4th Lent

Some Christian calendars refer to this coming Sunday (4th Lent) as Laetare Sunday. Simply defined it is a "break" from the penitential season of Lent. In some churches this Sunday will be noted by flowers on the altar and pink rather than purple vesture. This Sunday is in fact half way through the season.

This Sunday is also known as Mothering Sunday as it was a day when people would make pilgrimage to the mother church of their diocese. On this day some traditions will celebrate motherhood with a cake immediately following services.

First Sunday in Lent

It's Ash Wednesday but I'm already thinking about the first Sunday in Lent. I'm probably thinking ahead because I've already done one service and am about to leave to make a couple communion visits before returning for the noon service. Scripture hits us in different ways based upon our situation in life. The closing line of Sunday's gospel reminds me of how friends have tended to me at times very much like angels. What I mean by that is they came into my life and brought me peace and love at really unexpected times.

Take a second to think about your own walk of faith. Can you think of a time when the faith of your family and friends gave you the strength and peace necessary to move forward?