Across the Pastor’s Desk by Henry Doyle

How have we been observing this Lenten season? Have we focused on our faith, family and friends? Have we done something creative and meaningful, enjoyable and fun?

During Lent, we spend time in self-reflection and examination and seek to deepen our relationship with God in Jesus Christ.  There are several ways in which we can grow in our faith:

1. Read Scripture each day. Where would you start? For instance, you can engage in a Thirty Day Walk with Jesus — www.olwparish.org/30daywithJesus/index.html.

2. Spend time in prayer and meditation.

3. Participate in Sunday worship and Lenten weekday services as a reader, choir member, Sunday school teacher, youth group leader, altar guild member or in any role where you can use your God-given talents.

4. Pray that you will become close to God.  Pray also for those known and unknown to you.  Pray for your own needs.

God calls us to have close relationships with others. Let your family and friends know how much they mean to you. Send them a greeting, through the postal service or Internet. Reach out to those nearby and to those with whom you have infrequent contact. Your letting them know they are in your heart and thoughts will put smiles on their faces and make them feel blessed and appreciated.

There are other things to do:

1. Volunteer to serve people in need.

2. Visit someone who lives alone or in a care center or assisted living residence, especially if you have meant to do so, but hadn’t done so yet.

3. Ask someone how she is doing and listen to her response.

4. Perform a random act of kindness.

5. Host a get together — for instance, a neighborhood cookout.

6. Apologize to someone.

7. Forgive someone.

8. Fight hunger in our midst — give generously to feed the hungry.

What we focus on during Lent and what we practice during Lent can happen throughout the year and can strengthen our relationships with God and our companions on this earthly journey.

 

Father Henry Doyle is priest in charge at Christ Episcopal Church in Albert Lea.