Hope in Sacrifice and Fellowship

On Wednesday just gone, the wider Christian community celebrated what is known as Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of Lent. You, like me, have been through many seasons of Lent, and hopefully by now we might recognise Lent as a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal. Ash Wednesday, although especially strong in the Presbyterian tradition, is a day when ashes are placed on foreheads, which should be a reminder of our mortality. Genesis 3:19 reminds us, “dust you are, and to dust you will return,” but this is not the end, because this should also be a sign that points us to the cross, toward the hope of resurrection. This is a sacred moment that invites us into a journey of sacrifice. It is not an end in itself, but rather a pathway where we might express deeper care, love, and fellowship with God and with one another.

Our lectionary reading this Sunday is taken from Romans 10:8-13 and this passage offers a beautiful foundation on which we might rest our faith. We will explore the simplicity of the grace that is offered to us, we will also explore the universality of the grace that is offered to the world. There is real hope here, hope that transcends sacrifice, reminding us of the amazing work of Christ on the cross that is the basis for this season of Lent. This is a time when we should pray, where we might fast, or sacrifice something in a period of self-examination. But I think it’s also a beautiful time when we might see our sacrifices not as a burden, but rather an act of love for our Lord.

Today, we will share communion together from the Lord's table. As has been our habit, we will come together after the service to share a meal in the hall, so please stay to break bread together, all are welcome and don’t worry if you have not brought anything. Let our communion at the Lord’s table, followed by a shared meal in the hall be a tangible expression of the true love and fellowship that we find in the person of Jesus Christ.

I pray that we all enter this season with hearts that are open and ready to receive, reflect, and share the boundless grace of God’s love. May God bless you all.

Blessings

Josh