LABC Update – Monday, February 28

Ash Wednesday Vigils this Wednesday, March 2, 7-8 AM, 12-1 PM, 5-6 PM

I trust you will consider attending one of the LABC Ash Wednesday Vigils. They are times of self-guided worship. You will be invited to pray a printed Ash Wednesday prayer, reflect on a page of Bible verses, listen to the sacred music, light a candle, hold a hand cross (please keep it with you throughout Lent), receive the ashes from the pastor (who will also pray with you) and take a Lenten devotional booklet home with you.

There is much going on in the world that commands our attention. The invasion of Ukraine, the ongoing pandemic, economic and environmental concerns, the search of racial justice, worry for friends and family and the need to pay attention to our own health. The list is long.

The purpose of this time is not to forget about these concerns but, in the midst of them, to give ourselves over to the love of God as it is known in Jesus the Christ; to recognize that though our shortcomings and failings are real, the mercy of the Eternal is greater; to trust that the ashes of our contrition will be transformed into a garland of healing and hope.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of the Lent, the annual pilgrimage to Easter. It is important to take the pilgrimage one step at time. It is best not to rush to resurrection. Take some time to learn from the ashes, Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, the Palm Sunday parade, the Upper Room, the betrayal, the denial, the crucifixion and uncertainty of Easter Saturday. Let’s make the pilgrimage together.

Pastor Jim