As you prepare for worship this weekend, I wanted to remind you what the season of Lent is about. Dennis Bratcher on his website says, “Lent is marked by a time of prayer and preparation to celebrate Easter. Since Sundays celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, the six Sundays that occur during Lent are not counted as part of the 40 days of Lent, and are referred to as the Sundays in Lent. The number 40 is connected with many biblical events, but especially with the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness preparing for His ministry by facing the temptations that could lead him to abandon his mission and calling. Christians today use this period of time for introspection, self-examination, and repentance. This season of the year is equal only to the Season of Advent in importance in the Christian year, and is part of the second major grouping of Christian festivals and sacred time that includes Holy Week, Easter, and Pentecost.”

So as we gather this Sunday morning in corporate worship, we will be focusing on the call to repentance that Jesus gives us in Luke 13:1-9. As we examine ourselves and practice confession and repentance, we will also celebrate the Lord’s Supper together being reminded of the grace and forgiveness that is ours in Christ Jesus. Be reminded that it is the Lord’s kindness that leads us to repentance. (Romans 2:4)