only last for a moment, & towards that which is eternal, and supremely lovely, and all-satisfying. This season, may we consecrate ourselves to a Holy Lent, so that in our hearts and in Christ’s church he may be enthroned supreme.
You have heard it was said…but I say to you…
Matthew 5
The First Sunday in Lent
Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations, and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Sunday’s Readings
Joel 2:1-3, 12-13
Psalm 51
Matthew 5:33-42
Questions to Consider
How do you observe a holy Lent?
In what ways has your lenten fast made the Gospel sweeter?
How have you tended the affections of your heart this lent? Have you turned them towards Christ?